May 8:
In a landmark move for international medical diplomacy, a high-level delegation from the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India recently concluded a strategic visit to the United States. Led by Dr. Raghav Langer, Secretary of the NMC, the visit marks a significant milestone in aligning the world’s largest medical education ecosystem with global regulatory standards.
Building Trust, Advancing Regulation
The delegation, which included Dr. M.K. Ramesh (President, Medical Assessment and Rating Board), attended the 114th Annual Meeting of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) held in Baltimore from April 30 to May 2, 2026.
This year’s theme, “Building Trust, Advancing Regulation,” served as the backdrop for the NMC’s debut as a ‘special invitee’—the first time the Indian regulator has been extended such an honor. The invite underscores India’s growing influence, currently overseeing a massive network of 818 medical colleges.
Key Highlights of the U.S. Tour
The visit extended beyond the conference floor, involving deep-dive institutional exchanges with the powerhouses of American medical licensing:
| Institution | Key Contacts | Primary Focus |
| FSMB | Dr. George M. Abraham & Dr. Humayun J. Chaudhry | Licensure mobility, ethics, and the role of AI in medical practice. |
| NBME (Philadelphia) | Dr. Peter J. Katsufrakis | Assessment systems, USMLE-style licensing exams, and faculty training. |
| ECFMG / Intealth | Dr. Eric Holmboe | ECFMG certification, credential verification, and pathways for Indian graduates. |
| IAMRA | Ms. Nicole Krishnaswami | Global mobility and international regulatory cooperation. |
Paving the Way for Indian Doctors
A major highlight of the trip involved discussions on the global mobility of physicians. On the sidelines, the delegation met with ECFMG leadership to streamline the “sponsor note” and credentialing processes, which are vital for Indian medical graduates (IMGs) aiming for residency programs in the United States.
Discussions also touched upon:
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Licensure Mobility: Understanding the U.S. “compact” mechanisms that allow doctors to practice across multiple states.
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Modern Assessment: Leveraging technology and AI to improve the fairness and rigor of medical examinations.
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Clinical Residency: Creating clearer pathways for internationally trained physicians to enter the U.S. healthcare workforce.
“Under the leadership of Chairman Dr. Abhijat C. Sheth, the NMC is focused on benchmarking our standards with international best practices and strengthening the National Medical Register to ensure our doctors are recognized and respected globally.” — Statement from the NMC Delegation.
As India continues to expand its medical workforce, these international partnerships are crucial. By collaborating with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and the FSMB, the NMC is positioning Indian medical education to be more compatible with Western standards, potentially easing the transition for thousands of doctors seeking international experience and specialization.