* Educational Credentialing: Verification of their medical education through organizations like the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). This involves showing that their education meets US standards.
* USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination): Passing all three steps of the USMLE is crucial. This is a rigorous exam series testing knowledge and clinical skills.
* Residency: Completing a residency program in the US, typically lasting 3-7 years depending on the specialty, is mandatory. This is a period of supervised clinical training.
* Licensing: After residency, obtaining a medical license from the specific state(s) where they intend to practice is required. This often involves further examinations and background checks.
In short, while a UK medical degree is a valuable starting point, it's just the first step in a lengthy and demanding process to practice medicine in the US. It's not a simple matter of transferring qualifications.