Do I even have a shot at an MD with my background?

[mdo01]

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Hello,

I am a 31 yr old engineer who is seriously considering going back to school for my MD. However, I fear there are a number of possible roadblocks and would appreciate any feedback.

I have a sordid past as a youngster. Several drug possession convictions (as a minor) and one marijuana conviction when I was 18. All of the convictions were misdemeanors. The other blemish is a DUI when I was 21. Also a misdemeanor.

Since then my record is spotless and I have cleaned up my act considerably.

So my questions are as follows:

1. Given my record, is there any chance of being accepted to a medical school (in the US) or obtaining the required licensing to practice medicine?

2. If number 1 is yes, do any medical schools accept Jr College to 4-yr transfer students? Or do most require all 4 years be completed at a university.

Thanks,

MDO

 

[DrMidlife]

#1: You have to disclose felonies, but typically not misdemeanors. Over the last couple of years there have been a number of discussions, in this forum and others, about applying with a DUI conviction, so try some searches for more details.

#2: CC work is acceptable but not ideal, and I don't think you have a problem. If your GPA is strong (3.5+), and your MCAT is strong (30+), and your premed prereqs are done at a 4yr, nobody is going to question CC coursework. Typically med schools like to see some recent rigorous coursework when you've been out of school for a while, which should be done at a 4yr.

Best of luck to you.

 

[ChairmanMao]

With your background, I'd say that you should do your pre-requisites and degree at a 4 year college rather than a junior or community college. You want your application to be as strong as possible (although community college credit is OK at some schools - they're not universally accepted) - make sure that the GPA is above 3.5 and that your MCAT score is within the 90th percentile.

Your criminal conviction will likely play a major role in the admission committee's decision. A DUI and a drug conviction, even if it's been 10 years, are a pretty serious offense. I heard from one of the Adcoms on the board that only about 1% of applicants have a DUI or drug possession charge, so there are going to be a lot of qualified applicants who don't have a criminal background applying - and medical schools will accept those applicants before they accept someone such as yourself. This isn't to say that you won't be able to get into any school, but your choices will be limited and you will have to be better and more competitive than most of the other candidates who are applying to a particular school. Be prepared to explain your previous indiscretions to the Adcoms when you do get a chance to apply.

 

[FutureDrB]

Sorry to sound cliché, but if you want it badly enough…do it

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t and don’t take no for an answer.

You will probably have to prove yourself more than others, but it’s not impossible.

I’m in a very similar boat. My situation is worse, but hopefully I will have it cleared up before application time. If not, I’m still going to apply. Do you want to look back and wonder “what if?” And if you don’t get in. Apply again.

 

[njbmd]

Hello,

I am a 31 yr old engineer who is seriously considering going back to school for my MD. However, I fear there are a number of possible roadblocks and would appreciate any feedback.

I have a sordid past as a youngster. Several drug possession convictions (as a minor) and one marijuana conviction when I was 18. All of the convictions were misdemeanors. The other blemish is a DUI when I was 21. Also a misdemeanor.

Since then my record is spotless and I have cleaned up my act considerably.

So my questions are as follows:

1. Given my record, is there any chance of being accepted to a medical school (in the US) or obtaining the required licensing to practice medicine?

2. If number 1 is yes, do any medical schools accept Jr College to 4-yr transfer students? Or do most require all 4 years be completed at a university.

Thanks,

MDO

Do your own criminal background check and see what comes up. After that, get legal representation before you invest thousands of dollars for something that is not going to work out. A good employment legal adviser can give you the best advice in terms of what you should do based on your background. While you may get into a medical school, you may have difficulty with residency (hospitals are more stringent than medical schools when it comes to criminal background checks). Make sure you KNOW your rights (rather than sitting around and wishing) by spending some money to make sure you get the best legal advice about your situation and future employment/licensure as a physician. I sit on a state medical license board and I can tell you that it's going to get worse rather than better for folks who have previous convictions (misdemeanor or not).