Criminal background checks and drug testing before matriculation

[Sparky Man]

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Hey everyone,

I'm heading to WashU this fall and received a form last week requesting permission to run a criminal background check over the last ten years. Also, we will be drug tested when we arrive.

Are any other schools doing this? The letter hinted that most schools will be doing this soon.

What do you all think of it?

Sparky

 

[BaylorGuy]

dont toke 4 weeks prior to matriculation....

 

[CanIMakeIt]

dont do drugs 4 weeks prior to matriculation....

Ha ha ha Good advice.......

I think it is going to become a standard practice throughout US ...that's what I have heard....haven't heard anything regarding this from UNC though...

 

[Dr. Donkey]

Is this furreal? I'm planning on going to Amsterdam this summer 😡

Also, we will be drug tested when we arrive.

Sparky

 

[Sparky Man]

Is this furreal? I'm planning on going to Amsterdam this summer 😡

Hmmm....that may not be a good idea

 

[virilep]

Is this furreal? I'm planning on going to Amsterdam this summer 😡

ditto... i have to do some checking. i really wonder how that works, because legally, it's ok. but i dunno about when u come back. cuz ur not doing anything illegal.

 

[Dr. Donkey]

I don't think schools care at all about that. There's probably some law saying that you're expected to abide by US laws while abroad (the gov't just can't enforce it).

ditto... i have to do some checking. i really wonder how that works, because legally, it's ok. but i dunno about when u come back. cuz ur not doing anything illegal.

 

[liverotcod]

Is this furreal? I'm planning on going to Amsterdam this summer 😡

Just enjoy the sights of Amsterdam, instead of the smells.

 

[Dr. Donkey]

I'm not amused 😉 . I've already had to give up too much fun for medical school.

Do you think they would have to give you some warning in the checklist for matriculation information that most schools give out (as was the case with WashU). It would be pretty crappy if a school just passed out cups on the first day of orientation. Besides, if they did the latter, I would expect that a surprising number of students would fail.

Just enjoy the sights of Amsterdam, instead of the smells.

 

[Dr. Donkey]

Drug tests are total BS anyway. Free base coke? Smoke meth? LSD? Anyone for some crack ("it's GREAT!"). Give it a day or two and you'll be fine. But bud, you're screwed. It's a flawed method.

 

[uptoolate]

I had random drug tests as an EMT, so I was kind of expecting this. BTW- you might want to stay away from poppy seed bagels,too. 😉

 

[Scarletbegonias]

That's pretty ridiculous to test incoming students after a summer vacation (for some). I can maybe understand it a few months into the program, if legally entities really should be allowed to test their employees, students, etc, which is pretty questionable. Is it too late to say yes to an acceptance at a different school? I know the deadline has passed, but there are always extenuating circumstances. If someone is using drugs, it will probably get in the way of success at medical school even without the screening. It's a waste of time and money for all parties involved to test incoming students.

 

[liverotcod]

I should think they have the right to do random testing before you see patients, and in fact may be required to do so in some states. But for preclinical it seems too invasive.

 

[Dr. Donkey]

I really doubt schools would do this without warning. I think they'd get a nasty surprise.

 

[deuist]

There's probably some law saying that you're expected to abide by US laws while abroad (the gov't just can't enforce it).

Nope, there is no such law. Bill Clinton actually got busted for saying, "I never broke the laws of my country," when asked if he had ever done drugs. While technically not a lie---you can do whatever you want abroad---his actions were frowned upon as being dishonest.

My statements only apply to drugs. I think that there are some provisions for American behavior regarding slavery and the sex trade.

 

[Dr. Donkey]

Well that's a damn shame...there goes the second half of my vacation (to Thailand).

My statements only apply to drugs. I think that there are some provisions for American behavior regarding slavery and the sex trade.

So, the fact that it wouldn't be illegal probably still doesn't clear one from the medical school folks. I suspect their arguement might be that it doesn't matter where you did it, it still means you're at risk for blah blah. If they denied your matriculation based on something like this (i.e. Amsterdam reveling) would it be illegal on their part? I'm guessing probably not.

 

[liverotcod]

Well that's a damn shame...there goes the second half of my vacation (to Thailand).

Sounds like your summer is going to be much, much, MUCH more fun than mine.

 

[stoic]

my school made us pay for a criminal background check (i passed). i have no idea about the drug test... i know they didn't test last year but i'm thinking it would be wise to behave as if there was one.... just in case.

 

[Sparky Man]

I remember a thread a while back where this guy was asking if he should lie on his amcas (he had a conviction of some sort).

So, the upside is at least it will stop people like that...

 

[BaylorGuy]

anyone who is interested in any of these types of things can check out this really good website. www.erowid.org

Its pretty much up to date on everything and breaks everything down by chemistry, law, affects on the body, etc. Its a good resource of knowledge and may help when we are residents working late in the ER and we get some kid who OD'ed on something.

As for amsterdam....that sucks...i would say have fun till a week or 2 before matriculation. If you are active, have a good metabolism, and haven't been smoking for a long time you should be fine...otherwise, you're screwed

 

[myodana]

I really doubt schools would do this without warning. I think they'd get a nasty surprise.

yeah, i THINK that there's a law that you have to sign a consent form if your drug test is going to have consequences... there was a thread about this here a while back. makes me a bit nervous...