What is tenure for a doctor?

1 (in a university) a faculty appointment with few limits on the number of years it may be held. 2 a permanent appointment usually awarded to a person who has advanced to the rank of associate professor and who demonstrates scholarship, community service, and teaching excellence in a specific field of study. read more

tenure Academia A status granted to a person with a 'terminal' degree–eg, doctor of medicine–MD or doctor of philosophy–PhD, after a trial period, which protects him/her from summary dismissal; tenured academicians are expected to assume major duties in research, teaching and, if applicable, Pt care fostering, through their activities, the academic 'agenda' of their respective departments or institutions. read more

It is still common for medical doctors in a tenure track position doing research. Requirements for tenure differ from institution to institution. More prestigious institutions require you to demonstrate to a committee that you are an internationally recognized scholar. read more