A handful of countries accept American medical credentials and training. Typically, they require the physician to have attended an allopathic or osteopathic school recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools and to have board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). This results in a more direct medical registration/licensure process, often without additional medical exams.
Here is a preliminary list of countries where American Physicians Can Practice Medicine Abroad. – a list that will grow as we research and learn from our group members. In time, we will elucidate how US-trained physicians can move and practice medicine in these countries.
Australia
American training inclusive of medical school, residency, USMLEs, and board certification is recognized by the Australian Medical Board. US-trained physicians can apply for medical registration without further examinations.
The American Family Physician Board has a reciprocity agreement with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). This enables US-boarded Family Physicians to directly seek certification by the RACGP.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Practicing Medicine in Australia for more information!
Belize
American medical school, residency training, and USMLE examinations are recognized by the Belize Medical Council for all specialties. Further examinations are not needed. Only Belize Citizens can obtain a full medical license, non-citizens can obtain a temporary medical license.
Bermuda
The Bermuda Medical Council accepts registration from physicians who are board certified in their specialty.
Canada
The American Family Physician Board has a reciprocity agreement with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFPC). This enables US-boarded Family Physicians to directly seek certification by the CCFPC often without needing additional exams.
Other specialties, depending on the province, may require further examination. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Practicing Medicine in Canada.
Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands medical board accepts board certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties. You also need a current US medical license and at least 3 years’ work experience after completing postgraduate education to be eligible for medical licensure.
China
There is no single national governing body which regulates medical registration for international medical graduates. Your active US medical license translates into an active Chinese medical license. Often job recruiters or the company/hospital hiring will help you submit the necessary paperwork. Fluency in Mandarin is not required since most foreign doctors will work in hospitals and clinics catering to the large international community. You do not need to take additional tests or exams. For more information, check out our Ultimate Guide to Practicing Medicine in China .
India
The Medical Council of India accepts American Board of Medical Specialties qualifications in Internal Medicine, surgery, pediatrics, emergency medicine, cosmetic surgery, family medicine, hospice & palliative medicine, ENT, psychiatry, thoracic surgery, colo-rectal surgery, ophthalmology. For those who have not completed residency or board certification, the Medical Council of India also recognizes medical degrees from several US medical schools.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Practicing Medicine in India.
Israel
American credentials are recognized for medical licensure. You must be an Israeli Citizen, a permanent resident, or eligible for either immigration status to practice medicine for the long term. For Non-Israelis, the Visiting Physician pathway is a wonderful volunteer opportunity to experience the Israeli Healthcare system and culture.
For more information check out our Ultimate Guide to Practicing Medicine in Israel.
New Zealand
The Medical College of New Zealand recognizes board certification by the US allopathic or osteopathic boards; eligible specialties include Anesthesia, Cardiothoracic surgery, Dermatology, Diagnostic & Interventional Radiology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, NeuroSurgery, OB/GYN, Orthopedic Surgery, ENT, Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, Palliative Medicine, Pathology, Plastic Surgery, Psychiatry, Radiation Oncology, PM&R, and Urology.
The American Family Physician Board also has a reciprocity agreement with the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. This enables US-boarded Family Physicians to seek certification in New Zealand.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Practicing Medicine in New Zealand for more information!
Pakistan
The Pakistan Medical Commission recognizes American qualifications including medical school, residency and fellowship training, and board certification. Additional exams are not needed and there is no need to repeat training. For more information, check out Ultimate Guide to Practicing Medicine in Pakistan.
Singapore
The Singapore Medical Council accepts American Board of Medical Specialties certification in Anesthesiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Diagnostic Radiology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurosurgery, OB/GYN, ophthalmology, and orthopedic surgery, ENT, pathology, plastic surgery, psychiatry, radiation oncology, and urology. Check out the Ultimate Guide to Practicing Medicine in Singapore for more information.
United Arab Emirates
The Department of Health Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Health Authority, and the Ministry of Health-UAE accept American Board of Medical Specialties Certification.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Practicing Medicine in the UAE for more information.
United Kingdom
The General Medical Council accepts the USMLEs parts 1&2 and the Certificate of the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Radiology Diagnostic Radiology Exam as proof that the individual has the knowledge, skills and experiences to apply for full registration and obtain a license to practice in the UK. This typically means you won’t have to take the Physician and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) exams.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Practicing Medicine in the United Kingdom
US Territories
The US Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam accept American credentials and you can apply for medical licensure through FSMB. Guam is a member of the FSMB Interstate Medical Licensure Compact
Bottom Line
This is only a preliminary list of countries where an American Physician Can Practice Medicine Abroad.
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Dr. Ashwini Bapat is a palliative care physician, Founder and CEO of EpioneMD, which provides virtual advanced care planning and serious illness coaching to individuals and telepalliative care consultation to healthcare organizations. She resides in Portugal.
