Charles Davis Apr 26, 2016:

In Spain There is no licensing process as such for medical professionals in Spain. The only requirements to practice medicine are to hold a medical degree and to be a member of a colegio, though to become a specialist you also have to pass the MIR. So being colegiado, in functional terms, is tantamount to being licensed. The profession is regulated by the Consejo General de Colegios Oficiales de Médicos, which is the nearest equivalent to the GMC in the UK and the state regulatory boards in the US.

Since 2012 doctors in the UK have had to be licensed as well as registered (by the General Medical Council in both cases).

Muriel Vasconcellos Apr 26, 2016:

It depends on the country and the specialization In some countries, belonging to a professional association is tantamount to being licensed. In other countries, membership in an association is not related to being registered or licensed to practice. In the United States, licensing is done by state governments, not the professional associations. For example, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery grants the status of "diplomate," and this title is often referred to as 'board-certified', but the license to practice is a separate process.

Joseph Tein Apr 25, 2016:

The question has already been asked ... see: http://www.proz.com/kudoz/spanish_to_english/medical_general...

In addition, you need to specify which version of English you are translating into: US or UK? There are differences in usage, just as there are differences in Spanish usage between different countries. "Registered physician" doesn't mean anything in U.S. English.