I really need some advice...

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whatcanido

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I was charged and convicted as a juvenile with possession of marijuana and unauthorized use of a vehicle, although my parents do acknowledge now that driving the car they gave me to school probably wasn't "unauthorized" and they were over-reacting when they called the police.
Both misdeameanors...both in the process of becoming "sealed."

I was charged with Assault and battery as an adult in 2002 and that charge was dismissed in court. I was charged with Conspiracy to launder money and conspiracy to conduct financial transactions and drugs as an adult in 2007 and those charges were nolle prosequied by the General District Court. In short, I have no convictions on my adult record. All of the adult charges were expunged last week and the order is being sent to the state police who are sending to the FBI who state they will honor the expungement...


My question is how difficult is it going to be for me to obtain a residency/DEA licence? I have just been accepted to a caribbean medical school (which has it's own stigma as it is) and I am afraid that I will spend 4 years and $200,000 only to find that I cannot obtain a residency. I have been doing some research here and have found that one student has written that on his residency application it stated:

“Applicants, who have ever, either as an adult or a juvenile, been cited, arrested, charged, convicted, or pled nolo contendere to any violation of any state or federal statute should be prepared to address the matter with the board. This includes matters that have been expunged or been subject to a diversionary program.”

I know it's just a Carib med school but I have worked very hard in the past years to be in this position and I know my unfounded charges will be a handicap. I would appreciate any advice you could give me regarding my situation.

Thank you in advance
 
whatcanido said:
I was charged and convicted as a juvenile with possession of marijuana and unauthorized use of a vehicle, although my parents do acknowledge now that driving the car they gave me to school probably wasn't "unauthorized" and they were over-reacting when they called the police.
Both misdeameanors...both in the process of becoming "sealed."

I was charged with Assault and battery as an adult in 2002 and that charge was dismissed in court. I was charged with Conspiracy to launder money and conspiracy to conduct financial transactions and drugs as an adult in 2007 and those charges were nolle prosequied by the General District Court. In short, I have no convictions on my adult record. All of the adult charges were expunged last week and the order is being sent to the state police who are sending to the FBI who state they will honor the expungement...


My question is how difficult is it going to be for me to obtain a residency/DEA licence? I have just been accepted to a caribbean medical school (which has it's own stigma as it is) and I am afraid that I will spend 4 years and $200,000 only to find that I cannot obtain a residency. I have been doing some research here and have found that one student has written that on his residency application it stated:

"Applicants, who have ever, either as an adult or a juvenile, been cited, arrested, charged, convicted, or pled nolo contendere to any violation of any state or federal statute should be prepared to address the matter with the board. This includes matters that have been expunged or been subject to a diversionary program."

I know it's just a Carib med school but I have worked very hard in the past years to be in this position and I know my unfounded charges will be a handicap. I would appreciate any advice you could give me regarding my situation.

Thank you in advance
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I have no idea. It may be a good idea to talk with a lawyer who deals with these kind of issues-- you have a couple of charges against you in the past; one seems like it could be a misunderstanding, three is kind of a pattern that the board of medicine would raise their eyebrows at.
 
Damn, I'm amazed you could get all that expunged.
 
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Talk to a lawyer before you plunk down $200k for an education you can't use. Even if you had a clean record, you should think really hard and long about if it's even worth going Carib now in light of the fact that US med school classes are expanding but no concurrent increase in residency spots. If you're very lucky, you may be doing FP residency in the middle of Idaho. If not, then you will be stuck with $200k in debt and no residency at all.
 
whatcanido said:
I was charged and convicted as a juvenile with possession of marijuana and unauthorized use of a vehicle

I was charged with Assault and battery as an adult in 2002 and that charge was dismissed in court.

I was charged with Conspiracy to launder money and conspiracy to conduct financial transactions and drugs as an adult in 2007
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Either you are the unluckiest guy I know or you need to stop committing crimes/hanging out with those that do.

Get a good lawyer and have fun explaining away 3 charges and 1 convictions.
 
That's just the thing, I have contacted lawyers, residency boards, licensing boards, the FBI, the police. They all basically say that they cannot help me because "laws are always changing" (literally what one lawyer stated to me last week).

