The State of Illinois is offers world-class opportunities for physicians wishing to advance their medical practice career. Individuals seeking to become an Illinois physician may come from domestic and foreign medical schools, the later collectively referred to as international medical graduates (“IMGs”). The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the Illinois Medical Licensing Board regulate medical Doctors in Illinois. Admission to the practice of medicine in Illinois requires an applicant meet eligibility criteria, testing mandates and credentials required not only on the state but also first on a national level. Professional licensing consultants and attorneys assist applicants with the process of becoming an Illinois-licensed physician.
International Medical Graduates can attain successful careers as Illinois doctors when they are committed to high standards of excellence in medicine.
“The American Medical Association reports that there are 22,230 IMG resident physicians,” and the State of Illinois is 5th in the nation for its number of post-residency IMGs, totaling 13,439 (34 percent of Illinois doctors are internationally educated)[i].
Prior to examination and application for Illinois licensing, an IMG must first obtain certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and complete a first-year in a resident program. The ECFMG certification requires the applicant pass the first two stages of the U.S. Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE).
Upon completion of the national certifications, an IMG may apply for an Illinois license to practice medicine by completing one of the applicable processes[ii]:
- Endorsement: Physicians licensed in another U.S. state may apply for an Illinois medical license by endorsement of the other state license, provided the applicant also meet specific Illinois requirements applicable to the individual applicant; or
- Acceptance of Examination: First-time physician applicants may register to complete the Illinois medical license exam, after completing the first year of medical residency. The individual must receiving passing scores on Step 3 of the USMLE. Note: The applicant must complete 24 (twenty-four) months of graduate medical education.
The IDFPR requires that applicants for Illinois medical licenses are of good moral character, meet experience, examination and educational requirements and report their U.S. social security number. Physician applicants are also required to pay state fees. The application process requiring a personal history report, credential verification, criminal background check and additional details is available on the IDFPR website[iii].
IMG and domestic graduates are advised to seek the advice and assistance of an attorney skilled in the processes and procedures of Illinois licensing, who are able to identify and guide a physician through the process.
The Illinois Professional Licensing Consultants and the law firm of Michael V. Favia & Associates assist international and domestic physicians and first-time applicants for Licensure in the State of Illinois.
Michael V. Favia & Associates and the Illinois Professional Licensing Consultants, of whom Michael V. Favia is a primary attorney, are available to assist Illinois medical license applicants and connected matters. With offices conveniently located in the Chicago Loop, Northwest side and suburban meeting locations, an attorney will be able to assist at your convenience and discretion. For more about Michael V. Favia & Associates and their professional licensing work, please visit www.IL-Licensing.com and feel free to “Like” the firm on Facebook and “Follow” the firm on Twitter.
[i] Upwardlyglobal.com, Skilled Immigrant Job Seekers, Illinois Physician (MD) Professional Licensing Guide.
[ii] See HNi above.
[iii] IDFPR Instruction Sheet, Physician – Licensure by Acceptance of Examination; Physician – Licensure by Endorsement.
