Arrest record but was dismissed. What to do about residency application?

[FattySlug]

So 6 years ago I was arrested and charged for a not sex/drugs/violence crime but the case was then dismissed for lack of prosecution after I finished community service. The ERAS asks if there is anything in my background that will limit my ability to get a license. I am planning to say yes and just explain my situation. It seems like the safest thing to do at this point though it may affect me getting interview invites. Should I even ask for opinion from my Dean? Or just disclose it and be done with it? Thank you very much.

I did talk to a few lawyers and they agree it is unlikely for me to be rejected given the circumstances even though they judge these cases individually.

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[colbgw02]

Well, this won't limit your ability to get a license, so I think you could truthfully answer "no" to that question and move on. However, I would probably just disclose it, particularly if it would cause me angst wondering whether or not it would come back to bite me.

By the way, that's a pretty stupid way for ERAS to phrase that question. The overwhelming majority of ERAS users are MSIVs, who aren't yet in a position to know exactly what will keep someone from getting licensed.

 

[FattySlug]

Well, this won't limit your ability to get a license, so I think you could truthfully answer "no" to that question and move on. However, I would probably just disclose it, particularly if it would cause me angst wondering whether or not it would come back to bite me.

By the way, that's a pretty stupid way for ERAS to phrase that question. The overwhelming majority of ERAS users are MSIVs, who aren't yet in a position to know exactly what will keep someone from getting licensed.

I am planning to just say yes and explain myself but I worry about chances of getting interview invites. Who knows how they classify applications. Honestly I don't believe I would have trouble getting licensed over this but they might have different opinions.

 

[KindOfScared]

I would answer NO to that question. If you had a misdemeanor charge that was dismissed 6 years ago there is no way I would disclose that unless specifically asked about arrests, which ERAS does not.

No reason to divulge information at this point unless you have to, especially since it will likely affect your interview invites.

 

[FattySlug]

Quick question. When you apply for license do you do that on your own or you have to go through the residency system/application in some way?

 

[colbgw02]

Quick question. When you apply for license do you do that on your own or you have to go through the residency system/application in some way?

Depends. Training licenses go through your program(s). Unrestricted licenses are on your own, although there will be some forms that your internship/residency will have to fill out to ensure you've had the recognize amount of GME.

 

[FattySlug]

Depends. Training licenses go through your program(s). Unrestricted licenses are on your own, although there will be some forms that your internship/residency will have to fill out to ensure you've had the recognize amount of GME.

Thank you. So for the training license there would be some form of this question then? I dont mind answering yes to arrest and explain it if thats what they are specifically ask for. It is annoying to phrase question like this.

 

[IJL]

Thank you. So for the training license there would be some form of this question then? I dont mind answering yes to arrest and explain it if thats what they are specifically ask for. It is annoying to phrase question like this.

It really just depends on the state and program. For my training license I just had to get a form signed and sent to the medical board from my PD saying that I would be a resident at program X. Otherwise I dealt directly with the board. This is very state dependent though.

Edit: And some states only ask about felony convictions, some ask about misdemeanor convictions, and others ask about arrests.

 

[colbgw02]

Thank you. So for the training license there would be some form of this question then? I dont mind answering yes to arrest and explain it if thats what they are specifically ask for. It is annoying to phrase question like this.

My recollection is that they ask something like, "Other than minor traffic violations, have you ever been convicted, pled not guilty to, or pled nolo contendere to a _____?" The blank can vary. Sometimes it says crime, sometimes just felon, sometimes felon or misdemenaor. I don't ever recall getting asked about arrests for licensing or credentialing, and an arrest that goes nowhere will no way impede your ability to be licensed.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Answer the question "no". It will almost certainly not affect your ability to get a training license, nor a full license.