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azskeptic OF VALUEMD
India
Year of Last Request: 1999
Scope of Practice: undetermined
The AOA received a response to its 1998 inquiry regarding licensure of US-trained DOs. The Medical Council of India stated that osteopathic medicine degree is not recognized for the purpose of IMC Act, 1956. However, they did state that a DO might apply after getting Indian nationality and after implementation of screening test Regulation/Provision in the Indian Medical Council Act.
Contact: Delhi Medical Council
RM NO 356-357 3rd Floor
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110002
INDIA
Indonesia
Year of Last Request: 1992
Scope of Practice: unlimited if with mission or university
Foreign-trained physicians can enjoy unlimited practice rights if they are working in conjunction with a university for a specific project, or if they are providing services on behalf of a mission. Foreign physicians are barred from private practice. No examination is required, yet a degree from an approved medical school is needed.
Contact: Indonesian Medical Association
J1 Sam Ratulangi
Jakarta 29
INDONESIA
Iran
Year of Last Request: 1999
Scope of Practice: unknown
The AOA did not receive a response to its request for information on how a U.S. educated D.O. could obtain licensure.
Contact: Ministry of Health and Medical Education
Keshavarz Blvd.
Building #2 11th Floor
Tehran
IRAN
Ireland
Year of Last Request: 1999
Scope of Practice: denied
The AOA has written numerous letters to various government agencies in Ireland. At its August 1998 meeting, the Education and Training Committee reviewed pertinent information regarding the osteopathic education and training. The Medical Council on the recommendation of its Education and Training Committee decided to once again deny licensure to U.S. trained D.O.s because osteopathic medical schools are not recognized by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the U.S. allopathic medical school accreditation body. In 2000, the AOA once again wrote to The Medical Council on the behalf of a U.S. educated D.O. who will be traveling with an American sports group as the team physician to compete in Ireland. The request was for approval to treat U.S. citizen while in Ireland. The response from The Medical Council has been that they will take the matter under consideration.
Contact: Registrar
Medical Council of Ireland
Portobello Court
Lower Rathmines Road
Dublin 6
IRELAND
http://www.medicalcouncil.ie
Israel
Year of Last Request: 1999
Scope of Practice: to be determined
Previously, U.S.-trained osteopathic physicians were granted full practice rights in Israel, providing they have established residence in Israel. It was required that all immigrant physicians pass a licensing examination given in summer or in winter. It is possible to take the test in English, but the knowledge of Hebrew is both necessary and mandatory in order to obtain employment as a physician in Israel (immigrant physicians are eligible for a free 5-mo intensive Hebrew course). The exam is a pass/fail and the format is multiple choice. Areas covered by the exam are internal medicine, surgery, gynecology and obstetrics, and psychiatry. The AOA was informed that the laws in Israel do not specifically include US-trained DOs. The AOA and osteopathic physicians who hold Israeli licensure are working to resolve this issue.
Contact: Prof. Shannon, M.D.
Director
Department of Medical Professions
Ministry of Health
2 Rehov Ben Tabai
Jerusalem 91010
ISRAEL
Italy
Year of Last Request: 1993
Scope of Practice: unlimited, but difficult to obtain
It may be possible for a U.S.-trained D.O. to practice in Italy, yet it is extremely difficult to obtain the license to practice. Non-Italians must obtain a work permit, which is issued only when no Italian citizen can be found to fill the post. Therefore physicians are discouraged from seeking employment in Italy without firm contracts and work permits. According to 1990 AOA file information, if there exists a U.S. state law outlining reciprocity with Italy, a statement to this effect from the Italian Consulate will warrant better chances.
Contact: National Federation of the Orders of Doctors & Dentists
Piazza Cola Di Rienzo 80/A
Rome
ITALY
http://www.fnomceo.it
Jamaica
Year of Last Request: 1994
Scope of Practice: limited
The AOA has researched licensure in Jamaica through a specific mission project presented to the Minister of Health by a group of U.S.-trained D.O.s. While the request for D.O. degree recognition and full practice rights were initially denied by the Minister, the D.O.s were permitted to supply some services while participating in the mission.
Contact: Chief Medical Officer
Medical Council of Jamaica
10 Caldonia Avenue
Kingston 5
JAMAICA
Japan
Year of Last Request: 1993
Scope of Practice: unknown
The AOA did not receive a response to its request for information on how a U.S. educated D.O. could obtain licensure.
Contact: Director
Office of Examination and Licensing
Ministry of Health and Welfare
1-2-2 Kasumigaseki
Chiyoda Ku
Tokyo 100-24
JAPAN
Kenya
Year of Last Request: 1991
Scope of Practice: unknown
AOA files do not contain a response from Kenya health officials regarding the status of osteopathic licensure.
