Are you an international medical school graduate (IMG) hoping to work as a physician in Alaska? If so, then you must obtain a professional license from the Alaska State Medical Board. Every state has different rules regarding issuing, suspending, or even revoking licenses, but they all have this one rule in common: it's illegal to work as a doctor in the US without such a license.
For graduates of US medical schools, the process of securing a license is already complicated enough, let alone how challenging it can be for those coming to work here from abroad. Our entire administrative system may be completely unknown to you, and you could struggle to find the information you require to make a successful application. Or, in the worst-case scenario, you could find that even a single mishap or misconduct allegation could mean you're unable to obtain a physician's license.
Whatever the nature of the IMG issue you are dealing with, the Lento Law Firm wants to help. The sooner we are involved in your case, the sooner we can obtain the information required to help you understand your options for moving forward. Call now to schedule a meeting at 888.535.3686 or complete our online contact form. Your future is too precious to risk – don't leave anything to chance.
Alaska State Medical Board
The Alaska State Medical Board is Alaska's government agency responsible for overseeing the licensure of medical practitioners, including physicians, across the state. The Board can issue licenses, renew lapsed licenses, and, when necessary, suspend, restrict, or even revoke physician licenses.
The Board takes its position seriously. It will not hesitate to deny an application, should it have any concerns regarding your suitability to practice medicine in the US. Retaining us at the earliest opportunity could help you present the strongest application to expedite the process and improve the chance of a successful outcome.
The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
The ECFMG is a US nonprofit organization. Its goal is to certify that physicians who have attended international medical schools have the skills, knowledge, and competencies required to practice medicine in the US. In other words, you have received a medical education that is at least equivalent to that received by US medical school graduates.
You cannot apply for licensure in Alaska or elsewhere in the US without receiving ECFMG certification. It is a crucial first step – contact us urgently for advice and representation if you are denied certification.
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
The USMLE is a three-step medical exam. Passing this exam shows you have the core competencies – academically and in a practical setting – to deliver safe patient care in line with US medical standards. It proves that you have the patient-centered approach which aligns with US medical care values.
In Alaska, you cannot seek licensure as a physician without passing the USMLE.
Alaska Eligibility Requirements for International Medical School Graduates
As the eligibility requirements can appear complex, it is helpful to summarize them. To obtain a physician's license in Alaska, you must meet the following criteria:
- Attend a medical school listed on the Medical Board of California's 2006 List of Approved Medical Schools. Your school must be listed here to apply for licensure in Alaska, which follows CA's guidelines here.
- Completion of at least three years' worth of accredited postgraduate training.
- Have a valid ECFMG certification confirming your eligibility to seek licensure.
- Pass the USMLE with a pass rate of a two-digit score of at least 75. A “pass” is insufficient; you must pass with at least 75 before your application can be considered.
- Be under no restrictions, i.e., your license cannot be suspended, revoked, or restricted in any other state or country around the world.
Seek clarification from the Board, in writing, if you are unsure as to whether you are eligible to apply.
How International Graduates Can Apply for Medical Licensure in Alaska
Helpfully, the Alaska State Medical Board sets out, in detail, how IMGs can apply for a medical license in Alaska and how long the process may take. In summary, the process is as follows.
- Obtain necessary documentation, such as academic transcripts, clinical performance records, proof of ECFMG certification, and USMLE results.
- Complete your application and submit it online. Use the MyLicense or MyAlaska portal to start. Be prepared to wait at least four to six weeks, but perhaps longer, before your application is processed.
- If further information is required from you, the Board will contact you, listing what other documentation they need. Provide this promptly to satisfy their requests.
- Disclose anything that may be relevant, including past disciplinary action or malpractice judgments. They can easily be discovered by the Board, and if you fail to disclose them when given the opportunity, this could severely damage your chances of licensure.
- You may receive a temporary license, subject to the Board's discretion before a final decision is made on licensure.
You can also apply using the Uniform Application for Physician State Licensure. If you seek licensure in multiple states, this may be an application to consider using.
International Graduate Licensing Issues in Alaska
When seeking a medical license in Alaska, IMGs potentially face various hurdles that are unique to their status.
School Eligibility Issues
As noted, your school must be listed in the appropriate online records for you to be eligible to seek medical licensure in Alaska. Should your school fail to maintain its standards, it could drop off this list – jeopardizing your chances of a successful application.
Academic Record Issues
Depending on your school's internal administrative processes, there may be issues retrieving the original, full, and correct documentation required to prove your exam and degree results. You could also face scrutiny if you do not obtain a high enough USMLE result, fail to complete the required three-year postgraduate training, or have any gaps in your academic or clinical performance.
Conduct Issues
No matter how impressive your clinical performance or exam results are, misconduct allegations – such as behaving unprofessionally towards a patient – could count against you. Other issues that may arise include violating any ethical code, Board regulations, or medical school or Board standards. Put simply, any behavior that calls your fitness to practice into question, even if it does not pose problems in other jurisdictions, could be problematic.
