Become a Board Member
Overview
Like many occupational licensing boards, the North Carolina Medical Board (NCMB) is primarily self-regulated. That means that most Board members are medical professionals licensed by NCMB. State law requires the Board to include eight physicians, one physician assistant, and one nurse practitioner.
These clinicians are selected through the process established in N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 90-2 and 90-3. Interested individuals must apply to an independent panel, which reviews applications and nominates candidates for the Governor’s consideration. NCMB does not participate directly in the Board member selection process.
After reviewing the information on this page, prospective Board members should have a clear understanding of what service on the Board entails and whether they meet the eligibility criteria to apply.
Note from Board President, Dr. Rao-Patel
In November, I was sworn in as the 127th President of the North Carolina Medical Board. I am humbled by this honor and committed to doing all that I can to ensure that NCMB is stronger and optimally positioned to fulfill its mission of patient protection when my term is done.
I want to share my thoughts on the great importance of dedicated and engaged licensees continuing to step forward to serve as Board Members with NCMB. North Carolina is a state that grants the medical profession the privilege of self-regulation, which means that a majority of Board Members are licensees (specifically, physicians). As clinicians, we can show that we value this opportunity to protect the public and the integrity of the medical profession through our willingness to serve.
Medical regulation is meaningful and rewarding in ways that I could not have anticipated when I was first appointed in the fall of 2020. I am pleased to share my reflection on how service with NCMB has impacted me.
How has serving on the Board changed you as a clinician?
It has made me more reflective and more intentional. I think more deeply about communication, documentation, and boundaries.
What is your favorite part of being a Board Member?
The people and the conversations. We have incredibly thoughtful Board Members and staff who care deeply about getting it right. The collaborative nature of the work is something I truly enjoy.
Has serving on the Board deepened your connection to the medical community and your patients?
Absolutely. You gain a broader understanding of the challenges clinicians face, and the expectations patients have. It reinforces that we’re all part of the same ecosystem, and it’s strengthened my sense of shared responsibility.
What has been the most surprising thing you’ve learned?
How much nuance there is in every case. Nothing is ever purely clinical or purely behavioral—there’s always a human story behind it. I’ve been surprised by just how complex—and how meaningful—this work really is.
What are your thoughts on the importance of self-regulation?
Self-regulation is essential to maintaining public trust. It allows those who understand the realities of clinical practice to set standards while holding ourselves accountable in a transparent and fair way. It’s a responsibility we can’t take lightly.
About the Board
The North Carolina Medical Board was established April 15, 1859, by the General Assembly “in order to properly regulate the practice of medicine and surgery for the benefit and protection of the people of North Carolina.”
NCMB is an independent public agency that regulates physicians, physician assistants and a handful of other medical professionals on behalf of the state of North Carolina. The Board operates outside of the state budget process and receives no direct funding from the state. NCMB’s operating budget is provided by fees generated by annual license renewals and license applications.
Board composition
The composition of the Board is determined by statute. Under current law the Board has 13 members, consisting of the following:
Eight physicians (MDs or DOs)
One physician assistant (PA)
One nurse practitioner (NP)
Three public members with no financial, personal, or professional connection to a health service or profession
Mission and mandate
The practice of medicine is a privilege granted by the state. The North Carolina Medical Board, through efficient and dedicated organization, will license, monitor, discipline, educate, and when appropriate, rehabilitate physicians, physician assistants, and (in collaboration with the Board of Nursing) nurse practitioners to assure their fitness and competence in the service of the people of North Carolina. To fulfill its mission, the Board will play a leading role in the ever-changing health care environment through dialogue with the public, the legislature, academia, and the medical community.
Mission Statement
The North Carolina Medical Board protects the people of North Carolina, and the integrity of the medical profession, through just and vigilant licensing and regulation.
Vision Statement
NCMB will be a proactive and progressive leader that addresses emerging challenges in medicine.
Core Values
Integrity: We are committed to acting honestly, ethically, and impartially
Excellence: We strive to deliver the highest quality work, and superior service
Accountability: We accept responsibility for our actions, and disclose results in a transparent manner
Progressive: We rise to meet the organization’s changing needs with a spirit of creativity, inclusion and innovation
Meeting schedule
The Board meets bimonthly and holds disciplinary hearings in non-meeting months, as needed. Meetings typically last 2.5 days and include committee meetings and interviews, as well as disciplinary and licensing activities. Though some Board business, such as meetings to discuss investigative or complaint information, is confidential under law, Board meetings are otherwise open to the public and media.
