Puerto Rico’s healthcare system is facing growing challenges as more physicians relocate off the island. This ongoing migration has resulted in serious issues for patients — including a shortage of specialists, extended appointment wait times, overcrowded clinics, and an overburdened health system struggling to meet increasingly complex care demands.
According to data from the Department of Health, the number of practicing physicians in Puerto Rico has dropped sharply — from about 14,500 in 2009 to roughly 9,000 in 2020. Over 8,000 doctors have either retired or moved elsewhere in just over a decade. As of 2022, nearly one in four active physicians were international medical graduates (IMGs), and about 47% held foreign medical degrees. Puerto Rico also has one of the highest proportions of senior physicians in the U.S. — approximately 35% are over the age of 65.
The Puerto Rico Medical Board oversees physician licensing and professional regulation. Its requirements for international graduates are relatively flexible — only one year of ACGME-approved training (internship, residency, or fellowship) is necessary for eligibility.
The Board consists of nine members, all U.S. citizens and permanent Puerto Rico residents who hold valid medical licenses and have practiced medicine locally for at least seven years. At least one member must also have a minimum of five years of full-time academic teaching experience in an accredited medical school.
To ensure impartiality, members may not:
Live in metropolitan areas for more than half of their term.
Serve more than two consecutive terms.
Hold significant positions (e.g., shareholder, director, or executive) in any health-related company, including insurers, pharmaceutical firms, or hospitals.
This structure helps maintain independence and prioritizes patient safety and ethical healthcare standards across the island.
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) serves as the primary assessment for physicians in Puerto Rico. It’s administered twice a year and includes written and practical components, available in both Spanish and English.
Candidates must pass all parts — Basic Sciences, Clinical Sciences, and Practical Exam — within seven years. While there’s no cap on attempts, failing any section more than four times requires additional continuing education. Failure to complete all parts within the seven-year window results in ineligibility for further attempts.
To qualify for a Puerto Rico medical license, applicants must:
Be of legal age.
Hold an MD or DO degree (or equivalent) from a Board-recognized institution.
Submit educational credentials verified by their medical school.
Provide a comprehensive personal and professional history, including:
Full legal name and previous aliases
Birth details and current address
Signed photo ID
Education and employment history
All prior medical licenses, denials, or disciplinary actions
Two professional references from licensed Puerto Rican physicians
Official transcripts and Dean’s letter
Proof of internship, residency, or fellowship
USMLE or equivalent exam scores
Undergraduate degree transcripts
Criminal background check (Puerto Rico + any state/country of residence in the last five years)
Certificate of good conduct from Puerto Rico Police
Compliance certificate from the Child Support Administration (ASUME)
Proof of knowledge of Puerto Rican medical and controlled substance laws
Applicants may also be called for an in-person interview to confirm eligibility and review credentials.
The Board issues different license categories depending on the applicant’s qualifications:
1. Regular License
Granted to applicants who meet all standard requirements and pass the USMLE or equivalent examination.
2. Special Licenses
Reciprocity License: For physicians already licensed in U.S. states with reciprocity agreements.
National Board Diplomate License: For those who have passed NBME or FLEX exams.
3. Provisional Licenses
Non-Profit Facility Staff: Temporary license for doctors working in Puerto Rican non-profit hospitals.
Distinguished Physicians/Osteopaths: Granted to renowned practitioners invited by the Secretary of Health for up to one year (renewable once).
Emergency Services: Temporary authorization for physicians assisting in emergencies or natural disasters.
Volunteer Services: For out-of-state physicians offering free medical services for up to 90 days per year.
Medical Tourism: Physicians accompanying patients to Puerto Rico for up to 180 days, under certified medical tourism regulations.
Each license type ensures that both resident and visiting doctors meet Puerto Rico’s professional standards.
Complete and Notarize the Application Form
Obtain the official form from the Puerto Rico Medical Licensing & Discipline Board and have it notarized.
Attach Valid ID
Include a copy of your driver’s license or government-issued ID.
Submit Academic Credentials
Provide transcripts, proof of degree, and official USMLE score reports sent directly from the testing body.
Provide Background Documents
Include a criminal background certificate and statements regarding disciplinary history, if any.
Add Professional References
Two letters from licensed physicians in Puerto Rico attesting to your moral and professional standing.
Pay Fees
Application fee: $500 (does not include administrative costs).
Submit the Package
Send all materials to the Medical Licensing & Discipline Board of Puerto Rico.
Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate working proficiency in Spanish for professional communication.
The Medical Board typically updates applications every two weeks, meaning status changes may not appear immediately. Processing is known to be slow, so applicants should plan accordingly and allow for extended waiting periods before approval.
Medical licenses in Puerto Rico must be renewed every three years. Physicians must complete 60 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits to qualify for renewal.
CME Requirements:
At least 40 hours must be AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.
Half of the credits must relate to your specific specialty.
10 hours: Disease prevention and health promotion.
6 hours: Bioethics and professionalism (including 2 on gender equality).
Emergency physicians must also complete certified life-support courses.
Renewal Checklist:
Submit notarized renewal form
Proof of malpractice insurance
Clean criminal background certificate
Negative ASUME certificate
Payment of $630 renewal fee
You’ll receive an automated reminder 90 days before your license expires.
The Department of Health’s Medical Licensing and Discipline Division provides an online tool for real-time license verification.
To verify a license, visit the official portal and enter:
Profession
License number
Verification code from the certificate
You can also request a certificate of good standing, which is often required for employment, credentialing, or interstate licensing purposes.
To accelerate your Puerto Rico medical license approval:
Gather all required documents early and ensure they are notarized.
Apply online for faster processing.
Maintain regular communication with the Board.
Follow up periodically to check on progress.
Consider professional licensing assistance to streamline verification and compliance.
MedicalLicensing.com offers full-service assistance for obtaining and maintaining a Puerto Rico medical license — from initial evaluation to renewal management.
Services include:
Application review and submission
Renewal and compliance tracking
CME credit management
Credentialing support and verification
Secure digital document storage
Dedicated account management and personalized support
This service allows physicians to focus on patient care while ensuring their licensure remains fully compliant with Puerto Rico’s regulations.
Application for Licensure to Practice Medicine in Puerto Rico
Medical Board Regulations and Public Notices
Transparency and Access to Public Information
FAQs on Licensing, Reciprocity, and Verification
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