Doctor Licensing Files Index

This series contains the license files for deceased medical and osteopathic doctors licensed by the Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners since 1907. These files contain the original application for license (including a certified photograph), examination results and records, correspondence regarding substantiated complaints or investigations, license renewal information, reciprocity information, letters of reference, change of address notifications, related newspaper clippings, and obituaries.

Of particular interest is the file for Dr. Frances Kelsey, one of South Dakota’s earliest female licensees, who is famous for her role in keeping thalidomide out of the United States. Dr. Kelsey’s file is restricted until her death.

The attached digital object is an Access database index to the records which was created in 2011 by Sara Casper, Government Records Archivist. The index lists each doctor's name, their license number, the date the license was issued, and the box location for the record. A copy of this database has been sent to the Board of Osteopathic and Medical Examiners for their use.