And btw, the juvenile charges were b.s. I was at school with my parent's (extra) car and they report it stolen, (My parents happen to be completely crazy and now that I am older they often apologize for ruining my childhood) and as I am leaving at the end of my classes the school cop stops me and arrests me. And yes, I did have like 0.5g of marijuana which IS MY FAULT but come on...0.5g? really?

As for the assault charge I was 19 at the time. I was moving out for the first time against the wishes of my teary eyed mother. I literally just slid past her and as I left I she cried "I'm going to call the police." Well, she did. And I got an assault charge. She recanted her story in court; they dismissed my charge and almost charged her but she started crying (there is that craziness again).

The other charges...well...i was living with a man who i was also dating. He said he was a fighting instructor at a gym, and he did go to the gym daily, so I didn't have a reason not to believe him. I even met his gym friends. Anyway, our lease runs out so we move out and I move in to help my grandmother, who had cancer. Me and my boyfriend fight, break up, get back together, and yet see each other rarely.

One day police and swat break down the door, pointing guns at my grandmother and me, break up her house and find NOTHING. They take my car for 1 year, for NO REASON. I come to find out my "boyfriend" had 7 other aliases and girlfriends in other states. They harrass me, and take my property, but never find any drugs or money on my person or in my bank account. When they are fully satisfied that I have been duped they dismiss my charges.
 
whatcanido said:
... and as I am leaving at the end of my classes the school cop stops me and arrests me. And yes, I did have like 0.5g of marijuana which IS MY FAULT but come on...0.5g? really?
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(Italicized and underlined words in the above quote are mine.)

Character issues and criminal history are important considerations for medical school admission. Frankly, you might want to consider a non-licensed health care profession.
 
But I have sealed the juvenile charges, and expunged the adult charges at the state level and the FBI level. That has to count for something.
 
whatcanido said:
That's just the thing, I have contacted lawyers, residency boards, licensing boards, the FBI, the police. They all basically say that they cannot help me because "laws are always changing" (literally what one lawyer stated to me last week).

And btw, the juvenile charges were b.s. I was at school with my parent's (extra) car and they report it stolen, (My parents happen to be completely crazy and now that I am older they often apologize for ruining my childhood) and as I am leaving at the end of my classes the school cop stops me and arrests me. And yes, I did have like 0.5g of marijuana which IS MY FAULT but come on...0.5g? really?

As for the assault charge I was 19 at the time. I was moving out for the first time against the wishes of my teary eyed mother. I literally just slid past her and as I left I she cried "I'm going to call the police." Well, she did. And I got an assault charge. She recanted her story in court; they dismissed my charge and almost charged her but she started crying (there is that craziness again).

The other charges...well...i was living with a man who i was also dating. He said he was a fighting instructor at a gym, and he did go to the gym daily, so I didn't have a reason not to believe him. I even met his gym friends. Anyway, our lease runs out so we move out and I move in to help my grandmother, who had cancer. Me and my boyfriend fight, break up, get back together, and yet see each other rarely.

One day police and swat break down the door, pointing guns at my grandmother and me, break up her house and find NOTHING. They take my car for 1 year, for NO REASON. I come to find out my "boyfriend" had 7 other aliases and girlfriends in other states. They harrass me, and take my property, but never find any drugs or money on my person or in my bank account. When they are fully satisfied that I have been duped they dismiss my charges.
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Wow... You should document everything and keep all the evidence and records you have. If what you say is true, I don't think you will have much of an issue in getting licensed. I truly wish you the best of luck as you apparently have had a lot of the opposite. But you better make sure you can handle medical school and do well in it if you're going to be dropping $200k or more at the Caribbean. Have you considered PA school? It's faster, cheaper and definitely less risky than going to the Caribbean.
 
Sealed and expunged records may affect your chances of getting a DEA license to dispense controlled substances. But, you can do a lot in health care with a medical degree even if you can't, or do not choose to, become a licensed physician. I wish you the best of luck.
 
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Thanks Womp;
I have considered PA school, but have worked so darn hard and want to be a physician so badly. I know I can do well. I didn't do as well in my undergradute career, but then again I did have a fairly large distraction (and no vehicle) in my junior/senior year. I let that get me down, and I know I should not have. I am now absolutely committed to my education (trust me I don't plan on having much of a social life). Right now I work 6-7 days a week, alternating between EMT, waitressing and working as a medical scribe in an ER. I'm going to make it work. I really am.

