Hmm... for this statement, I guess it depends on what you would classify as "machine learning".
From what I've read on machine learning, a lot of the more basic techniques includes statistical methods (linear regression, logical regression, random forests, Bayesian statistics) that more or less are taught at master's degree level statistics courses at most, not doctorate level. If I remember right basic linear regression even showed up in stat 101.
I realize that many of these techniques can't solve some of the problems the deeper, more complex machine learning techniques can (for which your Ph.D statement might be right). But not every problem needs a very complex solution.
From what I've read on machine learning, a lot of the more basic techniques includes statistical methods (linear regression, logical regression, random forests, Bayesian statistics) that more or less are taught at master's degree level statistics courses at most, not doctorate level. If I remember right basic linear regression even showed up in stat 101.
I realize that many of these techniques can't solve some of the problems the deeper, more complex machine learning techniques can (for which your Ph.D statement might be right). But not every problem needs a very complex solution.