Like every other state – and most countries in the world – Wisconsin requires everyone practicing medicine within its borders to be fully licensed. As you may imagine, and as you no doubt likely know if this is a career path you're considering, the process to become a licensed physician – a doctor – is a lengthy and difficult one, and truly only the most dedicated and hardworking individuals are able to end up on the other side. That said, being a doctor is one of the most prestigious professions in the world, and hats off to you if you think you have what it takes. In this guide, we'll take you through the Wisconsin-specific steps to getting and keeping in good standing your Wisconsin physician's license.

Obtaining a License

In Wisconsin, the profession of doctor is regulated by the state's Medical Examining Board, a division of the Department of Safety & Professional Services. While the process to becoming a doctor (that is, either a physician or osteopath) is a long one, it is actually fairly straightforward. Let's now go through the steps needed.

• First, you'll want to successfully complete your education at an accredited medical school. The Board generally approves any school that is properly accredited. In America, accreditation of medical schools is handled by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, which provides of a full list of US schools here. Wisconsin also approves international schools that have received accreditation by the World Health division of the United Nations.

• Take and pass the required examinations. This is a two-step process. First, you'll be taking the United States Medical Licensing Examination (to become a medical doctor) or the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiner's Certification (to become an osteopath). The USMLE is a three-sequence test with minimum passing scores of 75 and yes, it's tough, so study hard.

• Next, you're going to take a Wisconsin-specific test on the state's Laws and Administrative Code. The exam is the same for both M.D.s and Osteopaths, and consists of both a written and oral section. The steps to registering for this exam, including important dates and fees, can be found at this link.

• Complete one year of proper post-graduate training. Here's where things get slightly complex. This training can be done post-examination, in which case you will not need a specific permit. However, it can also be done prior to completion of the exam requirements, but in this case, you will need to obtain a Temporary Education Permit, which allows you to practice medicine within this context for a limited time. You can find the application here. Post-graduate training programs are approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, and they can help you find the program that is right for you.

• Finally, you're able to complete the actual application. It's a long one, and you'll have to provide proof of your educational credentials, background information, fingerprints, and more. The entire application is available for viewing here (the link also lays out the fees and deadlines), and most of it can be done entirely online. One thing to note is that if you already have a Minnesota medical license, the process is a bit easier due to a legal agreement between the states. For others, though, the traditional route described above still applies. Wisconsin has provided a helpful guide to the application process, including how to get an online account, here.

• Create an American Medical Association Physician Profile Data account and subsequently request a report on such from the AMA, which you will then provide to the state of Wisconsin. You can begin this process here.

• Finally, if you wish to prescribe medications, you'll also need to obtain a DEA number, which requires you to contact the DEA directly.

Okay! While we managed to condense that pretty well here, remember that this accounts for roughly 5 years of your life. As you can see, though, it's extremely doable, and you'll be joining the ranks of one of the most esteemed professions in the world.

Maintaining a License

Medicine and Surgery licenses expire on October 31 of every odd year for MDs, and February 28 or 29 of even years for osteopaths. The renewal fee for both is 141 dollars, or 166 if you are attempting to renew after allowing the license to expire. Renew can be done online, and you can find out the details here. There is a requirement of successful completion of 30 hours of continuing education in a program approved by the AMA per renewal period. Wisconsin provides a handy “audit table” showing the types of classes necessary per renewal period at this link.

As you no doubt learned in medical schools, doctors must abide by a strict code of ethics. They must worry not only about the regulations imposed by the state, but also potential malpractice lawsuits or, in extreme cases of license abuse, criminal sanctions. Complaints against doctors are received by the Department of Safety & Professional Services, then passed on to the Medical Examining Board, which will conduct a thorough investigation somewhat trial-like in its provisions. Check out this extremely helpful article for some details on how this process works.