If anyone has any more advice, or knows anyone in a similar situation please let me know.
 
I wouldn't risk it. 200k is a lot of money and 4 years of medical school and 3+ years for residency is a lot of time if you find out later that your training is worthless because of your past. PA school is the safer route. Sometimes we have to accept our fate in life.
 
Not even worth the risk man. As above, I would be cautious even attending a carib school given the difficulty in geting a residency spot. Add on your extensive criminal history and your history of poor performance in college and I'd say why risk $200k for a career that has its own problems as it is? I get that you really want to be a doctor, but honestly I would find another career.
 
whatcanido said:
Thanks Womp;
I have considered PA school, but have worked so darn hard and want to be a physician so badly. I know I can do well. I didn't do as well in my undergradute career, but then again I did have a fairly large distraction (and no vehicle) in my junior/senior year. I let that get me down, and I know I should not have. I am now absolutely committed to my education (trust me I don't plan on having much of a social life). Right now I work 6-7 days a week, alternating between EMT, waitressing and working as a medical scribe in an ER. I'm going to make it work. I really am.

If anyone has any more advice, or knows anyone in a similar situation please let me know.
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The thing is given the state of the health system, PA/NP isn't really a bad option, it actually makes more sense than the MD path for a lot people, especially those who want less hours (less than 60 hours a week). The vast majority of successful Carib grads go into family practice (which makes around $150k), you can essentially do pretty much the same thing as an NP, for less hours. But if you go to the Carib, you will be taking $200k loan, which will balloon to almost $300k by the time you finish your residency. If you do PA, you can make $80k right after the 3 years of PA school, and you get to train on the job while paid full salary. A few years later, you can make $100k. Also, PA's can easily switch between specialties, so you can do ICU for a few years and then maybe do orthopedics for a decade. So there's a lot of variety and career satisfaction there.

If I had the choice between Carib MD or PA, I would choose PA myself.
 
Lawyers are not helping me; I have asked several lawyers, spent thousands, and gotten vague answers regarding my questions. They just don't know.

And how am I to find a new career? I have spent years preparing for this. The only reason I did poorly in my last 1.5 years of undergrad was because I was clinically depressed due to my entire life falling apart.

You know what, when I look back I find that I am stronger than I could ever know. Not many people could go through what I did and come back for another round.
 
Look man you do what you need to do. All anyone on here can offer suggestions given the limited information we have. You are advised to consider your choice careful and consult legal advice, and offered an opinion/options you may not previously have been exposed to. In the end, as with all things in life, the choice is yours to make. Just because you went through a lot of crap in life and got a college degree isn't reason enough to go to a carib school, you need to keep your perspective and consider all possible options before taking on such a major financial and personal undertaking.
 
logic meme said:
Look man you do what you need to do. All anyone on here can offer suggestions given the limited information we have. You are advised to consider your choice careful and consult legal advice, and offered an opinion/options you may not previously have been exposed to. In the end, as with all things in life, the choice is yours to make. Just because you went through a lot of crap in life and got a college degree isn't reason enough to go to a carib school, you need to keep your perspective and consider all possible options before taking on such a major financial and personal undertaking.
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I think she's female. ["living with a man"] I could be wrong..:xf:
 
Depending on which caribbean school you are going to, you will probably be just fine. Ignore these doomsayers, and follow your dream.

Given the fact that you are female, regardless of whether it is right or not, there is likely a good deal of leeway you will have before the board, and the facts don't really reflect that badly on you. You can likely excuse it as a youthful indiscretion/stupidity. If you are as professional in person as you are in your writing, you will likely be successful. The very fact that so many lawyers and boards etc are giving you a non-committal answer is because similar cases have gone either way - which you can take as a sign that it is possible.

If you are willing to go to the carib to get your MD I don't think that a board approval or DEA license will stand much in your way. But like someone else said, if something else comes up, or this isn't the whole story, you could be in trouble.

And yet there's always Alaska!
 
