Physicians and Surgeons

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The Board issues a Physician’s and Surgeon’s License to individuals who graduate from approved medical schools and complete the required period of Board-approved postgraduate training allowing them to practice medicine in California. A licensed physician 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.

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) within 180 days from their enrollment date. 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.