-Yup, they do background checks
-It's going to come up in a background check, especially if you are convicted
-You're going to have to mention it on applications before the background check part even comes up
-Not sure how much it will hurt, my guess is that it will
-I've heard that a DUI can cause licensing issues, which is why med schools do background checks
-Get an attorney, have him/her go to work, check all this out for you, direct your questions to him/her.
-DO schools are not going to be any 'cooler' about a DUI than an MD school
-Sorry if this sounds harsh. I'm sure there is an explanation, but the bottom line is that it is going to come up, people have gotten into med school with DUIs, but it's something that you will need to explain/convince adcoms to accept you inspite of.