On the topic of UK physicsts and PhD's...

How do we feel about the PhD essentially not holding very much weight if any compared to places like the US?

Having a PhD will not garner higher pay automatically, and it will not "paywall" any promotions in the hierarchy.

On one hand I've been told by seniors, to truly commend respect from certain oncologists, it helps having a PhD.

Some say that it is pretty much obsolete now as the job has developed into more trade, than research scientist. And despite nearly all of our seniors having PhD's as it pretty much was a requirement a long time ago, is completely unnecessary as the job has evolved over time.

I've also had feedback from those who supervise MSc projects that their students (a minority) really kicked up a fuss and complained to the university that they shouldn't be supervised by someone without a PhD at least.

Disclaimer: I'm not for or against anything. Just looking for perspectives.