Yes I am a female, and this is the whole story. And believe me nothing else will ever come up. Btw I was accepted to Ross, SGU and AUC but am going to go to Ross.
 
As I see it, you have no criminal history whatsoever. Juvenile records are sealed for a reason - they can't be used against you. The rest of your history is comprised only of arrests, with no convictions.

What is happening to this country where people think that it's ok to take adverse action against someone for an arrest record? Has everyone forgotten that it takes a critical mass of evidence beyond a reasonable doubt to convict someone of a crime? Has everyone forgotten that one can be arrested and be innocent of a crime?

What the heck is going on in this country.
 
Pardon me for being one of those "doomsayers". I guess it's because we have seen how ruthless and unfair this whole medical process can be.

Fired Hopkins doctor seeks $24M

List of Programs That Terminate Residents

It's your money and time. I think your biggest hurdle isn't matching into a residency but getting licensed by a state board once you're done. Are you willing to take such a huge gamble? What if you lose? Remember that student loans can't be forgiven even if you declare bankruptcy. Are you willing to take the chance of being in $300k in debt and with few opportunities to pay it off in your lifetime? You'll never know what it feels to own a house or have a comfortable retirement.

You may end up like our friend here, turquoiseblue. He was dismissed from residency earlier and despite getting published from Johns Hopkins he can't even get a residency interview for the past several years. He's in limbo and with few if any options.

The risk is too high. I wouldn't do it. Sometimes you have to let go of your dreams and pride for your own future good.
 
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Well now I feel completely hopeless...it's too late to apply to any graduate programs this year, especially since I haven't taken the GRE, so it's just another waste of 1.5 years of my life. Great.
 
Personally I would agree that a path like PA school may make more sense and be less risky. Back in med school I rotated with a PA student and I was a little bit jealous of her honestly...knowing how easily she would be able to switch fields if she decided she got tired of what she was doing, that her life would always be her own, and she would be done years before I would. A lot of times, PAs seem to have the luxury of spending more time with patients and end up having better connections emotionally with the patients than the doc does.
"Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should", as the saying goes. Just because you are smart and capable of being a doctor doesn't mean you should do it when there are easier, more rewarding options out there that don't pose the risk of basically ruining your life if you can't get a residency later on.
Good luck with whatever you decide, though.
 
whatcanido said:
Well now I feel completely hopeless...it's too late to apply to any graduate programs this year, especially since I haven't taken the GRE, so it's just another waste of 1.5 years of my life. Great.
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I believe that some physician's assistant programs accept the MCAT. Look into it. Even if it does turn out that you are delaying your ultimate goal a year, better that than to end up an unmatched med school graduate who (if you never did match or wound up in a residency you disliked) would feel like you've wasted four years of your life on med school.
 
Guess what. I just did some research and the same questions about expunged charges are asked of PAs when it comes time for licensure.
:scared:
 
whatcanido said:
Guess what. I just did some research and the same questions about expunged charges are asked of PAs when it comes time for licensure.
:scared:
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This is going to be a STANDARD line of questioning for any licensed position. Whether or not there were extenuating circumstances behind all of your charges, the fact remains that many people will look askance at you and some will assume some level of guilt, even if you were never convicted.

No one here, or even a lawyer, is going to be able to give you a guarantee that you can be licensed. Medical licensing boards are made up of people. The licensing process is not a given and there are subjective components to it. What one state may approve, another may not. What may get approved 1 year, may not the next (as the members of the board changes).

Only you can answer the question as to whether or not the expense and the time is worth it, if you cannot get licensed as a physician, a PA, a nurse, etc.
 
whatcanido said:
Guess what. I just did some research and the same questions about expunged charges are asked of PAs when it comes time for licensure.
:scared:
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Yeah, but I think the point is that you wouldn't have lost 4 years and 200-300K in the process if things don't go well.

The other point is that this is a major turning point in your life, and there is a lot at stake. If you want the high risk/reward scenario, you should probably go the Caribbean route. If you want to play it a little bit safer, go for PA school or something similar. It really depends on your personality. I'm a little bit more conservative, and I'd be terrified of being in debt the rest of my life with no way to pay it off. But that doesn't mean that's the right answer for you.
 
whatcanido said:
Guess what. I just did some research and the same questions about expunged charges are asked of PAs when it comes time for licensure.
:scared:
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There was another thread, where a guy who had been drinking, followed by peeing in public then arrest, plus plead guilty to disorderly conduct etc. He seemed to be calm about his future. May be you can PM him to ask him which lawyer did he use or any concerns etc.