Contact: Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board
PO Box 44839
Nairobi
KENYA
Korea
Year of Last Request: 1995
Scope of Practice: unknown
AOA file information includes a request for information regarding the "Korean Society of Osteopathic College of Radiology," but no response was received.
Contact: Ministry of Health & Welfare
1, Chungang-Dong
Kwachon
Kyonggi-Do
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Kuwait
Year of Last Request: 1993
Scope of Practice: unknown
Per a letter of inquiry from the AOA, the Kuwati Ministry of Public Health requested further information regarding the profession and educational structure of osteopathic medicine as practiced in the United States. The request for additional information was mailed, but no response was received from the Ministry.
Contact: Undersecretary
Ministry of Public Health
PO Box 5
13001 Safat
KUWAIT
Laos
Year of Last Request: 1992
Scope of Practice: unknown
From information obtained from the U.S. Embassy in Laos, it appears that D.O.s can work through medical relief organizations.
Contact: AOA State Government Affairs
Lebanon
Year of Last Request: 2002
Scope of Practice: unlimited
It was reported to the AOA that US-educated osteopathic physicians are considered on an individual basis and need a letter from the AOA citing their education, training, etc. If accepted, the DO can then sit for the medical examination currently used in Lebanon.
Contact: Minister S. Frangieh
Minister of Health
Rue du Musee
Beirut
LEBANON
Liberia
Year of Last Request: sometime before 1990
Scope of Practice: unlimited
All foreign trained physicians must be approved on an individual basis and must submit a photocopy of a license and medical school degree. No distinction between the M.D. and D.O. degrees is made and a rotating internship is required. Special permits are not available, although visits of less than six months can be arranged.
Contact: Liberian Medical Board
Monrovia
LIBERIA
Luxembourg
Year of Last Request: 1987
Scope of Practice: unlimited, but difficult to obtain
The practice of medicine in Luxembourg by a doctor who is not a national of the European Economic Community is very rare.
Contact: Ministere de la Sante
57 Boulevard de la Perusse
L2320
LUXEMBOURG
Malaysia
Year of Last Request: 1993
Scope of Practice: denied
Malaysian law does not allow for osteopathic medical practice, therefore the Ministry denied the AOA's request for practice rights.
Contact: Malaysian Medical Council
Ministry of Health
50590 Kuala Lempur
MALAYSIA
Mexico
Year of Last Request: 1998
Scope of Practice: previously denied
Previous AOA file information indicated that D.O. licensure could not be obtained in Mexico unless through the association of a short-term mission project, such as the osteopathic physician group "DOCARE." No physician, D.O. or M.D., may practice in Mexico without working papers, which requires completion of a five-year residency and after which services are given on a limited basis and under the supervision of a Mexican M.D. Political connections are extremely helpful but do not necessarily guarantee licensure.
Contact: Mexico Secretaria-Educacion Publica
Insurgentes sur 1397, 2 01000
Mexico
Micronesia
Year of Last Request: 1993
Scope of Practice: unlimited
Micronesian law does provide specifically for the inclusion of "doctors of osteopathy."
Contact: Secretary of Human Resources
Department of Health Services
Federated States of Micronesia
PO Box PS 70
Palikir, Pohnpei, FM 96941
Morocco
Year of Last Request: 1994
Scope of Practice: denied
Application for physician licensure is a "long and fastidious" procedure, according to the Minister of Health, unless a bilateral cooperation agreement has been signed by Morocco and the applicant's country of origin. According to a representative from the North African Affairs Bureau of the U.S. State Department, no such agreement exists between the U.S. and any country. Therefore no U.S. physicians, whether D.O. or M.D., are eligible to be licensed in Morocco.
Contact: Ministere de la Sante Publique
355, avenue Mohammed V
Rabat
MOROCCO
Nepal
Year of Last Request: 1993
Scope of Practice: unlimited
The Nepalese Minister of Health granted full practice rights to osteopathic physicians upon the AOA's first and only request. Full practice rights will be granted after approval by the Nepal Medical Council and the acquisition of a visa from the Immigration Department.
Contact: Nepal Medical Council
Exhibition Road
Siddi Sadan
Katmandu
NEPAL
Netherlands
Year of Last Request: 1999
Scope of Practice: undetermined
The AOA sent a letter to the Netherlands requesting recognition of the U.S. D.O. degree for licensure of physicians. 1999 - The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport sent an application plus the requirements for "admission of foreign doctors." The requirements for licensure do not specifically recognize U.S.-trained D.O.s. The osteopathic physician interested in licensure will complete the application and submit it for licensure.
