The fourth stage of the medical education track requires you to be licensed in the state or jurisdiction where you’ll practice medicine.  Medical practice is regulated by the jurisdiction or individual state and a medical practice act stipulates the agency in control of licensing and regulation.  As you apply for a medical license, all states will look to see if you’ve undergone the necessary training programs, completed the appropriate educational requirements, taken USMLE Steps 1 – 3, in addition to earning a passing score on the state licensure exam. 

You should then proceed to apply for certification in your medical or surgical specialty from one of the approved boards of the ABMS.  By successfully completing all board requirements, you’ll then be certified and earn the status of diplomate with your specialty board.   The great majority of licensed medical doctors in the U.S. have been certified by a minimum of one ABMS member board, and it’s definitely it in your best interest to follow through with this.

Stage 5:  Continuing Medical Education (C.M.E.) >>