(a) Applications for license shall be sent to the Board and shall be accompanied by satisfactory proof that the applicant—
(1) is twenty-one years of age or over (birth certificate or similar evidence thereof);
(2) has resided in the Virgin Islands for six consecutive months immediately preceding his application;
(3) is of good moral character as shown by at least two letters of favorable character testimony;
(4) is not addicted to intemperate use of alcoholic stimulants or narcotic drugs; and
(5) is a graduate of a school of medicine or related profession which has been accredited by an accrediting agency recognized and approved by the National Commission on Accrediting in the United States Office of Education, United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare; provided, that in the case of foreign medical graduates, the Board may accept in lieu of the foregoing requirement of this paragraph; (A) a permanent certificate issued by the Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates, or (B) satisfactory proof of post-graduate specialty training in an institution accredited by an agency recognized and approved by the National Commission on Accrediting in the United States Office of Education, United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare, in accordance with standards established by the National Board related to the specialty involved; Provided further, that the candidate has satisfactorily completed at least one year of internship in a hospital recognized by the American Medical Association; and provided further, that in the case of practitioners of established national or international renown and acclaim, the Board may in lieu of the foregoing requirements of this paragraph accept such documentary or other proof as may be deemed satisfactory to the said Board.
(b) This section shall not operate to exclude any bona fide research worker whether an alien or a citizen who does not practice for a fee and such worker shall not be required to pay the usual license fee nor to submit to an examination.
(c) The residence requirements specified in this section shall not apply to residents of the Virgin Islands who have been absent studying or practicing any of the sciences covered by this subchapter.