Raleigh, North Carolina (Agencies) August 17, 2025 — In response to a growing shortage of medical professionals in rural communities, North Carolina has passed a new law establishing alternative licensure pathways for internationally trained physicians. Contrary to viral social media claims, the law does not allow foreign doctors to practice without any testing or oversight—but it does significantly streamline the process for qualified candidates.
Signed by Governor Roy Cooper on July 1, 2025, the legislation enables foreign-trained doctors to apply for a temporary license to practice in designated rural hospitals, provided they meet a set of stringent criteria. These include:
- Holding a valid medical license from another country within the last five years
- Completing at least 130 weeks of medical education at approved institutions
- Having either two years of postgraduate training or ten years of active medical practice
- Passing their home country’s medical exams and an additional exam selected by the North Carolina Medical Board
- Maintaining a clean professional record with no disciplinary actions or criminal charges
- Being legally authorized to work in the United States
Importantly, these physicians must work under the supervision of a licensed U.S. doctor and are restricted to practicing only at the rural hospital that hires them. The license is temporary, with a four-year validity period, and is designed to address immediate healthcare gaps in underserved areas.
The law was prompted by alarming statistics: 92 out of 100 counties in North Carolina are designated as health professional shortage areas, and the state reportedly needs 642 additional primary care doctors to match urban access levels.
While critics have raised concerns about oversight and training equivalency, supporters argue the law opens doors for qualified international doctors and provides a lifeline to communities in medical distress.