Competency Issues
You must demonstrate competency in line with AK and US medical standards to practice medicine in the state. Should there be questions around your experience, clinical performance, or patient care management, follow-up investigations could delay your application's process. Some fitness to practice issues, such as a criminal record or a history of drug or alcohol abuse, could be severely damaging from a competency perspective. Again, this is very frustrating if such matters have not held you back from practicing medicine elsewhere. Our team can explain how you might address potential competency issues as part of your IMG application.
The Consequences of Licensure Refusal for IMGs in Alaska
Losing out on the opportunity to work as a doctor in Alaska could be devastating. Ultimately, even if you could pursue licensure in another state, Alaska may be where you dream of working, and so a refusal could severely damage your future goals.
If your application is refused, you could feel as if you are losing your financial and academic investment into your career. You may be overwhelmed, emotionally and psychologically, by the stress of the process. And you could feel a sense of loss as you struggle to determine which path to take next.
At the Lento Law Firm, we want you to succeed. We truly care about fighting tirelessly for each of our clients – fairness is what motivates us. Contact us now to retain our attorneys and learn how we can support you.
Seeking a Review of Alaska State Medical Board Decisions
Should your license application be denied, it may be possible to seek a review of the decision by way of an administrative hearing. Such hearings are formal in nature, although they are not as formal as a civil or even criminal court hearing. They provide an opportunity for you and your attorney to present a case explaining why you deserve a medical license in Alaska. The more evidence available to support your position, the stronger your case may be.
It may also be possible to have an USMLE score recheck. However, bear in mind that this will incur a fee, and there is no guarantee of a successful outcome. Should your score not increase, this could hinder your chances of applying for a medical license in Alaska.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney for Licensure Matters
As a bright, intelligent, and ambitious professional, you can undoubtedly work under pressure and handle many complex issues that arise. However, licensure matters are an area that you may be unfamiliar with, and given how serious it could be to have your application refused, it's best to retain a lawyer for support.
- The Alaska State Medical Board routinely handles licensing issues across the state. It also has its own attorneys to ensure adherence to rules, regulations, and changing laws. Having your own attorney puts you on a level playing field.
- Even if you have some familiarity with medical board processes, the procedures in the US – and certainly in Alaska – could be entirely new to you. You could place yourself at a disadvantage by not simply hiring an experienced lawyer to handle procedural matters for you.
- An attorney with experience handling licensing matters understands how to obtain the relevant information, and identify the most compelling evidence, to help applicants stand the best chance of a successful application – particularly if there are past issues which could make their application more complicated.
- The application process is hugely stressful, especially if all does not go to plan. A lawyer will ensure you fully understand your options, and they will stand by your side throughout the entire administrative process.
Why You Should Retain the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team
While you may consider hiring a local attorney in Alaska, there are many reasons why it makes sense to retain the Lento Law Firm instead.
- Clients appreciate our ability to negotiate with government agencies, including state medical boards, with ease. We understand the tactics such agencies use and common issues that may arise when negotiating with them, and we will use such knowledge to your advantage.
- Our team is committed to professional licensure matters. We are fully informed on all legal and regulatory updates which could affect our clients and their ability to obtain a medical license in AK.
- No matter what issues could potentially impede your application, we are on your side. The moment you become our client, we will fight for you. And we will stubbornly pursue a favorable outcome – no case is too complex for us to consider.
- Although we use a conciliatory approach where possible, we are experienced in holding agencies such as the Alaska State Medical Board to account. We will ensure that your legal rights and your rights to due process and appeal requests are honored.
Premier Attorneys Representing Physicians Across Alaska and the US
At the Lento Law Firm, our Professional License Defense Team represents medics, including IMGs, across Alaska in areas including Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, Wasilla, and North Lakes. Wherever you seek licensure in the state, we can assist. And whether you aspire to work in Alaska Regional Hospital, the Providence Alaska Medical Center, or South Peninsula Hospital, we are standing by, waiting to help you take that vital step of securing licensure before applying for a position.
Let us help you move your career in the right direction. Contact our team to secure the representation you deserve.
Retain the Lento Law Firm Today
Obtaining a medical license in the US is an incredible privilege. And at the Lento Law Firm, we appreciate how hard you have worked to secure such an outcome for yourself. That's why we will do everything possible to help you overcome challenges you face when applying to the Alaska State Medical Board for licensure. Whether it's working tirelessly to obtain documentation you require, or negotiating with Board officials, we will support you and ensure your rights to due process are respected. We are on your side. You have worked too hard, and invested too much time, energy, and financial resources, to give up on your dream. Let us help you. Call the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team at 888.535.3686 or contact us online to schedule a meeting.
