As an international medical school graduate (IMG), you could have a promising and very bright future ahead practicing medicine in Delaware. However, there's one obstacle to securing the career you're dreaming of, and it's this: obtaining a license to practice medicine in the state. Without successfully obtaining a physician's license, you can't work as a doctor in DE. And this could throw your plans into complete disarray.
Your physician's license application is incredibly important. You've worked hard and sacrificed much to become the doctor you are today. Give yourself the best chance of securing the right to practice medicine in Delaware by calling 888.535.3686 or leaving the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team a message.
Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline
The Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline is responsible for issuing physician's licenses in the state. These responsibilities are enshrined in Title 24 of the Delaware Code. The Board also has the authority to revoke, suspend, or restrict a medical license in the state.
You cannot practice medicine in DE without successfully applying for and obtaining a physician's license from the Board. You must also keep the license up-to-date and seek renewal whenever required.
The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
The ECFMG is a body that certifies that any graduate trained beyond the US and Canada received an equivalent medical education. This means they must have attended a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and that they can prove they passed their examinations and related clinical performance work satisfactorily.
Although it's your responsibility to check that your school is approved, the rules could be subject to change, and there's always the chance that a school will be removed from the list despite any checks you make. In such cases, contact us to discuss your options for moving forward.
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
The USMLE is an exam which international medical school graduates must take, and pass, to prove they have received a similar education as US-educated medical graduates. They must show that they have similar competencies and have the relevant skills to safely treat patients in line with US medical standards.
You cannot obtain certification from the ECFMG without passing the USMLE. Similarly, the Board will not issue a physician's license without proof of passing this exam. You may be required to submit original documentation, or at the very least, your complete examination history, including the USMLE, as part of your application.
Eligibility Requirements for International Medical School Graduates in Delaware
As with all US states, Delaware has strict requirements for accepting IMGs to practice medicine in the state. You must:
- Hold valid ECFMG certification after attending an approved medical school
- Complete and pass the USMLE
- Attend an interview prior to the Board deciding on the outcome of your application
- Submit a service letter from any institution where you worked within the past three years, verifying your fitness and suitability to practice
Contact the Board directly if you have any questions regarding eligibility requirements.
Applying for Medical Licensure in Delaware as an IMG
There are certain procedural steps that every aspiring IMG in Delaware must follow to secure medical licensure. While you should contact the Board if you are unclear about anything, the main steps are as follows.
- Gather the supporting documentation you need, including your USMLE result, academic transcripts, and ECFMG certification.
- Set up a DELPROS account. You will complete your application and supply supporting documents through this portal.
- Obtain a “Verification of Medical Education” from your school. This form confirms that you completed a medical degree at the institution.
- Complete your application and pay the relevant fee, which should be confirmed with the Board.
- Await the outcome of your application.
Delaware International Graduate Medical Licensing Issues
Physician's license applications are refused for various reasons, and this is the case for all applicants, not just IMGs. However, there are some issues that are more likely to impact IMGs than US-educated graduates.
Academic Record Issues
It can be challenging to obtain full, official, and original documentation from international medical schools. Communication can break down, and there can be significant delays. They may also supply incomplete or insufficient records for your needs, or you may struggle to get the records translated.
You are also required, in DE, to complete at least three years of postgraduate training at an approved school. Should you fail to complete this training, it could count against your application.
Disciplinary Issues
Medics must always behave professionally. Any disciplinary action on your record or any allegations of unprofessional behavior, particularly if it involves a patient, could impact your application. Such issues may arise, especially if the conduct does not impede you from working elsewhere since all countries have different standards regarding the medical profession.
Competency Issues
Your clinical performance, competency, skills, and training must be beyond question to receive a medical license in Delaware. Should any issues or questions arise, even if the matter seems minor, it could jeopardize your shot at a successful application.
Some more serious issues related to your fitness to practice, such as drug or alcohol dependency or criminal charges, could make it seriously challenging, if not impossible, to secure a DE physician's license.
School Eligibility Issues
There is always the risk that the Board will stop recognizing your school as an approved institution. Typically, this occurs if a school's standards fall below what the Board deems satisfactory. It can occur without warning. And so, should this happen, it could come as a significant shock to you and derail your plans.
What Happens if Your License Application Is Refused in Delaware?
There are significant consequences associated with a licensure application refusal for any international medical school graduate. While the impact is unique to you, and your short and long-term goals, the most common ramifications are as follows.
