Medical School and Drunk Driving!!!

Started by Super21
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

Browse articles Compare schools My application plan Read Interview Feedback
Practice for interviews Ask an Advisor
S

Super21

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
So, obvious getting a DWI is pretty crappy and will ruin anybodies career! But ever since I was accepted into Medical School I have never been so damn scared about getting pulled over even after having one drink. Everytime I'm getting ready to go out I think to myself, one/two drinks and if more take a cab back home. Its gotten to the point where Im kindda scared to go out. I have tons of friends that are medical students/residents/new physicians and they all tell me the same advise... "dont get a DWI, you can kiss your medical career goodbye!"

Has anyone felt this way since being accepted into medical and do you know of people in medical school that was really affected by it?
 
never had a problem. thas why you take a DD with you, wingman!
 
Super21 said:
So, obvious getting a DWI is pretty crappy and will ruin anybodies career! But ever since I was accepted into Medical School I have never been so damn scared about getting pulled over even after having one drink. Everytime I'm getting ready to go out I think to myself, one/two drinks and if more take a cab back home. Its gotten to the point where Im kindda scared to go out. I have tons of friends that are medical students/residents/new physicians and they all tell me the same advise... "dont get a DWI, you can kiss your medical career goodbye!"

Has anyone felt this way since being accepted into medical and do you know of people in medical school that was really affected by it?
Click to expand...

I don't drink, so I don't have this problem. Drinking is bad for you anyway, so if it worries you, then don't drink. Besides, getting a DWI/DUI isn't the worst thing that can happen if you drink and drive.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
jkhamlin said:
I don't drink, so I don't have this problem. Drinking is bad for you anyway, so if it worries you, then don't drink. Besides, getting a DWI/DUI isn't the worst thing that can happen if you drink and drive.
Click to expand...

Like DrMax would say:

This comment should make someone angry, pissed, furious or all the above in 5 4 3 2 1.........
 
Bill_252001 said:
come on people, its ok not to drink. I don't drink either, i use to, not any more.
Click to expand...

I think it's great if you don't drink. But to those that do, all im saying just becareful out there cuz you don't wanna throw all your hard work down the drain. And its just not drinking, but fighting, drugs, etc....
 
i think the worst thing about the DUI is that it may indicate that you are irresponsible and unable to make right decissions...which for a doctor is not the best thing.
I also think that driving after even one drink and having a car accident will not do you any good. We all know that **** happens and even if you are totally fine after one drink you never know.

I don't drink so i am usually a designated driver for my friends😀
 
OP:
What are you worried about? If a cop starts to light you up, run! Drop that biotch into fifth and smoke the piggy.

J/k. I feel the same way. My advice would be limit your alcohol consumption to two beers if you know that you will be driving eventually. If that makes you uncomfortable, dont drink at all. Cabs are relatively cheap alternatives to DUI's.
 
Tired said:
Check out this thread in the Allo forum.

(Just ignore the rants between OncoCaP and me)

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=349023
Click to expand...

This is exactly what im talking about! Thank you so much for posting this. The reason why I bring this up is bc a friend of mine who recently became an MD continuously tells me not to drink and drive, which i really don't! and he has told me horror stories about some friends of his that can NOT get a residency bc of DWI's! and last night a friend called me to get him out of jail for driving under the influence, but not really drunk! So today I cant get it out of my head!

These guy from the thread posted is sooo screwed!!!
 
It shouldn't take a med school acceptance to strike the fear of a DUI into folks.

OP- I find my method a lot easier. If I'm going to drive, I don't drink at all.

"Let's see, each drink is 0.02%, but I burned off 0.02% each hour, so if I have four beers but it's been two hours, I should be fine..." Once you start with that, it's a dangerous game.

If you drive, don't drink. Next time you go out and don't have to drive, make up for it.
 
notdeadyet said:
It shouldn't take a med school acceptance to strike the fear of a DUI into folks.

OP- I find my method a lot easier. If I'm going to drive, I don't drink at all.

"Let's see, each drink is 0.02%, but I burned off 0.02% each hour, so if I have four beers but it's been two hours, I should be fine..." Once you start with that, it's a dangerous game.

If you drive, don't drink. Next time you go out and don't have to drive, make up for it.
Click to expand...

First of all im not asking for advise, but thank you tho! Im just saying to be careful!
 
Well.. if worse comes to worse, and you get a DUI, your med career might be over. But, you can still run for president. 😛
 
MJB said:
Technically, the bad thing referred to can happen anytime, anywhere...definitely not exclusive to drinking and driving.