Organizational structure
The Board is supported by a full-time professional staff based in Raleigh. The Board is a public organization that regulates medical professionals for the state. It operates outside of the state budget process, with 100 percent of its operating budget provided by license application and renewal fees.
Qualifications
An applicant shall meet each of the following criteria:
- Hold an active, non-limited license to practice medicine in North Carolina for the past five consecutive years immediately preceding the appointment.
- Have an active clinical or teaching practice. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "active" means patient care, or instruction of students in an accredited medical school or residency, or clinical research program, for 20 hours or more per week.
- Have actively practiced in this State for at least five consecutive years immediately preceding the appointment.
- Intend to remain in active practice in this State for the duration of the term on the Board.
- Submit at least three signed letters of recommendation, either from individuals or from professional or other societies or organizations. Letters of recommendation from sitting members of the NCMB are discouraged.
- Have no public disciplinary history with the Board or any other licensing board in this State or another state over the past 10 years before applying for appointment to the Board.
- Have no history of felony convictions of any kind.
- Have no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of medicine.
- Indicate, in a manner prescribed by the Review Panel, that the applicant: (i) understands that the primary purpose of the Board is to protect the public; (ii) is willing to take appropriate disciplinary action against his or her peers for misconduct or violations of the standards of care or practice of medicine; and (iii) is aware of the time commitment needed to be a constructive member of the Board.
Application Process
- Interested applicants must register for an account with the Review Panel of the North Carolina Medical Board and then create a login and password to access the application.
- Applications are submitted online and must be completed in one sitting. It is recommended that you have information like previous places of employment, names of three references, and your curriculum vitae available to upload when you begin the online application.
- Supporting documentation such as letters of recommendation may be submitted through the online portal or emailed (letters of recommendation must be scanned and include signature) to application@ncmedboardreviewpanel.com. Please note that faxed documents are not accepted.
- Qualified applicants will be required to participate in an in-person interview with the Review Panel members.
FAQs
Board Member Service
What is the time commitment?
On average, Board members spend 15-20 hours per meeting or hearing reviewing meeting materials. Other Board work may include reviewing license applications, participating in task forces, committees and reviewing proposed legislative changes affecting the Medical Practice Act. Board members also have the opportunity to participate in outreach efforts, such as presentations to civic organizations and professional groups.
What is the frequency of meetings?
The Board meets six times a year at the Board’s office in Raleigh. Five of these are in person, and one is virtual (January). The meetings last Wednesday morning through Friday afternoon, typically during the third week of the month. Board members will also be assigned to serve on disciplinary hearings 2-3 times per year, which lasts 1-2 days during the even-numbered months. There may also be occasional special meetings and emergency meetings of the Board as needed.
Are board members required to attend in-person to every meeting?
Yes. Other than the virtual meeting held in January, or the occasional special or emergency meeting held throughout the year, all other meetings require in-person attendance.
Is there financial compensation for serving as a Board Member?
Yes. Board members are entitled to a per diem of up to $200 per day for Board work.
Does NCMB cover cost of travel or offer reimbursement?
Yes. For in-person meetings, out-of-town Board members stay at a local hotel and are reimbursed for meals, lodging and travel expenses.
When do applications open?
Applications for terms beginning in November typically open in mid-February and close in late June. However, variation may occur due to unforeseen circumstances. To keep up to date on application openings, be sure to check the Review Panel for the North Carolina Medical Board’s website.
Additional Resources
Videos
MedBoard Matters Podcast
Board 101: Serving on the North Carolina Medical Board
On this episode of MedBoard Matters, we interview three former Board Members (and Board Presidents) and uncover what drew each of them into pursuing service on the North Carolina Medical Board. Plus, we outline the process for becoming a Board Member and much more.
NCMB: Celebrating 165 years
As the oldest continuously operating medical board in the United States and territories, NCMB just celebrated 165 years in operation. Host, Jean Fisher Brinkley is joined by current Board CEO Thom Mansfield and former CEO David Henderson as they test their knowledge of early Board history.
Annual Report Information
The Board’s Annual Report presents a summary of the activities for the previous year and includes demographic information about the Board’s licensees, information about complaints received and investigations conducted, data about public and private actions by the Board, and a summary of significant policy initiatives for the year. Click here to view our most recent annual reports.