International Medical Graduates form a rich talent pool of physicians. They add diverse perspectives that greatly improve health care in Oregon, offer competency in diverse cultures, sometimes provide needed linguistic abilities, and increase Oregon's health care workforce.
An International Medical School Graduate must meet the following requirements for an Oregon medical license:
- Education: Graduate from an international school of medicine that is accredited or recognized by the appropriate civil authorities. The graduate must have on-site attendance of at least four full terms of instruction of eight months each. The instruction requirement may be waived if applicant is certified by a specialty board. If requested, the applicant must provide the Board with documentation to substantiate that the medical school from which the applicant graduated meets rule requirements.
- Examination: Pass written licensing examination, USMLE Steps 1 to 3.
- ECFMG Certification: Pass certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical. Graduates (ECFMG). May be waived if accredited postgraduate training was completed in Canada or the applicant has been certified by a specialty board.
- Post Graduate Training: Complete an approved and accredited internship, residency, or clinical fellowship in the United States or Canada of at least three years of progressive training in not more than two specialties. May be waived if applicant holds a current
certification by a specialty board; completes four years of practice in Oregon
under a Limited License or Medical Faculty License; or completes four years of
practice under a substantially similar license in another state. If the applicant has been granted a dispensation by a specialty board granting credit for postgraduate training, please contact the Board.
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The Oregon Medical Board supports and encourages immigrants and refugees trained as physicians at international schools to apply for licensure. Please contact the Board for assistance with applying for licensure.
Additional Resources
The Oregon Medical Board licenses physicians, physician assistants, and acupuncturists. Licensure for other health care professions requires contacting the appropriate
state board.