Guidance Guide for International Medical Graduates – Practicing Medicine in Tennessee
Law: https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-63/chapter-6/part-2/section-63-6-207/
Summary of the Law
Tennessee law allows physicians trained outside the United States (IMGs - International Medical Graduates) to practice medicine in the state under specific conditions, without doing medical residency in the USA. There are two main types of temporary licenses available for IMGs:
- Temporary License for Physicians with International Experience:
The temporary license can be granted to IMGs who demonstrate:- Medical competence as determined by the board;
- Completion of a 3-year medical residency program in the candidate's country of licensure; or
- Practice as a physician for at least 3 of the last 5 years outside the USA.
- Temporary License with Training in the USA:
The license can also be issued to IMGs who:- Have successfully completed the exams required by the board;
- Have completed at least 1 year of training in the USA.
After two years of practice under the temporary license and being in good standing, the physician may apply for a full and unrestricted license, allowing the practice of medicine without location restrictions.
Application Requirements
- Forms and Documentation
- Complete and submit the full application form (pages 1 to 6: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/healthprofboards/medicalexaminers/MD_IMGTemp.pdf).
- Submit your medical diploma and transcripts directly from the educational institution or via your FCVS profile. Transcripts submitted by the candidate will not be accepted.
- Provide proof of citizenship (USA or Canada) or of legal residence in the USA (certified copies of passport, H-1B visa, etc.).
- Submit a recent and clear photograph of the candidate.
- Proof of Qualifications
- A job offer letter from an employer in Tennessee, on letterhead, containing the ACGME accreditation code of the training program affiliated with the institution.
- ECFMG certification, if applicable, sent directly to the Board.
- Licensing exam scores sent directly by the institution responsible for the exam.
- Letters of Recommendation
- Two original letters of recommendation from physicians (MD or DO), on letterhead, attesting to the candidate's good moral character. The letters must be signed and dated within a 6-month period.
- Criminal History
- Complete and submit the results of a criminal background check.
- Other Documents
- A Citizenship Declaration completed, signed, and notarized.
- A completed Professional Profile Questionnaire (available online: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/healthprofboards/PH-3585.pdf).
- Payment
- Submit a check or money order in the amount of $510, made out to the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners.
- Step-by-Step of the Application Process
- Document Preparation: Gather all the required documents. Make sure that transcripts and certifications are sent directly from the issuing institutions.
- Application Submission: All documents and payment must be sent to: Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners, 665 Mainstream Drive, Nashville, TN 37243.
- Deadlines and Processing: Allow up to 14 business days for the submitted documents to be received and registered in the system. If documents are missing, you will be notified with a deficiency letter, and you will have up to 90 days to correct the pending items. The average application processing time is 8 weeks.
Granting of the License
After approval, you will receive a license number and will be able to begin practicing medicine in the state.
Important Considerations
- Validity of the Temporary License: The license is initially limited to practice at locations with ACGME-accredited residency programs. After two years of satisfactory practice, the candidate can apply for the unrestricted license.
- Updating Information: Any change of address or information must be reported to the board within 30 days.
- Additional Guidance: Do not accept jobs or commitments until the license is issued. All submitted material becomes public and can be requested under transparency laws.