El-Sayed Faces Scrutiny Over Physician Claims Despite 0 State Medical Licenses

2 articles · Updated · POLITICO · May 12

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has never held a medical license in Michigan or New York, according to a review of state records, despite repeatedly presenting himself to voters as a physician.
Four weeks of a Manhattan sub-internship appear to be his only hands-on patient treatment experience; El-Sayed said in a 2022 podcast he chose public health over clinical practice after medical school.
The issue cuts into a central campaign credential as El-Sayed rises in a three-way Democratic primary with Haley Stevens and Mallory McMorrow, alarming some moderate Democrats already wary of his progressive positions.
His campaign says he earned the title "doctor" through an MD and a public health doctorate and argues his oft-told story about treating a homeless patient explains why he pursued systemic health work instead of practicing medicine.
The report revives questions raised in his 2018 gubernatorial run and highlights past bios, ads and public appearances in which he was described as a physician or did not correct others who called him one.

He has an MD but no license. Is calling himself a 'physician' an earned right or a calculated political deception?

When a politician uses a medical title without a license, does it erode public trust in both experts and leaders?