Changes effective January 1, 2024

Obtaining the appropriate California medical license is the responsibility of every physician.
Failure to obtain the license will result in removal from clinical duties.

Postgraduate Training License (PTL)

Required for US Medical School Graduates participating in an ACGME program for the first 12 months of ACGME training; International medical graduates (IMGs) will complete 24 months of training with the PTL
The PTL will be valid for 36 months

California Physician and Surgeon License

After the first 12 months of ACGME training, US Graduate trainees may choose to obtain a California Physician and Surgeon license; IMGs may choose to apply for a full license after 24 months. Reach out to imadmin@health.ucsd.edu if you choose to obtain a full license.

Grace Periods for New Hires

Incoming Trainees into ACGME Programs, will have up to 180 days from the start of training to obtain the appropriate license

License Renewal

California Physician and Surgeon License must be renewed every 24 months

Additional Details

ACGME-International Training is not applicable for a California Medical License
Deadlines for obtaining licenses are defined in California statute and are not flexible
- Failure to obtain a license by the indicated deadline will result in removal from clinical
  duties

Application Timelines for US Medical School Graduates

Resident Status

Apply For

Start Process

Incoming PGY1

Physician Training License (PTL)

Upon Successful Match

Graduating PGY3

Physician/Surgeon License (P&S)

If PTL expires during residency, apply for P&S 6+months prior to expiration.

If staying in California after residency, you will also need to apply for the P&S 6+ months prior to graduation.

Those with valid PTLs for the entirity of their residency and will be leaving California upon graduation do not need to obtain a P&S.

*International Medical Graduates will have different timelines

License Fee Reimbursements

License fees may be reimbursed as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the UC San Diego Housestaff and the University of California
Refer to the GME Compensation Plan for policies and procedures around reimbursement
Additional GME information