Have you thought of doing some research work in a good lab in a state with low tuition for in state residents (providing you can meet in state criteria). This way you can do you medical education in US potentially with low debt. After graduation you can still do other non license medical work in case you can't get license. or you can do MD/MBA etc or MD/MPH to do no license medical work.

Questions to others: Does same is true for other license careers like lawyers, CPA etc?
 
Yes but my problem is I am not guilty, but evidently I am not fully innocent either. I don't know when I will have to disclose the charges verses the guy who knows he will have to explain the public urination. (because some states don't make you disclose expunged charges).

Plus the charges I was charged with were very serious, even though I am entirely innocent and went through HELL for two years to get my life back together (and still am going through it) and was found INNOCENT in a court of law and then had my charges approved for expungement, by the same commonwealth attorney who charged me, I will have to act like I am guilty? I am ashamed of this system, really, it is a mess.
 
whatcanido said:
Yes but my problem is I am not guilty, but evidently I am not fully innocent either. I don't know when I will have to disclose the charges verses the guy who knows he will have to explain the public urination. (because some states don't make you disclose expunged charges).

Plus the charges I was charged with were very serious, even though I am entirely innocent and went through HELL for two years to get my life back together (and still am going through it) and was found INNOCENT in a court of law and then had my charges approved for expungement, by the same commonwealth attorney who charged me, I will have to act like I am guilty? I am ashamed of this system, really, it is a mess.
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Just because you have to disclose these things, doesn't mean they will be held against you during licensing, unless you have something else you are hiding here. For instance, on the med school admissions application, people are asked to disclose things like institutional action (suspension, disciplinary issues, etc), and people do, it doesn't mean they are automatically rejected. The adcom looks at your reasons, circumstances and support, and then makes a decision whether it has merit or not. If what you say above is the whole truth (i.e., not guilty, charges dropped), then IMO you really don't have much to worry about when it comes to licensing. It will just be an annoyance for you to go through the motions.

Anyway good luck whatever you decide. What is your MCAT if you don't mind my asking?
 
whatcanido said:
Lawyers are not helping me; I have asked several lawyers, spent thousands, and gotten vague answers regarding my questions. They just don't know.
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I think it's more likely that you're asking the wrong lawyers, cause this sort of issue requires the expertise of someone who specializes in medical licensure law. Do a google search for professional license lawyers in your state. These lawyers have extensive background knowledge to guide you and give you solid advice based on their experience with the boards and working with many people like you who had similar issues and went through the licensing process. While nothing is absolutely certain given that everyone's situation is unique, you're not the first person to have issues on your record that may affect your ability to get licensed, and if you lay it all out for them and be completely honest, they should be able to give you a very candid assessment of the outcome you can expect based on their experience. If someone gives you vague answers, it's most likely because they don't know and thus don't want the burden of giving you advice that could cost you dearly if they happen to be wrong.

Yes of course your history will present some challenges for you when it comes to licensure, but to what degree will depend on how it's presented in your application- another reason you absolutely need a lawyer who specializes in this. If you demonstrate evidence of rehabilitation (which the lawyer will explain to you), this will play a big role in determining the outcome for you.

Whatever you do, consult with an appropriate lawyer and don't let people on a message board who don't know the full story discourage you from pursuing medicine if this is truly what you want to do with your career. Don't give up just yet.
 
whatcanido said:
Plus the charges I was charged with were very serious, even though I am entirely innocent and went through HELL for two years to get my life back together (and still am going through it) and was found INNOCENT in a court of law and then had my charges approved for expungement, by the same commonwealth attorney who charged me, I will have to act like I am guilty?
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As far as licensure is concerned, from the Board's perspective it doesn't really matter much whether you're innocent or guilty, as it sounds like the charges were dismissed/dropped, and the Board isn't in the business of prosecuting you or making judgments of this nature. They're not going to hold you responsible if the courts decided you weren't. You are, however, responsible for being completely honest and open with the Board about everything, because with issues like this, the Board essentially gives you the rope with which to hang yourself...if you choose to be dishonest, you'll be denied a license and will have no one to blame but yourself. The Board will judge your character based on your actions, and dishonesty on an application will lead to a denial of your license long before any alleged activity for which charges were dropped ever will.
 
