Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990.

An M.D., or Doctor of Medicine, is an academic achievement that can take years of schooling to obtain. It is only awarded once students have shown they have the knowledge and experience required to practice medicine competently.