de vs. en _dictionary definition?

Question

1. en (tema)

   • es un experto en la materia -> he's an expert on the subject
   • es doctor en medicina -> he's a doctor of medicine

The above is an entry in the dictionary and I wondered why "en medicine" and not "de medicine"?

Gracias!

Answer 1

Sounds like they should be interchangeable, at least in the examples you cited... as in English, we can say "doctor in the medical field" or "doctor of medicine, medicinal practices" or the like...we may not actually say "doctor in medicine" but it would be understood, as there are doctors of other disciplines, p. ej. PhD... also, the other example: "he's an expert of that particular field" or "he's an expert in that field"... but again, it's the context that makes it sound more appealing therefore correct....

So, bottom line, the two would be understood... the translator is probably giving you the more-correct sounding or more widely accepted versions.... just a thought!

¡Espero que sirva!