Best solution is to just not do it.
Click to expand...

45% of wrecks are caused by drunk driving. Can it happen without alcohol being involved? Sure, but alcohol causes almost as much as all other causes combined. Sobering thought, and something we should all be mindful of as future physicians. (pun intended 😀 )
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Super21 said:
So, obvious getting a DWI is pretty crappy and will ruin anybodies career! But ever since I was accepted into Medical School I have never been so damn scared about getting pulled over even after having one drink. Everytime I'm getting ready to go out I think to myself, one/two drinks and if more take a cab back home. Its gotten to the point where Im kindda scared to go out. I have tons of friends that are medical students/residents/new physicians and they all tell me the same advise... "dont get a DWI, you can kiss your medical career goodbye!"

Has anyone felt this way since being accepted into medical and do you know of people in medical school that was really affected by it?
Click to expand...

There's a simple solution to your dilema, just dont drive at all if you plan on even having a drink! As a person who's lost a cousin to drunk driver, i would like to hope that you would not get behind the wheel wheter its one drink or five. not only are you putting yourself at risk, but everyone that drives near you is at risk as well. Just take a cab there and back...no sense in worrying about a DUI and med school..just dont put yourself in that situation in the first place.
 
jkhamlin said:
45% of wrecks are caused by drunk driving. Can it happen without alcohol being involved? Sure, but alcohol causes almost as much as all other causes combined. Sobering thought, and something we should all be mindful of as future physicians. (pun intended 😀 )
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure you just made that up or confused the percentage of crash fatalities w/ % of car accidents involving alcohol. 7% is much lower than 45%.

NHTSA estimates that alcohol was involved in 39 percent of fatal crashes and in 7 percent of all crashes in 2004.

Source: http://www.alcoholalert.com/drunk-driving-statistics.html
 
jkhamlin said:
I don't drink, so I don't have this problem. Drinking is bad for you anyway, so if it worries you, then don't drink. Besides, getting a DWI/DUI isn't the worst thing that can happen if you drink and drive.
Click to expand...

Just one more thing. I am not advocating drinking and driving, because I personally think it is incredibly immoral. That being said, alcohol is not "bad for you" when consumed in moderation. In fact, there are many health benefits to having an occasional drink. If you go out for dinner and have 2 drinks with your meal, I can assure you that the vast majority of individuals would have a BAC of less than .01% by the time they left.

People who have been up all day/night (most med students) are equivalently "drunker" than that when they hit the roads.

Anyways, just wanted to present alcohol's side of the story.
Source:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcohol/SC00024

On that note, I'm going to go get a beer out of the fridge right now.
 
Super21 said:
So, obvious getting a DWI is pretty crappy and will ruin anybodies career! But ever since I was accepted into Medical School I have never been so damn scared about getting pulled over even after having one drink. Everytime I'm getting ready to go out I think to myself, one/two drinks and if more take a cab back home. Its gotten to the point where Im kindda scared to go out. I have tons of friends that are medical students/residents/new physicians and they all tell me the same advise... "dont get a DWI, you can kiss your medical career goodbye!"

Has anyone felt this way since being accepted into medical and do you know of people in medical school that was really affected by it?
Click to expand...


LOL! I don't drink anymore. I am an old married woman with four kids. Those days are long over. :meanie: So, to answer your question...no, haven't felt that way. :laugh: I have always been against drinking and driving though. Even in my younger, wilder days I would take a cab to and from the bars. 🙄
 
cbenedic said:
There's a simple solution to your dilema, just dont drive at all if you plan on even having a drink! As a person who's lost a cousin to drunk driver, i would like to hope that you would not get behind the wheel wheter its one drink or five. not only are you putting yourself at risk, but everyone that drives near you is at risk as well. Just take a cab there and back...no sense in worrying about a DUI and med school..just dont put yourself in that situation in the first place.
Click to expand...

While am very sorry that your cousin died due to someone's stupidity, I hope that no one here has a problem with a casual drink or two WITH dinner. That seems unreasonable to me since I often have a beer or two with dinner if I'm out with the S/O.
 
bobo said:
you must be really fun to hang out with
Click to expand...