Contact: Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sport
PO Box 16114
2500 BC Den Haag
THE NETHERLANDS
New Zealand
Year of Last Request: 2001
Scope of Practice: unlimited on an "exceptions" basis
A US educated DO was granted full licensure to practice medicine. The license was awarded on an "exceptions" basis following a hearing before the licensing authorities in New Zealand.
Contact: Chairman
The Medical Council of New Zealand
PO Box 11649
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
http://www.ncnz.org.nz
John Cullen, D.O., M.N.Z.R.O.
New Zealand Register of Osteopaths
PO Box 11 853
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Nicaragua
Year of Last Request: 1993
Scope of Practice: unknown
Per a telephone conversation with the Assistant Secretary for Non-governmental Assistance, budget constriction in Nicaragua prevents the government from paying foreigners who wish to work in Nicaragua. Financial aid is sometimes given through foundations and tax exemptions are given on items brought by foreign workers, such as medical equipment.
Contact: Minister de Salud
Miniterio de Salud
Ste. A Gallo y Villa Sur
Edif. Complejo Camilo Ortega
Managua
NICARAGUA
Nigeria
Year of Last Request: 1999
Scope of Practice: unlimited
In order to gain licensure in Nigeria, an osteopathic physician must have graduated from an AOA accredited college of osteopathic medicine and must have completed a one-year rotating internship. An appearance in front of the Nigeria Medical Council is also required and an oral quiz may be mandated. Reciprocity exists with several other African countries and with the United States. In 1999, the AOA received a letter from a DO who is licensed in Nigeria. He was licensed in Nigeria by reciprocity of his Texas license and recognition of AOA training programs. He is licensed to practice medicine and surgery with a specialty certificate in orthopedics.
Contact: Dean, Faculty of Medicine
University of Ibadan
Ibadan
NIGERIA
Medical & Dental Council of Nigeria
PO Box 3795
Surulere Lagos
NIGERIA
Norway
Year of Last Request: 1990
Scope of Practice: limited to manipulation
Although D.O.s are able to obtain a license to practice only manipulation in Norway, they are not permitted to use the title "doctor" and all osteopathic services are not covered for payment under Norway's socialized medicine system.
Contact: Directorate of Health of Norway
Post Boks 8128
N-0032 Oslo 1
NORWAY
Pakistan
Year of Last Request: 1996
Scope of Practice: unknown
Although the Council does not recognize the D.O. degree, one U.S.-trained D.O. has been recognized on individual merits by the Council after much documentary evidence; however, his practice is confined to one hospital and he may not engage in private practice.
Contact: Pakistan Medical and Dental Council
Mauve Area
Sector G-10/4
Islamabad Federal Capital
PAKISTAN
http://pmdc.org.pk
Panama
Year of Last Request: 1994
Scope of Practice: unlimited
The University of Panama must first accept the diploma of the applicant as equivalent to that issued by the University. The applicant must also be a citizen of Panama and fulfil any necessary training from the Technical Council of Public Health.
Contact: Director General
Ministerio de Salud
Apartado 2048
Panama 1,
REPUBLIC OF PANAMA
Papua New Guinea
Year of Last Request: 1996
Scope of Practice: unlimited
Two U.S.-trained D.O.s were able to secure medical practitioner licenses. The physicians reported that it was a long, involved process that took approximately one year to accomplish. Physicians can also apply for a short-term or a long-term volunteer service license.
Contact: Registrar
Medical Board of
Papua New Guinea
PO Box 841
Port Moresby National Capital District
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Peru
Year of Last Request: 1994
Scope of Practice: unknown
The AOA did not receive a response to its request for information on how a U.S. educated D.O. could obtain licensure.
Contact: Colegio Medico del Peru
261 Los Procers
Lima
PERU
Ministry of Health
Ave Salaverry S-N
Cudra 7
Lima
PERU
Philippines
Year of Last Request: 1994
Scope of Practice: unknown
The AOA did not receive a response to its request for information on how a U.S. educated D.O. could obtain licensure.
Contact: Philippines Board of Medicine
P Paredes Street
Sampaloc Manila
PHILIPPINES
Romania
Year of Last Request: 1994
Scope of Practice: unknown
The AOA did not receive a response to its request for information on how a U.S. educated D.O. could obtain licensure.
Contact: Ministry of Health and Family
Secdor 1
Ministerului 224
Bucharest
ROMANIA
Russia/Commonwealth of Independent States
Year of Last Request: 1994
Scope of Practice: unlimited with sponsor
Several U.S. trained D.O.s have provided services in parts of the former U.S.S.R. through a program established by Deborah Hospital of New Jersey. According to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, a licensure process is not up and running; therefore, foreign doctors make arrangements to practice through Russian sponsors, such as hospitals or businesses.