what type of documentation do you think they will need? I have the search warrants (showed that I never had any drugs or money on my person, property, or bank accounts), arrest warrants showing the date of arrest and date the charges were dismissed, petition for expungement and expungement order. Do they need more than that?
 
whatcanido said:
what type of documentation do you think they will need? I have the search warrants (showed that I never had any drugs or money on my person, property, or bank accounts), arrest warrants showing the date of arrest and date the charges were dismissed, petition for expungement and expungement order. Do they need more than that?
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When you are finding that they will be asking about expunged records, are you sure they are referring to expunged arrest records in addition to expunged convictions? The latter is done, and I could see why they would be interested in that.
 
I think this is an obviously embellished / outright made up story for whatever purpose aside from personal entertainment I can't imagine.

"swat broke down your front door while you were caring for your grandma with cancer" COME ON!


If the lawyers / licensing boards you have supposedly contacted can't help you then SDN is not going to be of any help to you. There is a small chance this is all fantastically true, but I hope you are not taking advantage of the good will of the posters on the forum.
 
Unfortunately Chimp I'm sure they mean expunged charges or convictions, believe me I've asked.

And Pirate, don't you dare belittle my experience. I was living with my grandmother at the time and YES her cancer had come back. AND YES they did literally BREAK the door and point their guns at her first as I was in my room in the back. Paramedics had to be called because she was having chest pain. This is all documented and believe me it will be shown to the board with the other documents. Believe me, I appreciate all the help I am getting from the posters on this forum but personally I don't believe you are showing any "good will" so please don't be so eager to provide any "help." Thanks though.
 
Oh Chimp, did I mention this happened in the good ol' commonwealth of VA? Yes, well, that should tell you a little bit more of why it did happen as it did!
 
I think the situation is not quite as horrible as it may be suggested.

First, remember that each state has it's own board. I guess it's possible that some board will refuse to license you, but all 50? I doubt it.

More importantly, I'd like to think that most BOM's are made up of reasonable people. They ask for expunged records because, honestly, some people do bad things and then are very connected / rich / powerful and get their records expunged. They did something bad and now expect to get a free ride. In your case, your record was expunged because in fact you were completely innocent (taking your word for it, of course).

So, I expect that your application will get some closer scrutiny, but I expect you would actually be licensed by most boards. Can I guarantee that? No, not at all.

So what problems could you run into?

1. Not being able to match. I guess that some programs might shy away from your background. However, I bet there are plenty that will see it as a strength. Or, you might not even have to reveal it at all -- ERAS only requires that you disclose felonies and malpractice suits (notice that any medmal suit is disclosable, whether you are found guilty or not. This is for the same reason -- settling out of court to avoid a judgment can be a red flag). Hence, you shouldn't have to reveal any of this if you don't want to.

2. Not getting a training license -- It might be possible that you would be unable to get a training license because of this problem. Hence you could match, and then not be able to actually work. This is also very unlikely. Most states that have a training license system do minimal background or other checks. I would probably avoid states that require a full license before graduation (california for example) because that's just trouble you don't need.

3. Failing the background check. Most residency programs perform a background check on new hires. If this is all expunged, none of it should show up. But mistakes happen.

4. You match, finish a residency, and then have problems getting a full license. I doubt this will be an issue, although there is always some chance it will be an issue in a specific state. By this time you will have multiple years of good behavior (not to suggest your prior behavior was bad, but you know what I mean). The BOM will see this as an unfortunate incident in your past. I would definitely collect as much documentation as you possibly can to back up your statement that you did nothing wrong.

5. The Feds develop a national licensing program -- this would likely be the biggest risk you face. It's been discussed in the past, but I see no evidence of any traction. If there was a single national physician license, then you end up in an all-or-none situation. I still expect you would get licensed, but now it's a bunch of overworked administrators making this decision, and they may decide to simply cover their butts. Still, I doubt we will see this anytime soon.

