How long does it take to get a state issued license?

[Bobyu]

I just finished my residence in ophthalmology, and I have applied for licenses in the following
states: Illinois, Pennsylvania, and California.

I have been waiting 3 to 4 months so far, and I would like to know how long on average it takes for
each state. Are there any shortcuts or procedures to follow?

I am very frustrated, because I never get a straight answer. Am I being just impatient or is it
normal that it takes this long?

Thank you for any pointers and experiences!

Bob

[Doctor Dan]

On 12/22/03 11:21 AM, in article
9e843457.0312220821.10f21068@posting.google.com, "bobyu" <bobyu5@yahoo.com>
wrote:

> I just finished my residence in ophthalmology, and I have applied for licenses in the following
> states: Illinois, Pennsylvania, and California.
>
> I have been waiting 3 to 4 months so far, and I would like to know how long on average it takes
> for each state. Are there any shortcuts or procedures to follow?
>
> I am very frustrated, because I never get a straight answer. Am I being just impatient or is it
> normal that it takes this long?

It varies widely from State to State. Pennsylvania is relatively fast. Once they receive your
medical school and PGY-1 and PGY-2 verification info, etc., your license will be issued
promptly unless there are "issues" with some of the information they receive. From my own
experience obtaining a license from PA, it took four weeks from time of application to having
the license approved.

Obtaining a medical license in California and New Jersey is quite a different matter, partially due
to the complexity of the application but also due to the typical governmental "we don't give a crap"
attitude and the sheer incompetence of the staff in licensing offices. Processing times in NJ, for
example, can easily take 6-9 months.

Every week, call the licensing office in each State where you have an application pending and find
out what's missing in your file. One of the biggest stalls to getting a license is when a school or
residency program doesn't send out your verification information in a timely manner. Sometimes the
form will sit on a secretary's desk for several weeks untouched. Other times the completed form
needs to be stamped by the GME office or Registrar, and it sits in a pile of papers for a month.
Ideally, hand-carry these forms through each office if possible; otherwise make phone calls and
politely inquire as to what's going on.

- Dan