November 24, 2003


Edited
Edited
Edited
Edited


Re: Eligibility Requirements for Medical Licensure in Iowa


Dear Edited:

I am responding to your letter inquiring about eligibility requirements for permanent medical licensure in Iowa. To be eligible for licensure an applicant shall meet all of the following requirements.

1. Be at least 21 years of age.

2. Hold a medical degree from an educational institution approved by the board at the time the applicant graduated and was awarded the degree. Educational institutions approved by the board shall be fully accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the board as schools of instruction in medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, or osteopathy an empowered to grant academic degrees in medicine. Accrediting bodies currently recognized by the board are the LCME for the educational institutions granting degrees in medicine and surgery and the AOA for educational institutions granting degrees in osteopathic medicine and surgery or osteopathy.

3. If the applicant holds a medical degree from an educational institution not approved by the board at the time the applicant graduated and was awarded the degree, the applicant shall meet one of the following requirements:

a. Hold a valid certificate issued by the ECFMG
b. Have successfully completed a fifth pathway program established in accordance with AMA criteria





c. Have successfully passed either a basic science examination administered by a United States or Canadian medical licensing authority or SPEX; and have successfully completed three years of postgraduate training in a program approved by the board; and submitted evidence of five years of active practice without restriction as a licensee of any United States or Canadian jurisdiction.
d. Have successfully passed either a basic science examination administered by a United States or Canadian medical licensing authority or SPEX; and hold board certification by a specialty board approved by ABMS or AOA; and submit evidence of five years of active practice without restriction as a licensee of any United States or Canadian jurisdiction.

4. Have successfully completed one year of postgraduate training in a hospital-affiliated program approved by the board at the time the applicant was enrolled in the program. The program shall have been 12 months of progressive training in not more than two specialties and in not more than two programs approved for postgraduate training by the board. Postgraduate training approved by the board shall be accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the board for the purpose of accrediting postgraduate training programs. The board approves postgraduate training programs accredited by the ACGME, AOA, The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

5. Have successfully completed a licensing exam such as FLEX, NBME, USMLE, NBOME, COMLEX, LMCC, or a state structured exam.

As part of our licensing process you shall meet the above requirements in addition to supplying us with other required documentation. By meeting the above eligibility requirements in no way guarantees that you will be granted an Iowa medical license. Please contact me if you have any further questions.



Sincerely,


Amy Van Maanen
Director of Licensure and Administration
515/281-6492
amy.vanmaanen@iowa.gov