questions about back ground checks

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I don't think it would show up, but wait for more experienced members opinions.
 
If the rehab wasn't part of an arrest or conviction it will not show up on a background check. So, as long as it was completely "voluntary" you're in the clear.

Best of luck applying!
 
i have watched these forms for some time and have a question,

in the application process for some schools, it asks about drug treatment, in some it does not. If I voluntarily admitted myself to rehab as a teenager, some time ago, will this show up on a back ground check? what about for residency programs and licensure? beside this my back ground is totally clean, no misdemeanors no felonies, nothing. thanks for help.

The only DO school to ask this is LMU-DCOM, to my knowledge.

This has actually been asked several times on SDN. The consensus seems to be that most medical schools will not ask you and probably can't find out. However, this will become an issue in licensing, as licensing boards WILL find out, and depending on the state, will affect residency and SOME rotation scheduling. I have read that if you are honest, clean, and responsible, it shouldn't cause TOO many problems down the line.
 
Thanks for responses so far, how are state licensure agencies amd residency able to find out this information.
 
Thanks for responses so far, how are state licensure agencies amd residency able to find out this information.

I'm not 100% sure on the answer.

However (and I invite anyone to correct me if I'm wrong), I beleive that HIPAA and General privacy rules do not apply in state licensure. I think a condition of applying to state licensing boards that deal with public safety/health is signing over your medical records.

Edit: a quick google search tells me that yes, release of your medical records in FULL is required for licensure in many states. California in a big one.
 
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That could really cause problems for someone that far down the line...
 
That could really cause problems for someone that far down the line...

To my (limited) knowledge, it will cause problems, yes, but if you stay on the straight and narrow, and stay honest, they should be relatively minor ones. I'd stay away from DCOM and California, though.

Oh yeah, and anaesthesia as a specialty will be entirely out of the question. IMO this is no big loss.
 
To my (limited) knowledge, it will cause problems, yes, but if you stay on the straight and narrow, and stay honest, they should be relatively minor ones. I'd stay away from DCOM and California, though.

Oh yeah, and anaesthesia as a specialty will be entirely out of the question. IMO this is no big loss.

What information tells you anesthesia is out?
 
To my (limited) knowledge, it will cause problems, yes, but if you stay on the straight and narrow, and stay honest, they should be relatively minor ones. I'd stay away from DCOM and California, though.

Oh yeah, and anaesthesia as a specialty will be entirely out of the question. IMO this is no big loss.

I have Google it and am unable to find. Could you share?
 
What information tells you anesthesia is out?

Yea, that makes no sense.

Also, I find it extremely hard to believe that 'some voluntary rehab program the applicant attended 10 + years ago is going to impact anything.
 
I didn't say it would affect much. I said that in many states it has to be reported, which CAN cause some problems.

As for anaesthesia, it's not that there's a hard and fast rule. Maybe saying that it's "completely out" was a bit dramatic. It's that there are so many factors that will make it a problem. Anaesthesia has by far the highest rate of addiction....and relapse. For anyone with a history of substance abuse, it's playing with fire in a way unlike most other specialties. Perhaps most importantly, surveys of anaesthesia residency directors show that most of them, up to 70%, will tell residents who develop addiction problems to find a new specialty.

I mean, I'm sure there are a few people recovered from substance abuse problems who will do great in anaesthesia. But even many anaesthesiologists who do get treated for substance abuse decide by THEMSELVES to find a new specialty. I actually knew an anaesthesiologist who was treated for substance abuse. He decided to do a psych residency after treatment. He's the most open-minded and accepting guy I know, and even he told me that "someone with a history of addiction has no business in anaesthesia."
 
OP, it seems there is some misinformation on this topic and I would definitely wait for more I formation before you make any decisions.
 
does anyone else have any more information or experience Thank you
 
OP, don't listen to @Peach Newport he knows absolutely nothing about this judging by the misinformation in his responses. You shouldn't have any concerns for the application process, don't disclose it unless you were charged or convicted of something (read the fine print in the app). Second, there are a ton of med students and doctors who have minor alcohol or marijuana charges -even DUIs - and they are fine. I'm in no way condoning it, but a one time offense doesn't kill someone's licensing chances. I've been involved in my schools honor committee and have heard presentations by our states physician health service and lawyers regarding this. The only program you should listen to are the deans of your school and medical licensing attorneys. You have absolutely nothing to worry about. Just keep your head up and stay out of trouble.
 
Look, you guys can keep saying it's misinformation. Hell, I HOPE I'm wrong, I think this is some judgmental, stigmatous bull***t.

But this thread was posted recently:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/does-a-history-of-drug-addiction-preclude-licensure.1221022/

Scroll down to read a program director's response. He's very clear on the implications.

And the California licensing document I posted clearly states what I'm saying.

I'm not trying to challenge you guys. I'm just saying what the best information available on the topic says. If you guys have better sources, please post them.

I mean, unless you're trying to say that my misinforming posts are those about aneasthesiology, or that I technically said "HIPAA doesn't apply" when really it does but it doesn't help you.
 
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