Actually, I have said this before and I'll say it again. I don't think the government should be in charge of determining who can and cannot practice any profession (medicine included). That gives the state way too much power.
In a true free market, organizations (such as the AMA) could award credentials and the individual consumer or patient could determine for him/herself as to whether or not the individual was a competent "doctor". This is the way it was done in this country before the AMA lobbied enough state legislatures to gain a monopoly on the licensing of doctors. There are many individuals (holistic healers, chiropractors, accupuncture therapists, massage therapists, etc.) that provide health care services to individuals outside the restraints of the AMA. Yet people still seek their services. They just aren't allowed to prescribe medications because the AMA says that can't.
A similar organization (NCEES) did this with engineering. Why is the state in charge of licensing an individual? When the customer (whether it be a utility or a government entity) wanted engineering services, he could look at credentials (maybe it is a PE certificate) demonstrating that he is competent in this field. Other customers may elect to not have a person with those credentials working on their projects. Do you really believe that the taking of the PE is demonstrative of your ability to protect the public? Most people who have taken the exam would strongly disagree. From talking to my friends that are doctors, they feel the same way toward their medical licenses. Now there are certain associations for example (like the American Academy of Cardiology for my friend who is a cardiologist) and a doctor can go through the voluntary process of becoming a fellow in this assocation. He has more stringent requirements, studies, research, continuing education, etc. that he must meet. I only go to doctors who are fellows in their associated fields. I don't give two shits about their state granted license.
So in short, yes, it is absolutely ridiculous that the government regulates what goes on an individuals business cards or email signature.