No doubt, it's a risk. Talking to more lawyers is not going to be helpful. Lawyers in general don't tell you what is right/wrong/legal/illegal. They look at your situation and tell you how to make the best of it. Lawyers are right that even if it looks like you'd get a license today, no one knows what it will be like 8+ years from now when you really need a license.

I can't tell you what to do. The safe thing is to do something else. In fact, one could argue that going to the Carib for $200K in loans is a bad financial choice regardless of your other circumstances. The match is likely to get tighter / more competitive due to the increase in USMG's and DO's, and it's possible that you would not get a residency even without your legal woes. Even if you do, ending up with this much debt has serious consequences even if you do not run into trouble.

But, playing it safe tends not to yield the "big happy outcome" in the end.

In the end, it will be your decision. You'll want every other part of your application for residency to be as good as possible. Poor step scores, poor grades, and you're in trouble. If you do really well, I expect you'll be fine. You will certainly worry about this for the next 8 years though, and that can take a toll also.
 
Thank you for your insight. I think you are just about right about everything you have said. It is going to be one heck of a an uphill trek. I just need to be completely forthcoming with the board when I get to that point and give 150% up until then.

Again, thank you for your input.
 
Agree that every state board operates differently. By the time you're applying for a license, the health care needs of this country may be quite different (they are quite different within each state). Therefore, if you're willing to work in Alaska, Oklahoma, or some other less popular states, then you may have a solid chance. However, I still strongly urge you to seek legal counsel.
 
whatcanido said:
Yes but my problem is I am not guilty, but evidently I am not fully innocent either. I don't know when I will have to disclose the charges verses the guy who knows he will have to explain the public urination. (because some states don't make you disclose expunged charges).

Plus the charges I was charged with were very serious, even though I am entirely innocent and went through HELL for two years to get my life back together (and still am going through it) and was found INNOCENT in a court of law and then had my charges approved for expungement, by the same commonwealth attorney who charged me, I will have to act like I am guilty? I am ashamed of this system, really, it is a mess.
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I'm sorry, but you are getting worked up on an internet forum reacting to the opinions mostly of people who are still in training and who have never applied for licenses, much less hospital privileges.

As someone who has experience in hospital credentialling, and who currently sits both on the credentialling committee of a hospital and a PHO and on the governing board of a hospital, I would tell you that from what I have read of your situation that you would be eligible both for a state license and for hospital privileges.

Good grief, you were arrested and charged, but all the cases were dismissed, if I am reading correctly. NO felony convictions, just accusations.

You will have to be completely honest in your applications about these incidents, because they will turn up on background checks, along with the fact that no convictions arose from them.

Good luck in school.
 
Thank you! I have been getting a lot of positive feedback from residency and licensing boards as well recently...so I'm going to go for it!

Thanks for all your advice!
 
The past legal stuff could be somewhat of an issue, but I doubt would keep you from getting a license in most states. It will be more of an issue when trying to get a license vs. when trying to get a residency. I agree with APD...would avoid California and some of the others states that are a PIA for licensing (at least would avoid them as far as doing residency there).

I am more worried about you going to a Caribbean school in general. I think it would be safer to wait a year or two and try to go for a US school. Have you thought about DO schools? It would be easier and safer to get a residency from one of those vs. a Caribbean school I think. Going to a Caribbean school is a huge risk and for someone with a patchy past academic record it is even more risky. I'm not judging you as a person - in fact I commend you for how hard you are striving to do this (medicine) despite all you've come through in the past. I am worried that you, like a lot of people who go to Caribbean schools, haven't thought this through enough. You are just thinking about what you want and maybe not about the best way to get it. Be sure you are academically ready before you go down there. 99% of people who go down there doubtless think they are going to pass and get a residency, but a lot of them don't. You don't want to be one of those bad statistics.

p.s. I wonder if it is wise to go to Ross over SGU? I recently had a med student rotate w/me who was from Ross and was quite good, but I know SGU is supposed to have better USMLE pass rates, and that's sort of the be-all and end-all if you're from the Caribbean and want to match in the U.S. Even if it costs more, it might be worth the money. I still think the best course would be to stay in the US and be a PA, optometrist, physical therapist or pull up your grades for a couple years and go for a US MD or DO school. That is advice from someone who has been there (med school and residency I mean...).
 
whatcanido said:
That's just the thing, I have contacted lawyers, residency boards, licensing boards, the FBI, the police. They all basically say that they cannot help me because "laws are always changing" (literally what one lawyer stated to me last week).