Contact: Russian newspapers/medical journals
Ministry of Public Health
Vadikovsky Per 18-20
101474 Moscow
RUSSIA
Association of Physicians of Russia
15-2-239 Petrozavodskaja St.
125502 Moscow
RUSSIA
St. Lucia
Year of Last Request: 2000
Scope of Practice: unlimited
A U.S.-educated D.O. was granted an unlimited license to practice medicine based on his credentials.
Contact: Medical Council of St. Lucia
Minister of Education & Health
Castries
ST. LUCIA
St. Kitts
Year of last Request: sometime before 1990
Scope of Practice: unknown
AOA file information indicates that the point of contact to inquire about osteopathic licensure is the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, however no address is given.
Contact: Medical Board of St. Christopher & Nevis
PO Box 186
Basseterre
St. Kitts
WEST INDIES
Saudi Arabia
Year of Last Request: 1994
Scope of Practice: unlimited
In order to practice medicine in Saudi Arabia, a foreign physician must be recruited by a government agency, a corporation or a private health care entity, such as a hospital.
Contact: Saudi newspapers/medical journals
Scotland
Year of Request: 1998
Scope of Practice: denied
An osteopathic physician sponsored by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons was denied licensure based on the fact that osteopathic medical schools are not accredited by WHO. The AOA supplied the physician with information on osteopathic accreditation and also supplied information that WHO is not an accrediting agency for any medical schools in the U.S.
Sierra *****
Year of Last Request: 1993
Scope of Practice: unlimited
Physician licensure can be obtained in Sierra ***** with the submission of notarized osteopathic medical school diploma, curricula vitae and a letter of intent to the Deputy Chief Medical Officer. Desire to work with a mission or for the needy will work in the applicant's favor. In addition, a D.O. who has been living in Sierra ***** for many years has been extremely helpful in assisting other D.O.s with obtaining practice rights.
Contact: Deputy Chief Medical Officer
Department of Health
Youyi Building, ******fields
Freetown
SIERRA *****
Singapore
Year of Last Request: 1993
Scope of Practice: denied
The Singapore Medical Council will not recognize the D.O. degree; in fact, it will only recognize those M.D. degrees conferred by 11 allopathic medical schools.
Contact: Singapore Medical Council
Level 4 Institute of Health
3 2nd Hospital Avenue 168937
SINGAPORE
http://www.gov.sg/moh
Singapore Medical Council/Ministry of Health
College of Medicine Building
16 College Road
SINGAPORE 169854
South Africa
Year of Last Request: 1996
Scope of Practice: limited to manipulation
Osteopathic medicine is not legislatively defined and many barriers exist in licensing foreign trained physicians despite the crucial need (there is only one doctor per 3,400 black South Africans). In 1996, the AOA wrote a letter to the South African Medical Council on behalf of a D.O. who was part of a medical mission team going to South Africa. The medical council did not wish to grant the U.S.-trained D.O. a temporary license to do medical missions work.
Contact: Registrar
Health Professions Council of South Africa
PO Box 205
Pretoria, Gauteng 0001
SOUTH AFRICA
http://www.hpcsa.co.za
Spain
Year of Last Request: 1994
Scope of Practice: denied
Osteopathic medicine is not regulated in Spain and therefore, per the Secretary General of the Spanish Ministry of Health, D.O.s may not obtain physician licenses.
Contact: Collegi Oficial de Metges de Barcelona
Centre of Studies
Corsega 257 Parl 08036
Barcelona Catalonia
SPAIN
Spanish Consejo General de Colegios Medicos
Villaneuva 114
E-28001 Madrid
SPAIN
http://www.cgcom.org/ome0.htm
Sweden
Year of Last Request: 1996
Scope of Practice: unlimited
An osteopathic physician met with Swedish officials and they did not seem to have any objections to U.S.-trained osteopathic physicians being licensed there (especially since two U.S.-trained D.O.s were granted full practice rights in 1974 and 1976).
Contact: Ministry of Health and Social Affairs
Klara Ostra Kyrkogata #10
Stockholm
SWEDEN
Switzerland
Year of Last Request: 1993
Scope of Practice: denied
Only Swiss citizens and "recognized refugees" are eligible to sit for the state-administered physician licensure exams. Passage of the examinations is the first step in receiving a license. After the examination process, one must obtain a work permit in order to participate in a post doctoral training program (residency) of which there are far less positions than applicants. This work permit expires after twelve months and cannot be renewed. Further, osteopathic medicine is not recognized by the Swiss government.
