Florida ranks among one of the top states to practice medicine. The weather, the team-approach to practicing medicine, and the growing science sector are all contributing factors.

But if you're an internationally trained physician, practicing in Florida means you must comply with requirements mandated by the Florida Board of Medicine first.

Requirements for Internationally Trained Physician to Obtain a Florida Medical License

You've completed your medical education and residency, practiced medicine actively for several years, and now want to continue your career in Florida. Some of you may already be U.S. citizens, some naturalized, and others with the appropriate visas and green cards. 

To obtain a Florida medical license, you will have to successfully navigate the requirements mandated by the Florida Board of Medicine. There is a two-step process for licensing: by examination, and by endorsement.

Internationally Trained Physician Examination Process for Licensing

Let’s look first at the examination process. It may seem overwhelming at first, but it won’t be too difficult if you first familiarize yourself with the following specific requirements:

• You must have graduated from an allopathic foreign medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, registered with the World Health Organization, and statutorily certified as meeting U.S. accreditation standards, and completed at least one year of approved residency training; or
• If your medical school is not certified, you must have an active, valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate, have passed the Commission's examination, and completed an approved two-year residency or fellowship in one specialty field;
• You will have to demonstrate proficiency in English;
• You will have to submit to a background screening conducted by the Florida Department of Health; and
• You must earn a passing score on:
  • The U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE);
  • A combination of the USMLE, the Federation of State Medical Boards examination (FLEX), or the National Board of Medical Examiners examination up to 2000; or
  •  The Special Purpose Examination of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the US (SPEX) if you have already been licensed through a state board examination, are currently licensed in at least one other jurisdiction of the U.S. or Canada, and have practiced for at least 10 years.

Internationally Trained Physician Endorsement Process for Licensing

Another way an international physician can obtain a Florida medical license is by endorsement.

The Florida Board of Medicine [Fla. Stat. §458.313] states, a doctor who is a graduate of an Allopathic U.S. Medical School of a school recognized and approved by the U.S. Office of Education (AMG) and completed at least one year of approved residency training can obtain a Florida medical license by endorsement if they apply and the board certifies that you meet all of the following requirements:

• You obtain a passing score on the USMLE after January 1, 2000; and
• You have submitted evidence of the active licensed practice of medicine in another jurisdiction:
  • For at least 2 of the immediately preceding 4 years, or
  • Show evidence of successful completion of either a board-approved postgraduate program within 2 years preceding the filing of an application or a board-approved clinical competency examination within the year preceding the filing of an application for licensure.

So, if you are a doctor who is a graduate of a foreign medical school whether certified or not and want to obtain a license to practice medicine in Florida, our legal experts can help you understand the requirements and navigate the examination process.

We Help Internationally Trained Physicians:

• Understand the process
• Provide advice on how to successfully navigate the system
• Review employment contracts with hospital and healthcare systems
• Prepare your case for an appearance before the Board of Medicine's Credentials Committee
• Offer advice on options & strategies for dealing with PRN
• Offer advice and strategies regarding criminal background issues
• Provide you after our representation with a letter for future employers explaining how the case was concluded

Have Questions? Let's Talk

Consulting with an experienced health care attorney can help you determine whether your application strategy is the correct plan of action. Howell, Buchan & Strong, Attorneys at Law can assist with your entire application licensing process.

Contact the law offices of Howell, Buchan & Strong, Attorneys at Law for your free consultation at any one of our locations:

Orlando (407) 717-1773 |Tallahassee (850) 877-7776 | Tampa (813) 833-6726 | Sarasota (941) 779-4348