Real World Research

Provides basic professional information on virtually every licensed physician in the United States and its possessions, including more than 690,000 doctors of medicine (MD) and doctors of osteopathy or osteopathic medicine (DO).

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is the umbrella organization for the 24 approved medical specialty boards in the United States. The ABMS maintains a list of all board certified diplomates. Information about a physician's certification status can be obtained here.

ProPublica has compiled a chart to show you how to look up a doctor's license online and obtain any related disciplinary documents in each state. Unless otherwise noted, disciplinary documents can be accessed on a doctor's license verification page.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), is the largest non-governmental regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States. Offers BrokerCheck, a free tool to help investors research the professional backgrounds of current and former FINRA-registered brokerage firms and brokers.

From the Securities and Exchange Commission. You can search for an investment adviser firm on this website and view that firm’s Form ADV. Investment advisers file Form ADV to register with the SEC and/or the states. Form ADV contains information about an investment adviser and its business operations. Form ADV also contains disclosure about certain disciplinary events involving the adviser and its key personnel.

Information may be obtained through state disclosure programs by contacting the appropriate state securities regulator for investor related complaints. Click on the “Investor Education” tab and then on “NASAA Fraud Center” and then on “How to Contact Your Securities Regulator.”