Fully Trained Foreign Physician (FTFP) Program
Opportunities for Experienced Physicians from India
We are actively recruiting experienced, fully trained physicians from India who are interested in pursuing medical practice opportunities in the United States through the Fully Trained Foreign Physician (FTFP) licensing pathway.
Global Talent. Stronger Healthcare Together.
What is the FTFP pathway?
The FTFP (Fully Trained Foreign Physician) license is a newer pathway established by Louisiana law (La. R.S. 37:1275.2) to recruit and license highly experienced International Medical Graduates (IMGs) — such as doctors from India — without forcing them to repeat their residency training in the United States. It allows qualified foreign-trained physicians to practice at Louisiana hospital-owned or hospital-operated facilities.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Under Louisiana law, an international medical graduate may qualify for the FTFP pathway if they meet all of the following criteria:
Medical Degree
Hold a medical doctorate or substantially similar degree from an international medical program in good standing
Good Standing
Currently in good standing with their home licensing authority
Training or Experience
Completed residency or similar postgraduate training abroad, OR practiced as a physician for at least 5 years
Work Authorization
Legally authorized to live and work in the United States with basic English fluency
Employment Offer
Have an offer of employment for a physician position at a hospital-owned or hospital-operated facility in Louisiana
2-Year Practice Limitation
For the first 2 years from original licensure, services may only be provided at a facility owned or operated by a licensed Louisiana hospital — after that, the limitation no longer applies
How to Apply — Step by Step
The official Louisiana FTFP applicant guide, simplified for you
Confirm Basic Eligibility
Review the criteria above and confirm you meet all requirements under Louisiana law. If you are unsure whether your training or credentials qualify, contact our recruitment team — we will help you assess your situation before you invest time in the application.
View Louisiana Law (La. R.S. 37:1275.2)Start with the LSBME Physicians Page
The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) Physicians page is the main hub for physician licensure information, application materials, and links to the online application system.
LSBME Physicians PageOpen the LaMED Dashboard
Log in to the LaMED Dashboard to begin a new online initial application, continue a saved application, or check your application status. Also review the official initial licensure instructions before you begin.
LaMED DashboardGather Core Application Materials
The LSBME requires the following as part of the application process: Oath or Affirmation, Third Party Authorization, Statement of Legal Name, FCVS Application (Federation Credentials Verification Service), and a Background Check. Background check instructions are typically provided after the application is received.
FCVS — Federation Credentials Verification ServicePrepare Your Supporting Documents
Be ready with: medical degree documentation, proof of good standing in your home licensing jurisdiction, evidence of postgraduate training or at least 5 years of practice, immigration/work authorization documents, employment offer documentation from a Louisiana hospital-owned or hospital-operated facility, and certified English translations of any documents not in English.
Application Instructions — Initial LicensureContact LSBME Before Submitting
Because the FTFP pathway is newer, the LSBME website may not yet have a separately labeled FTFP application page. Before submitting, email the Board to confirm which application route to use, whether any FTFP-specific forms are required, and what documentation is needed for foreign training and your hospital employment offer.
Email LSBME LicensingSubmit Your Application
Submit your completed application through the LaMED Dashboard along with all required materials. MD Clinics will support you throughout this process — our team coordinates with immigration counsel for J-1 waiver, H-1B, or O-1 visa sponsorship as needed.
Await Board Review
The initial application process may take a few weeks to several months. Once your file is complete, it is presented to the Board for final consideration and you are notified of the decision. MD Clinics stays in close contact with you throughout this waiting period.
LSBME FAQBegin Practice at MD Clinics
Once licensed, we handle hospital credentialing, DEA registration, malpractice coverage, and full onboarding at our clinic locations. You will be paired with a senior physician mentor during your first 90 days. After 2 years, your practice is no longer restricted to hospital-operated facilities.
Who should apply?
- Experienced physicians currently practicing in India
- International Medical Graduates with completed postgraduate medical training
- Physicians interested in U.S. medical licensure and clinical opportunities
- Qualified specialists exploring opportunities in Louisiana and other participating states
Why this matters
- A potential pathway to practice in the U.S. without repeating full residency training
- Opportunities for experienced physicians to bring their expertise to American healthcare settings
- A growing option for international physicians seeking career advancement in the United States
Important Note
Eligibility depends on the applicable state medical board requirements, including education, experience, examinations, immigration authorization, and employment arrangements. Because this is a newer statutory pathway, we strongly recommend contacting LSBME directly to confirm the correct application route before submitting.
Interested in applying?
Email your resume to
Recruiting experienced physicians from India for U.S. opportunities through the FTFP pathway.