Licensed professionals spend years dedicated to their careers. When they lose their license, many are left wondering about the future. Physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and other licensed professionals perform vitally important jobs. Because these jobs have such high stakes, their clients and professional licensing boards are often quick to respond to allegations of misconduct. After losing their license, many professionals look to the publishing world, hoping they can put their experience and knowledge to good use. But can you publish in professional journals after losing your license?

Editorial Board Requirements

Every publication has requirements for their writers. The editorial board at People Magazine, for instance, offers far more lenience for their writers than that of the New England Journal of Medicine. While losing your license might disqualify you from writing for some publications, others may be more open to publishing your work. Always check with the editorial policies of a publication before submitting work.

Editorial boards have an obligation to their readers to provide the most authoritative sources possible. While you might indeed be quite knowledgeable and experienced on a given subject, some publishers may be hesitant to align themselves with unlicensed professionals. Many editors are, in fact, quite sympathetic to the plight of those who have lost their licenses. Still, if the organization has a policy expressly requiring writers to be licensed, you may have an uphill battle to fight in your mission to get published.

Repairing a Damaged Reputation

Disciplinary actions by licensing boards are generally considered public information. Editors do their due diligence when considering which authors to publish. Even if the penalties imposed against you are relatively minor, the investigation itself can be a red flag to professional journals. Social media makes it even more difficult to bounce back after such penalties.

Time can do wonders to repair a damaged reputation. If you're eager to put the past behind you, work to address the root cause of issues that landed you in hot water to begin with. Use any resources offered by your community or licensing board. There are always ways to contribute to your fellow man and win back trust.

In addition to receiving any clinical support that might be necessary, the best way to limit damage to your reputation is to hire an attorney. They can ensure your dignity and rights are protected during professional license disciplinary actions.

How a Professional License Defense Lawyer Can Help

With your professional future hanging in the balance, it's important not to take unnecessary risks. As soon as you learn your professional license is in jeopardy, hire an experienced attorney to help. Attorney Joseph D. Lento has defended licensed professionals in New Jersey and New York and achieved successful outcomes on their behalf. Contact the Lento Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 today to discuss your case and your options.