Board denies unrestricted license request from UMMC radiation oncologist; limited institutional license remains

The executive committee of the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure denied an application by radiation oncologist Aswara Kumar Mundra, M.D., for an unrestricted Mississippi medical license and retained his existing limited institutional license, the board announced after executive‑session deliberations.

Dr. Mundra, an assistant professor and program director in radiation oncology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, described completing a four‑year alternative‑pathway postgraduate program at UMMC after receiving an MD degree abroad. He said the American Board of Radiology permitted the alternative pathway and that he became board certified in 2022.

Board members and counsel focused on two regulatory issues: whether Dr. Mundra—s U.S. postgraduate training met the board—s ACGME‑equivalent requirements, and the board—s seven‑year USMLE timing rule. Staff and counsel noted the seven‑year USMLE timing exception is often granted, but that Dr. Mundra—s postgraduate training did not follow the traditional ACGME residency pathway; the committee concluded that, under the board's rules, he did not meet the training requirement for an unrestricted license.

The committee closed for executive session to deliberate and later returned to deny the request. Board staff told Dr. Mundra the denial does not affect his limited institutional license, and he may continue clinical work at UMMC under that status. The committee advised him to consult Executive Director Ken Cleveland next week for details about possible next steps.