There is nothing wrong with not drinking! and those that don't drink are rather fun its those that resort to drinking for fun that have the problem. Don't drink and drive period. You should be worried because it could sully your future. Don't be stupid. If you are scarred then the law it doing its job at intimidating those that would normally drink if there weren't any consequences. I have no problem with people drinking I have a problem with drinking and driving, becoming irritable drunkards ie. violent and stupid. Now if you don't fit into these categories by all means have some fun if you do then take responsibility for yourself and realize that it isn't for you.
 
not for med school reasons, but i've been terrified to drink even a splash of parrot bay and get behind the wheel after i was told that you could get a dui if you have any alcohol in you and any sort of accident happens! (that was a long sentence :S) Very snowy roads today and i refused to drive to the grocery store after my very mild cocktail.
 
edge_of_me said:
not for med school reasons, but i've been terrified to drink even a splash of parrot bay and get behind the wheel after i was told that you could get a dui if you have any alcohol in you and any sort of accident happens! (that was a long sentence :S) Very snowy roads today and i refused to drive to the grocery store after my very mild cocktail.
Click to expand...

Snowy roads?!?! In Arizona?!?! We don't have snow in NY!!!😡 :laugh:
BTW, I am the same way you are. I won't drive if I have had anything to drink.
 
drmax said:
Speaking of which I had people over to my dad's house the other night and awoke to my friend peeing in the trashcan... I feel like I am having deja vu... did I already write on here about this?
Click to expand...

oh, man that was a good one:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
 
sorry to get totally of topic, but....
drmax, you promissed to reveal yourself after acceptance...i am still associating you with this little monster with santa hat:laugh:
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
jkhamlin said:
I don't drink, so I don't have this problem. Drinking is bad for you anyway, so if it worries you, then don't drink. Besides, getting a DWI/DUI isn't the worst thing that can happen if you drink and drive.
Click to expand...

I dont drink alcohol either. I still don't understand why people think "oh if he/she isn't drinking with us, then they are no fun to hang out with". And for your information I'm fun to hang out with, ask doctormom, plus I'm an excellent designated driver (maybe I should add that as a EC activity for medical school lol).

Adcom: Why should we accept you?
Me: I never drink alcohol, so I'll never get a DWI/DUI
Adcom: Ok, your accepted!
Me: Yeah baby
Adcom: Please deposit a nonrefundable check for $2000
Me: You guys know of a bank which keeps alot of money unlocked?
 
Protease said:
I dont drink alcohol either. I still don't understand why people think "oh if he/she isn't drinking with us, then they are no fun to hang out with". And for your information I'm fun to hang out with, ask doctormom, plus I'm an excellent designated driver (maybe I should add that as a EC activity for medical school lol).

Adcom: Why should we accept you?
Me: I never drink alcohol, so I'll never get a DWI/DUI
Adcom: Ok, your accepted!
Me: Yeah baby
Adcom: Please deposit a nonrefundable check for $2000
Me: You guys know of a bank which keeps alot of money unlocked?
Click to expand...

LOL!!!! OK, I get it now.:laugh: I am lots of fun to hang out with too and I don't drink. I was less fun when I did drink. That usually resulted in me acting like an idiot, crying or laughing uncontrollably, and losing some article of clothing.🙄 😱 :meanie: (Come on guys...get your minds out of the gutter. I didn't mean it that way.😉 )Yea, me and Protease go WAY back. Lots of fun to hang out with!!!😎
 
WOW...I always joke about being an alcoholic...but now I really DO feel like one!!

So I totally almost went off on a complete rant here, luckly I read it before I posted!! 😀

Instead, let me just say this: I think its great that some of you never drink, but I think you need to be a little more accepting of those of us who drink responsibly. It IS possible to drink in moderation and still drive safely. I have seen more accidents caused by people on cell-phones or trying to eat or some other distraction than accidents caused by people who couldn't control their vehicles after one or two drinks! In fact I can't remember one accident in all my years of EMS like that. This is not to say that I don't dispise drunk drivers as much as anyone else, and I really pisses me off how its never the drunks who get killed. We actually had a kid in one of the towns I work in who killed two friends two years ago when he blew through a stop sign 'cause he was drunk/stoned. He lived, got his DL suspended for two years and some community service...well earlier this fall he rolled his car on the interstate and killed himself, and nearly killed another friend...

I guess I ranted a little anyway...sorry about that...Anyway, my point is just try to keep a bit more of an open mind about this.

Nate.
 
TerraMedicX said:
WOW...I always joke about being an alcoholic...but now I really DO feel like one!!