- You risk losing the academic and financial investments you have made into building a medical career.
- You may lose confidence in your ability to practice medicine, especially if the refusal is based on a conduct or performance-related issue.
- There is the chance that you will be unable to practice medicine anywhere in the US, depending on why your application was refused. This could come as a serious shock and take an emotional and psychological toll on you.
- It is not uncommon for refused applicants to feel lost, overwhelmed, and devastated by a licensure refusal. Such feelings could impact your relationships and your home, social, and professional life.
At the Lento Law Firm, we thrive on helping our clients achieve their goals. We will do everything possible, when you're our client, to help you reach the desired outcome.
Can Delaware Medical Board Decisions Be Reviewed?
Typically, yes. You normally have the right to challenge a preliminary decision to refuse your license application. However, to do so, it's critical that you have sufficient evidence to show why your license application should be accepted in Delaware. You must be able to convince the Board to review its decision and determine that you are a suitable candidate for practicing medicine in the state.
Seeking a review of a medical board decision is not easy, and it's usually preferable to do all you can to ensure the decision goes favorably the first time around. However, should your application be refused and you need support, our Professional License Defense Team is on hand to represent you and explain your options for moving forward.
It may also be possible to seek a review, or a recheck of your USMLE score. There is, however, no guarantee that your score will change, and you are required to pay a fee for this service.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Help with Licensure Matters
You may be considering handling your own licensure issues, whether it's appealing a Board decision or tracking down documentation. There are many reasons, though, why it's worth considering retaining a lawyer to assist.
- The Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline has its own legal team. It frequently rejects licensure applications and disciplines medical professionals. If you do not have your own experienced attorney on your side, you are at an immediate disadvantage.
- Given how seriously the Board takes its responsibilities to the public, it will not hesitate to reject an application, even for what seems an insignificant finding. You require a lawyer on your side who will fight to ensure that your rights are respected and that you are treated fairly.
- Attorneys who handle licensure issues know how to extract the relevant information and obtain suitable evidence to build a compelling case in a client's favor. Having an experienced lawyer on your side from the outset could help you avoid delays and licensure decision appeals.
- Even if you understand the procedures for applying for licensure, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the complexities. In such instances, you will benefit from legal support and guidance.
Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss the benefits of retaining our team for any physician's license issue in Delaware.
Why You Should Retain the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team
We understand that you might consider simply hiring a local attorney to help you with licensure issues in Delaware. However, there are various reasons why you should strongly consider retaining the attorneys at the Lento Law Firm instead.
- Our attorneys have significant experience holding medical boards across the US – including Delaware – to account. We know what it takes to successfully negotiate with board members and how to strategically approach licensure issues to give our clients the best possible chance of success.
- Every applicant has the right to due process and to ensure that the Board follows its own procedures correctly. We will diligently check for any irregularities or inconsistencies and ensure that your legal rights are respected.
- Given our experience, we understand what supporting evidence and documentation you might need to successfully apply for licensure in DE. Local attorneys who do not specialize in professional licensure may simply not have the same experience negotiating with medical boards and meeting evidentiary requirements.
- No matter what issue(s) held up your application, we are committed to helping you move forward. We care about your side of the story and promoting your best interests at every opportunity.
For any physician's licensure issue in Delaware, trust the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team to assist.
Experienced Professional License Attorneys Representing Physicians Across Delaware
The future is bright for IMGs who choose to pursue medicine in Delaware. And that's why we're committed to ensuring that you have a fair chance at securing the career you deserve in your location of choice. Whether you're applying to Saint Francis Hospital, Beebe Healthcare, or Bayhealth Hospital, we're here to help you succeed.
From the moment you contact us, we're on your side. From Talleyville to Georgetown, our attorneys can reach you. Do not hesitate to call or email to discuss representation and your legal rights.
Contact the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team
At the Lento Law Firm, we know how much your physician's license application means to you. After all, you have invested a significant amount of time and financial resources into pursuing this career. And you should have every opportunity to reach your full potential, including practicing medicine in Delaware.
With the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team on your side, you'll know you're doing everything possible to secure the future you want. We will work tirelessly on your behalf and give you the support you need, whether it's tracking down original documentation, seeking exam results reviews, or negotiating with the Board.
Don't take any chances with your medical license application in Delaware. Contact the Lento Law Firm now on 888.535.3686 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and secure the representation you deserve.