And btw, the juvenile charges were b.s. I was at school with my parent's (extra) car and they report it stolen, (My parents happen to be completely crazy and now that I am older they often apologize for ruining my childhood) and as I am leaving at the end of my classes the school cop stops me and arrests me. And yes, I did have like 0.5g of marijuana which IS MY FAULT but come on...0.5g? really?

As for the assault charge I was 19 at the time. I was moving out for the first time against the wishes of my teary eyed mother. I literally just slid past her and as I left I she cried "I'm going to call the police." Well, she did. And I got an assault charge. She recanted her story in court; they dismissed my charge and almost charged her but she started crying (there is that craziness again).

The other charges...well...i was living with a man who i was also dating. He said he was a fighting instructor at a gym, and he did go to the gym daily, so I didn't have a reason not to believe him. I even met his gym friends. Anyway, our lease runs out so we move out and I move in to help my grandmother, who had cancer. Me and my boyfriend fight, break up, get back together, and yet see each other rarely.

One day police and swat break down the door, pointing guns at my grandmother and me, break up her house and find NOTHING. They take my car for 1 year, for NO REASON. I come to find out my "boyfriend" had 7 other aliases and girlfriends in other states. They harrass me, and take my property, but never find any drugs or money on my person or in my bank account. When they are fully satisfied that I have been duped they dismiss my charges.
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Wow...that is quite the bag of bad luck!!!! 🙁 If that is all true you should be able to argue your case very well, esp if as noted below you record Everything. Also - if I were you I would look for a better lawyer. One who will actually help you instead of spouting bs. haha

womp said:
Wow... You should document everything and keep all the evidence and records you have. If what you say is true, I don't think you will have much of an issue in getting licensed. I truly wish you the best of luck as you apparently have had a lot of the opposite. But you better make sure you can handle medical school and do well in it if you're going to be dropping $200k or more at the Caribbean. Have you considered PA school? It's faster, cheaper and definitely less risky than going to the Caribbean.
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👍👍👍👍 I second this. I hope that all goes well for you! Sorry that I can't be of any help! 🙁 :luck:
 
whatcanido said:
And Pirate, don't you dare belittle my experience. I was living with my grandmother at the time and YES her cancer had come back. AND YES they did literally BREAK the door and point their guns at her first as I was in my room in the back. Paramedics had to be called because she was having chest pain. This is all documented and believe me it will be shown to the board with the other documents. Believe me, I appreciate all the help I am getting from the posters on this forum but personally I don't believe you are showing any "good will" so please don't be so eager to provide any "help." Thanks though.
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Well I'm sure you understand that some people are going to be skeptical of your story because frankly it does sound creative (perhaps the explanation is that you are just very good at recounting the events). It is a testament to my ignorance that such things could happen to one person.
 
dragon--I have thought about waiting and applying for DO, but 1) I don't want to be restricted to the US and 2) I feel I am getting too old to wait and apply, fail, repeat...and I feel like I have a legitimate chance of making it at Ross. I have done research and spoken to people who went to Ross, have obtained residencies and are now practicing in the US as well as to people who failed and are now back in the US trying to figure their lives out. The difference is that some people go down there and keep up their bad habits from undergrad. Some just aren't cut out for med school, it's true. I'm not trying to make up excuses, it was my fault that I had a 3.2 GPA and a 26M MCAT, but I also was going through 2 major felony "trials" (they didn't go to trial but I didn't know it at that time) during my junior year into my senior year (even though they came out to nothing and were dismissed I didn't and couldn't quit school).

I have done some research and it seems that SGU is comparable to Ross as far as residency goes (for the majority of programs that is), for much much more tuition. It just isn't worth it to me.

And Pirate...I know, it was like a horrible nightmare to me too...like something I would watch on Law and Order or something. But it did happen.
 
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