Criminal background ERAS question

[idlewildMD]

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Hey guys,

Background: when I was 20 (I'm 27 now) I was charged with a relatively serious misdemeanor crime (difficult to explain merely as youthful indiscretion but I am deeply ashamed of it and absolutely will not be something I would repeat). In my state, I went through a youth offender program and after completing probation/community service, no conviction was entered into my record (i.e. sealed from public view). Also, I have had a completely clean record since then.

I will be applying for residency soon, and looked through the ERAS application and came across this question:

"Is there anything in your past history that would limit your ability to be licensed or to receive hospital privileges?"

While I know I can answer "no" for "Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor in the United States?" I am unsure how to answer the previous question. It appears to be a catch-all and there doesn't be any way other than completely disclosing the details of the incident. I was wondering how other people in a similar situation have tackled this issue and what steps I can take to put my best foot moving forward?

 

[Winged Scapula]

As with all other questions of this type, the prevailing wisdom seems to be that it is better to disclose it rather than conceal it and have it be a reason to deny you a medical license.

 

[gutonc]

As with all other questions of this type, the prevailing wisdom seems to be that it is better to disclose it Rather than conceal it and have it be a reason to deny you a medical license.

The other part of the prevailing wisdom is that you should ask a lawyer, not a bunch of med students and doctors.

One more thing to keep in mind is that this...

"Is there anything in your past history that would limit your ability to be licensed or to receive hospital privileges?"

...is virtually unanswerable for anything other than a felony conviction simply because there are 50 different licensing authorities in the US w/ 50 different sets of rules. And don't even get me started on hospital privileges...I'm privileged at 4 different hospitals in the same local hospital system and had to complete different privileging processes at each one of them, never mind the 3 other hospital systems where I now have privileges.

 

[thierryhenry]

If it is sealed or dismissed then I think you are ok.

The background check for residency at my hospital when asked about convictions also stated (that were not dismissed or expunged). Others bring up the issue about working in the VA with a more intense background check so I can not comment on that.

 

[gutonc]

If it is sealed or dismissed then I think you are ok.

The background check for residency at my hospital when asked about convictions also stated (that were not dismissed or expunged). Others bring up the issue about working in the VA with a more intense background check so I can not comment on that.

Which is why I suggest talking to a lawyer.

 

[Arch Guillotti]

If it is sealed or dismissed then I think you are ok.

Disclose it.

 

[xrevision]

Talk to a lawyer who deals with medical board issues.

 

[ssttrrbbk]

if you are taking votes I third the lawyer option.

 

[ioh]

Not sure if you could get an official answer from ERAS regarding your situation, but I would consider trying that as well. If not, I'll add my voice to the above votes of disclosing it or an appropriate lawyer.

 

[TexasPhysician]

A youth offense without conviction should in no way limit your ability to get a license in my opinion. I would answer no if it were me and move on. If you are unsure, consult an attorney.

If every med student that was arrested at some point couldn't get a license, 90% of physicians would be out.

 

[gutonc]

A youth offense without conviction should in no way limit your ability to get a license in my opinion. I would answer no if it were me and move on. If you are unsure, consult an attorney.

If every med student that was arrested at some point couldn't get a license, 90% of physicians would be out.

The OP was an adult (20) when it happened so not a youth offense (youthful perhaps, but not in the eyes of the law).

But I also agree that most of the things that are discussed in these types of posts won't prevent someone from getting a license...unless they're not disclosed or are truly stricken from the record. So...again...spend a little money on an attorney.

 

[dozitgetchahi]

A youth offense without conviction should in no way limit your ability to get a license in my opinion. I would answer no if it were me and move on. If you are unsure, consult an attorney.

If every med student that was arrested at some point couldn't get a license, 90% of physicians would be out.

I agree with the 'consult an attorney' part.

But jeez, dude, how many docs do you think have ever been arrested? I don't think I know anyone in the medical field who has...

 

[Hoju]

I agree with the 'consult an attorney' part.

But jeez, dude, how many docs do you think have ever been arrested? I don't think I know anyone in the medical field who has...

You know them, they just don't talk about it.