Will it be easier--requiring less paperwork or faster or cheaper--for
me to get an Arkansas medical license before my California medical
license expires than after it expires (it expires in July)?

Hello doctorchou2-ga,

I made a phone call and spoke with Michael Brooks at 1-706-478-1480.
He works for Medlicence.com, which is the website for:

Medical Administrators of America L.L.C
5977 Whitesville Road, Suite 12
Columbus, GA 31904
info@medlicense.com
(706) 478- 1480 	Phone
(706) 478- 0824 	Phone
(706) 576- 5488 	Fax
Office Hours       9:00AM - 5:00PM EST

They specialize in helping people get their medical licenses in all 50
states the easiest way possible.

"If you are a Physician who is going to apply for a License to
practice medicine  in any state of the United States of America then 
MedLicense.com can make the Licensure process a no hassle experience.
Our knowledge of each state medical boards can work for you. 
MedLicense.com will handle all of the paperwork, filing, and
logistical concerns of the licensing process while you just relax and
let MedLicense.com work for you."
http://www.medlicense.com/

He told me over the phone you definitely want to apply before your
California license expires.
He said this would help you to avoid taking the 8 hour SPEX exam in
Arkansas (Special Purpose Exam) and definitely save you a lot of time
and hassle. He doubted it would reduce the paperwork, but he did
stress to NOT let it expire and to apply for Arkansas ASAP.

He also stated you're free to contact him if you would like additional
help with the process or have any further questions.

Google Search:
Arkansas medical licensing
://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&c2coff=1&safe=off&q=arkansas+medical+licensing&spell=1

I hope this helps.
If this answer requires further explanation, please request
clarification before rating it, and I'll be happy to look into this
further.
Nenna-GA
Google Answers Researcher

Good work.  Please look into my next questions re:  graduate medical
education legal aid