So I totally almost went off on a complete rant here, luckly I read it before I posted!! 😀

Instead, let me just say this: I think its great that some of you never drink, but I think you need to be a little more accepting of those of us who drink responsibly. It IS possible to drink in moderation and still drive safely. I have seen more accidents caused by people on cell-phones or trying to eat or some other distraction than accidents caused by people who couldn't control their vehicles after one or two drinks! In fact I can't remember one accident in all my years of EMS like that. This is not to say that I don't dispise drunk drivers as much as anyone else, and I really pisses me off how its never the drunks who get killed. We actually had a kid in one of the towns I work in who killed two friends two years ago when he blew through a stop sign 'cause he was drunk/stoned. He lived, got his DL suspended for two years and some community service...well earlier this fall he rolled his car on the interstate and killed himself, and nearly killed another friend...

I guess I ranted a little anyway...sorry about that...Anyway, my point is just try to keep a bit more of an open mind about this.

Nate.
Click to expand...

There is nothing wrong with drinking. I just drank enough in my younger days to last a lifetime.🙄 :laugh: As for drinking and driving, a drink or two is probably not an issue. That is just my personal choice and what I feel comforatble with. People should be responsible with drinking, eating, cell phones, etc. when driving. A lot of accidents could be prevented that way.🙂
 
And if you get a DWI while IN med school, you will get kicked out. At least at LECOM-Erie anyway...2 students were kicked out for getting a DWI within the first two weeks of school.
 
Admitting to driving drunk or getting a DUI/DWI shows a blatant disregard for human life. Not a good quality for a future doctor to have.

I'm also a regular DD. My standard drink is diet soda or water, and I'm able to have fun along with the rest. If we go to a family function where we can stay or host a party, then I'll imbibe, but rarely do I get drunk. I've never liked the feeling of being sick after drinking too much and the next day's hangover. Ruins the party for me.

But, whatever floats all y'all's boat 🙂

My dad told me this when I was a child, but it still kinda holds today - to "do what the angels would do." It put things in perspective for me early on that if I made wise decisions, I would probably avert most self-caused destruction (i.e., drunk driving, going on a bad date, walking down a dark alley alone, etc - all the things that require common sense). At the very least, it's made me stop and think twice about many things in my adult life that can have grave consequences.

And now having said that, I think I'm totally ready to be a parent, or at least host an after-school special :laugh:
 
megboo said:
Admitting to driving drunk or getting a DUI/DWI shows a blatant disregard for human life. Not a good quality for a future doctor to have.

I'm also a regular DD. My standard drink is diet soda or water, and I'm able to have fun along with the rest. If we go to a family function where we can stay or host a party, then I'll imbibe, but rarely do I get drunk. I've never liked the feeling of being sick after drinking too much and the next day's hangover. Ruins the party for me.

But, whatever floats all y'all's boat 🙂

My dad told me this when I was a child, but it still kinda holds today - to "do what the angels would do." It put things in perspective for me early on that if I made wise decisions, I would probably avert most self-caused destruction (i.e., drunk driving, going on a bad date, walking down a dark alley alone, etc - all the things that require common sense). At the very least, it's made me stop and think twice about many things in my adult life that can have grave consequences.

And now having said that, I think I'm totally ready to be a parent, or at least host an after-school special :laugh:
Click to expand...


I like that! I will have to remember that.😀 I think you will be a wonderful parent or after-school special host with that outlook.🙂 👍
 
Geez, there's nothing wrong with either choosing to drink, or not to drink, as long as you are totally conscious of your choice and take complete responsibility for it.

There is absolutely NO reason to fear a DWI/DUI if you are taking full responsibility for your choices. Simply don't drive if you are at or above the legal limit. 🙄
 
Greetings All:

For consideration may I offer the following…the process isn’t really about getting into a first choice medical school or residency. First choices are good, and so are second, third and fourth choices. The process is really about getting a license and hospital privileges to practice medicine. A person who gets into school, gets into debt, and then cannot get a license has a lot of knowledge and not way to use it. Alcohol and other impairments (illicit substances, medical conditions, etc) can prevent the license. Also even if licensed, hospitals have privileging criteria…and many physicians do not qualify. Most physicians who run afoul of licensing boards have had a track record in undergraduate, medical school, and residency. No one has a right to attend medical school, residency, or practice medicine. It is a distinct privilege to do so…and it is also a blast. At any time in the process of training, a person may be released for knowledge, attitude, or skill issues. The professors and faculty have a responsibility to protect the public trust.

