Reapplying for IM after graduation delayed due to HIPAA violation

[OasisFTW]

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I had matched to a university categorical IM program this March but shortly thereafter my medical school delayed my graduation one year upon completion of an ethics remediation program after I committed a HIPAA violation. The PD at the program I matched was sympathetic to my situation and told me he would consider my application for this cycle but I am wondering what are my chances of matching overall given this situation occurred? I applied to mostly community IM programs, and I went to a US M.D. program, got a 230 on Step 1, and had favorable comments by attending physicians regarding my professionalism during my rotations.

Thanks

 

[mcl]

I had matched to a university categorical IM program this March but shortly thereafter my medical school delayed my graduation one year upon completion of an ethics remediation program after I committed a HIPAA violation. The PD at the program I matched was sympathetic to my situation and told me he would consider my application for this cycle but I am wondering what are my chances of matching overall given this situation occurred? I applied to mostly community IM programs, and I went to a US M.D. program, got a 230 on Step 1, and had favorable comments by attending physicians regarding my professionalism during my rotations.

I'd guess your chances of matching are no worse than anyone else who had to delay graduation for any number of reasons. You matched previously, so your application must have been academically sound and you must have come across well in interviews. You will probably want to apply more broadly this time, and maybe even send an email to the PD at the program where you matched to make sure he knows you applied and reiterate your interest in joining that program. Ask if he has any advice for you going forward. Probably dedicate a portion of your personal statement to dealing with the issue and reflecting on what you've learned in the experience that will make you a better provider in the future. Yes, this is a red flag--but it seems like something that can be overcome.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I find it somewhat surprising that your school forced you to repeat an entire year for this. It makes me worry that this was a "major" HIPPA violation rather than a minor one. I assume you'll be talking in your PS about how this has affected you and how it won't happen again.

 

[OasisFTW]

Yes, the school considered it a major violation and I have discussed what happened in my personal statement and how it will make me a better physician who has an increased sensitivity to the importance of ethical issues. I also discussed the steps I have taken to address this lapse in judgement, including completing a 16 hour HIPAA course along with the program of study I am doing this year with the ethics professor at my medical school.