BACKGOUND chk for residency? [Archive] - Student Doctor Network Forums

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dirkdiggler

06-04-2002, 03:42 PM

I have been accepted to the school of my choice and it came to me that in four years,
I will be starting my residency. Do they run criminal background checks, if they do,
I think that they are only allowed to go back 7 years.
I had a DUI when I was 21 and I hope it won't matter. :( :(

dirk

redleft123

06-04-2002, 03:50 PM

Con: Going back only 7 years is a falacy.... don't count on that to be your saving grace. :(

Pro: Unles they are a "government" affiliated hospital, they can find out little. :) A "govt" hopsital (such as ones run by a state-system (i.e., Univ of Calif) can find out a bit more. :(

What the are looking for is "is there an on-going problem" and what has the person done since then. Assuming only one (and I use the word "only" haphazardly <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> , as one DUI is more than enough <img border="0" alt="[Wowie]" title="" src="graemlins/wowie.gif" /> ) DUI, and NO other problems since then, they will probably look past it as a "youthful indescretion." :p If there is any other indication of substance abuse, they could view it as a serious problem. <img border="0" alt="[Pity]" title="" src="graemlins/pity.gif" />

Above all...remember to be honest! They likely will forgive a DUI years ago...but will be concerned if you lied about it on your application a few months ago. :p

Cheers

Winged Scapula

06-06-2002, 10:38 AM

Generally only felonies are considered an issue with licensing. Each state has its own regulations about how far back they check, what legal issues are a problem for licensure and what they require to be licensed.

Moving to Rotations and Residencies where yhou might get more responses...

Whisker Barrel Cortex

06-06-2002, 12:16 PM

I know two people who had DUIs (one with 2 of them) in the past (more than 7 years ago) who are now about to begin their residency with no problems. I don't think you have to worry unless it was a felony DUI.

njbmd

06-08-2002, 10:21 AM

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by dirkdiggler:
I have been accepted to the school of my choice and it came to me that in four years,
I will be starting my residency. Do they run criminal background checks, if they do,
I think that they are only allowed to go back 7 years.
I had a DUI when I was 21 and I hope it won't matter. :( :(

dirk<hr /></blockquote>Hi there,
I had to undergo a criminal background check before I started residency. The residency program required it even before I applied for a medical liscence. They can and will find out about any arrests and convictions. What they do with that information might be interesting but you need to have a good explanation for anything that is might be on a background check. In my case, they questioned neighbors, schools and ran me through several computers. I did a few protests as an underground and my arrests showed up on my criminal background checks. Answer every questions about any arrests and convictions truthfully and fully. If a program holds your youthful indescretions against your present record of good performance and maturity, do you really want to be there? :)

RevJman

10-16-2007, 03:18 PM

Hi.. I am in the process of secondary applications for medical school and very recently was arrested for DUI. I am 22 years old. Is there any chance that I can still be accepted anywhere?

Blade28

10-16-2007, 04:05 PM

Wow this is an amazing bump - over 5 years! :eek:

Try posting your question in the Pre-Allopathic forum, where you can discuss this issue with other pre-meds. It doesn't really belong here (the residency forum).

docB

10-16-2007, 05:02 PM