Accepted with a criminal record

[TheOhioState]

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Hey all,

I have a friend (and that friend is not me lol) who is applying right now with a misdemeanor drug possession that occurred 3.5 to 4 years ago. He has had two interviews so far and is awaiting decisions. Are there any on SDN who have been accepted despite a misdemeanor drug conviction? I'll try to explain his circumstances while maintaining some level of anonymity. He and a friend experimented with a drug, the friend started freaking out and called 911, and then he was charged afterwards because since he took the drug he "possessed it." Also, he went through a drug treatment program and had it all expunged. The rest of his application is stellar (36 MCAT, 3.8 sGPA, lots of clinical, community, and research experience). He disclosed the offense on the secondaries because he wants to be up front about it all.

 

[BlackBox]

If it doesn't come up on the Certi screening, it doesn't exist (assuming he never had to report it in his secondaries). I beleive he/she (definitely not you lol) can do a self background check through the same service the AAMC uses.

 

[darklabel]

Well the problem with drug charges is that as a physician, your friend will have access to writing prescriptions and such. Prescription drug abuse is a big problem and physicians are known to abuse it, especially benzodiazepines.

Hopefully adcoms will look over this, but it certainly is a negative. People have been accepted before for old charges, such as driving impaired, but I don't know if they have been accepted with a drug charge.

 

[TheOhioState]

Well the problem with drug charges is that as a physician, your friend will have access to writing prescriptions and such. Prescription drug abuse is a big problem and physicians are known to abuse it, especially benzodiazepines.

Hopefully adcoms will look over this, but it certainly is a negative. People have been accepted before for old charges, such as driving impaired, but I don't know if they have been accepted with a drug charge.

That's too bad. To me, it seems like a DUI is worse because you are endangering the lives of yourself and others. Thanks for your input!

 

[TheOhioState]

If it doesn't come up on the Certi screening, it doesn't exist (assuming he never had to report it in his secondaries). I beleive he/she (definitely not you lol) can do a self background check through the same service the AAMC uses.

Ah, that is not quite true. Once clinical rotations begin, the hospital background checks could find it and you could be dismissed from medical school. Also, if a licensing board finds it, they may contact the medical school and residency program and you could be in a world of hurt (they can and have rescinded a degree after graduation).

 

[fastlane]

Yeah, tons of people are accepted every year with a criminal background. People make mistakes. It is good that it occurred 3.5 - 4 years ago (when you were a teenager?), you got your act together, and didn't make any mistakes again. Being honest and upfront about it occurring in your past is KEY and shows your honesty and maturity. That is all that matters. Don't get in trouble with the law again or you're done for come residency time.

 

[BlackBox]

Ah, that is not quite true. Once clinical rotations begin, the hospital background checks could find it and you could be dismissed from medical school. Also, if a licensing board finds it, they may contact the medical school and residency program and you could be in a world of hurt (they can and have rescinded a degree after graduation).

Maybe someone would eventually find it (probably impossible due to expungement). But even if they did, I don't think a medical school could penalize you for something they never inquired about in the first place. The real question is, do you legally have to report it based on the expungement?

I guess at the end of the day, your friend has already applied. The absolute best advice would be to contact a lawyer who specializes in licensing.

Whatever happens- GL to him/her

 

[Lil Mick]

I was--same timeline and stats, disclosed when needed. As for licensing, in my state, possession charges do not preclude obtaining a license. Felony distribution, manufacture, or falsifying a prescription do. Send me a PM or have your friend send me a PM if you want to talk about it (interviews, licensing questions...). Happy to help 🙂