(1) The state board of medical licensure shall consist of nine (9) physicians. Each of the physicians shall have graduated from a medical school which has been accredited by the liaison committee on medical education as sponsored by the American Medical Association and the Association of American Medical Colleges or from an osteopathic medical school which has been accredited by the Bureau of Professional Education of the American Osteopathic Association, and have at least six (6) years’ experience in the practice of medicine. No more than two (2) members of the board shall be a member of the faculty of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. No more than four (4) members of the board shall be from the same Mississippi Supreme Court district.

(2) Three (3) physicians shall be nominated to the governor for each appointive position by the Mississippi State Medical Association; and said nominations shall give due regard to geographic distribution, race and sex. The governor shall appoint from said nominations the members of the board with the advice and consent of the senate. The original appointments of the board shall be made no later than June 30, 1980, for terms to begin on July 1, 1980. The governor shall designate the initial terms of the members as follows: Three (3) members shall be appointed for a term which expires July 1, 1982, three (3) members shall be appointed for a term which expires July 1, 1984, and three (3) members shall be appointed for a term which expires July 1, 1986. Thereafter, all succeeding appointments shall be for terms of six (6) years from the expiration of the previous term. Vacancies in office shall be filled by appointment of the governor in the same manner as the appointment to the position which becomes vacant, subject to the advice and consent of the senate at the next regular session of the legislature.