Contact: Swiss Medical Association
Elfenstrasse 18
3000 Bern 16
SWITZERLAND
http://www.fmh.ch
Syria
Year of Last Request: 1996
Scope of Practice: unknown
The AOA did not receive a response to its request for information on how a U.S. educated D.O. could obtain licensure.
Contact: Minister of Health
Parliament Street
Damascus
SYRIA
Taiwan
Year of Last Request: 1998
Scope of Practice: unlimited
The U.S. D.O. degree is recognized by the R.O.C. government. This allows U.S.-educated D.O.s to sit for Taiwan's Examination Yuan and, if successful, can continue on in the process for licensure.
Contact: Director
General Department of Health
100 Aikuo East Road
Taipei
TAIWAN
Tanzania
Year of Last Request: 1985
Scope of Practice: unlimited
Licensure will be granted to applicants with medical school degrees who have completed a required, although unspecified, residency. Temporary work permits are available and reregistration is required annually.
Contact: Medical Council of Tanganyika
PO Box 9083
Dar-es-Salaam
TANZANIA
Thailand
Year of Last Request: 1996
Scope of Practice: undetermined
The AOA did not receive a response to its request for information on how a U.S. educated D.O. could obtain licensure.
Contact: Thai Medical Council
275 Devavesm Palace
Bangkok 2
THAILAND
Turkey
Year of Last Request: 1988
Scope of Practice: unknown
AOA file information is scant and to date no new requests have been made.
Contact: Turkey Ministry of Health
T.C. Saglik Bakanligi
Sihhiye Ankara
TURKEY
Uganda
Year of Last Request: 1990
Scope of Practice: denied
Uganda does not recognize the osteopathic profession and has therefore denied any type of practice rights to U.S. trained D.O.s.
Contact: Registrar
Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners
PO Box 16115
Wandegeya Kampala
UGANDA
Ukraine
Year of Last Request: 1999
Scope of Practice: unknown
There has been discussion about the possibility of establishing rotations, specifically ophthalmology, in the Ukraine. Documentation has been sent regarding the equivalence of DOs and MDs in the United States.
Contact: Contact the AOA for further information
(800) 621-1773 ext. 8280
United Arab Emirates
Year of Last Request: 1993
Scope of Practice: unlimited
Although a response to the AOA's request of the Minister of Health has not yet been received, a U.S.-trained D.O. who has practiced in the U.A.E. for many years has informed the AOA about the status of osteopathic licensure. Physician licensure is difficult. In 2004, 3 osteopathic physicians petitioned for recognition. The Ministry contacted the UAE Embassy in the United States for more information. The AOA provided the Embassy with information about the profession and are awaiting the final decision from the Ministry of Health.
Contact: Ministry of Health
PO Box 848
Abu Dhabi,
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
http://www.moh.gov.ae
Venezuela
Year of Last Request: 1993
Scope of Practice: unknown
To date, the AOA has not received a response from the Health Minister regarding osteopathic licensure.
Contact: Ministerio de Sanidad & Asistencia Social
Recursos Humanos
Chief Executive Officer
Caracas
VENEZUELA
Vietnam
Year of Last Request: 1993
Scope of Practice: unlimited
U.S.-trained D.O.s will be accepted as full physicians in Vietnam. Foreign physicians can fill vacancies in hospitals that are in need of certain specialists. However, these hospitals are government-owned and pay very low wages if any at all. Most foreign physicians are providing volunteer care to the people of Vietnam.
Contact: Ministry of Health
138A Gian Vo Street
Hanoi
VIETNAM
Professor Nguyen Kim Son
Viet-Doc Hospital
40 Trang Thi
Hanoi
VIETNAM
Professor Le Huy Lieu
Bach Mai Hospital
Giai Phonv Road
Hanoi
VIETNAM
Professor Trihn Kim Anh
Cho Ray Hospital
201A Nguyen Chi Thanh Street
District 5, HCMC
VIETNAM
Zambia
Year of Last Request: 1971
Scope of Practice: unlimited
A degree from an accredited college of osteopathic medicine is required for licensure in Zambia.
Contact: Medical Council of Zambia
PO Box 32554
Lukasa 10101
ZAMBIA
Zimbabwe
Year of Last Request: 1993
Scope of Practice: limited to manipulation
After review of the osteopathic medical curriculum, the Health Professions Council of Zimbabwe denied the AOA's request for full practice rights and instead referred D.O. Iicensure requests to the Natural Therapists Council.
Contact: Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe
PO Box CY2817
Causeway Harare
ZIMBABWE
hope that helps