Consider also looking at a standard licensing application (Google a state medical board’s home page). The detailed application, references, fingerprints, FBI and other background checks are illuminating. Also, look at the list of doctors who have had sanctions taken against their licenses and the reasons for them.

Gone are the days of Dr. (fill-in-the-blank) is a great doc when (s)he is sober. Gone too are the days of knowing about an impaired physician and not reporting. Failure to report can jeopardize the non-reporting physician’s license as well.

Sláinte,

BB:luck:
 
Burn Breadwhite said:
Greetings All:

For consideration may I offer the following…the process isn’t really about getting into a first choice medical school or residency. First choices are good, and so are second, third and fourth choices. The process is really about getting a license and hospital privileges to practice medicine. A person who gets into school, gets into debt, and then cannot get a license has a lot of knowledge and not way to use it. Alcohol and other impairments (illicit substances, medical conditions, etc) can prevent the license. Also even if licensed, hospitals have privileging criteria…and many physicians do not qualify. Most physicians who run afoul of licensing boards have had a track record in undergraduate, medical school, and residency. No one has a right to attend medical school, residency, or practice medicine. It is a distinct privilege to do so…and it is also a blast. At any time in the process of training, a person may be released for knowledge, attitude, or skill issues. The professors and faculty have a responsibility to protect the public trust.

Consider also looking at a standard licensing application (Google a state medical board’s home page). The detailed application, references, fingerprints, FBI and other background checks are illuminating. Also, look at the list of doctors who have had sanctions taken against their licenses and the reasons for them.

Gone are the days of Dr. (fill-in-the-blank) is a great doc when (s)he is sober. Gone too are the days of knowing about an impaired physician and not reporting. Failure to report can jeopardize the non-reporting physician’s license as well.

Sláinte,

BB:luck:
Click to expand...


This thread has gotten out of control. Let's stick to the basics: DUI = very wrong, career jeopardizing, immoral, etc.

Alcohol does NOT equal the above things. Anything when practiced in excess and irresponsibly can be detrimental to our lives. I had 2 beers tonight at dinner and not for one second did I worry about my future as a physician. If you make responsible decisions and do things in moderation, then you shouldn't have a single concern.

Good Lord, people. It's alcohol, not heroin.
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
It'sElectric said:
This thread has gotten out of control. Let's stick to the basics: DUI = very wrong, career jeopardizing, immoral, etc.

Alcohol does NOT equal the above things. Anything when practiced in excess and irresponsibly can be detrimental to our lives. I had 2 beers tonight at dinner and not for one second did I worry about my future as a physician. If you make responsible decisions and do things in moderation, then you shouldn't have a single concern.

Good Lord, people. It's alcohol, not heroin.
Click to expand...

LOL!😀 👍 You are correct! It is all about being responsible. I would hope that by the time we begin medical school, we will all have matured enough to understand how to make responsible decisions. 🙂
 
"last night a friend called me to get him out of jail for driving under the influence, but not really drunk! So today I cant get it out of my head!!!!"

Driving under the influence is driving under the influence. By definition the substance utilized has affected his/her ability to operate/drive a vehicle, therefore they should not be driving. It's okay to drink, but it's not okay to drive under the influence. If you have one drink and then drive, there is minimal chance that the charge will stick. Your BAC (blood alcohol level) will be below the legal limit. The only way you could get into trouble is if you were having difficulty keeping the car in your designated lane. Your fear is unwarranted if you can drive normally and keep it to one or two drinks during the evening.


Wook
 
first off george w bush got a dui and he had a coke problem.
he went to yale and that motherfuger became a fking president. so dont worry about your stupid dui's they arent so bad. if you have a good lawyer you can clear it.
dont drink and drive save a life :meanie:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

JunoJason
Medical school budgeting tool (loan planning, PSLF, federal + private repayment)
Replies
0
Views
902
JunoJason
JunoJason
S
  • Question Question
What should I buy to prepare for medical school?
Replies
6
Views
2K
chilly_md
chilly_md
R
TIL that the University of Dubuque (IA) is in the process of opening an osteopathic medical school
Replies
2
Views
1K
TwoDogMed
T
WildWing
[Announcement] AACOM Medical School Virtual Expo June 25, 2025
Replies
0
Views
1K
WildWing
WildWing
believe40
DO school personal statement vs AMCAS (should you tailor it to DO schools and osteopathic medicine)
Replies
2
Views
810
Goro
Goro