Physician Licensing 101

What to know before you start looking to expand your licensure

In the United States, the practice of medicine is regulated by individual state medical boards, which grant licenses to physicians. These licenses ensure that practicing physicians meet specific educational, training, and ethical standards, safeguarding the well-being of patients.

Licensing Requirements:

Before embarking on the journey toward obtaining a medical license, it is essential to prepare a checklist of necessary documents and qualifications. Here's an overview of the key steps and documents required:

1. Medical Education:

   • Obtain an MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school in the United States or its equivalent from an international medical school.
   • Degrees must be accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (AOA COCA).

2. Postgraduate Training (Residency):

   • Complete at least one year (or more, depending on the state) of accredited postgraduate training (residency) in an ACGME or AOA accredited program.
   • Training programs generally range from three to seven years, depending on the medical specialty.

3. Licensing Examination:

   • Pass the required national licensing examination, either the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) for MD holders or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) for DO holders.
   • The examination typically consists of multiple parts taken at different stages of a physician's career.

4. Credentials Verification:

   • Certify and verify your medical degree, postgraduate training, and passing scores for licensing exams through organizations like the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) for international medical graduates.

5. Fitness to Practice:

   • Demonstrate physical, mental, and moral fitness through comprehensive background checks and disclosures related to any previous malpractice judgments, criminal convictions, or health conditions that might affect patient care.

6. State-Specific Requirements:

   • Research and fulfill the specific licensing requirements of the state(s) where you plan to practice. Each state may have unique prerequisites beyond the national standards. If you are interested in doing Licensing with Zivian, we will guide you through the specific state requirements.

7. Continuing Medical Education (CME):

   • After obtaining a license, commit to ongoing professional development by fulfilling continuing medical education requirements set by the state medical board and demonstrate completion annually.

Interstate Medical Licensure Compact:

Consider the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact as an expedited pathway to practice in multiple states. Some important points about the Compact:

• Designed to streamline the process of obtaining medical licenses across multiple participating states.
• Allows qualified physicians to practice in Compact member states without going through the traditional individual state licensing process.
• Increases access to healthcare, particularly in underserved areas, and facilitates telemedicine practices.

Before commencing the application process for physician licensure, ensure you have thoroughly reviewed and compiled all necessary documents. Always stay updated on state-specific requirements, as they may vary. The journey to becoming a licensed physician involves rigorous preparation, comprehensive examinations, and adherence to ethical and professional standards.