Physicians and Surgeons

The Board issues a Physician's and Surgeon's License to individuals who graduate from approved medical schools, complete the required period of Board-approved postgraduate training, and meet the other licensing requirements, allowing them to practice medicine in California. Licensed physicians may diagnose, prescribe, and administer treatment to individuals suffering from injury or disease. Physicians are authorized to administer and prescribe medication, use devices to sever or penetrate tissues, and to use all methods in the treatment of diseases, injuries, deformities, and other physical and mental conditions.

Are you a representative from a postgraduate training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)? See the Postgraduate Training Program Resources webpage for an overview of licensing documents, deadlines, and resources.

All allopathic physicians must receive a license from the Board prior to practicing medicine in California. All U.S., Canadian, and international residents enrolled in an ACGME-accredited postgraduate training program in California are required to obtain a Postgraduate Training License (PTL) or Physician’s and Surgeon’s License within 180 days from their program start date. Note: This does not apply to Transition applicants already granted a 180-day period for their original PTL licensure. You may review the Postgraduate Training License page for more information on this requirement.

Osteopathic physicians and surgeons are licensed and regulated by the Osteopathic Medical Board of California.