Reckless Driving

[tkatchev]

Self-righteousness like this just kills me.

Really? Does it just kill you?

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[tkatchev]

I am claiming I was going closer to high 80's, which is still speeding, but again I reiterate drivers DO drive that fast on I-95. Imposing high penalties is not going to save lives. People speed in every state. Are all of the drivers endangering the lives of others on I-95? Perhaps, but what are you suppossed to do? You drive on I-95 and do 65, you will get run off the road. If a huge 18-wheeler truck is barreling down at you from behind, do you drive faster or maintain to your speed? Or you can merge to the next lane and let him pass you, then you will have another truck or car on your rear. So maybe you shouldn't drive I-95 then, well how else are you suppossed to get from Florida to Rhode Island? In North Carolina on 95 the speed limit is 70 and people fly on that road, then you enter Virgina and there are state troopers just waiting to pull people over. Why are they so harsh in VA? Because all they care about is getting money for the state.

Again let me state, I do NOT condone reckless driving. The fact that I have a spotless 10 year driving history and no criminal record shows I am a responsible person. I never even had a minor infraction in college. I have always done things by the book. My point is that I should not have my hopes and dreams shattered because of one mistake and while I should pay for making a mistake, the punishment is outrageous.

By your judgement, should you ever get pulled over for speeding and you are FOUND guilty by a court, you should be expelled from medical school? That is insane. Feel free to judge me harshly if you want, but let me also say that I contacted several medical schools and spoke with the respective admissions officers. They all said it wouldn't affect my admissions. One gentleman I spoke to who is the Director of Admissions, told me he just recently got pulled over for speeding.

I never argued that. I said that it's something adcoms might see as an example of irresponsibility and take into consideration.

It is irresponsible because it puts others' lives in danger. I never said that it automatically means you will be a bad doctor and should be kept from medical school. But it's something schools might use in their decision process. Luckily for you this is your first offense and you will likely be given the benefit of the doubt. However, as others have commented, I too am concerned about your defensive nature regarding this serious offense and lack of remorse.

Also, you keep talking about being "found,' guilty. Is this not a moot point by now? You've already admitted to going at least in the high 80's.

 

[robnon]

I never argued that. I said that it's something adcoms might see as an example of irresponsibility and take into consideration.

It is irresponsible because it puts others' lives in danger. I never said that it automatically means you will be a bad doctor and should be kept from medical school. But it's something schools might use in their decision process. Luckily for you this is your first offense and you will likely be given the benefit of the doubt. However, as others have commented, I too am concerned about your defensive nature regarding this serious offense and lack of remorse.

Also, you keep talking about being "found,' guilty. Is this not a moot point by now? You've already admitted to going at least in the high 80's.

I apologize. I am new to this forum and I did not realize I would be judged so harshly. I posted on this forum to gain insight on what other people have experienced in reference to similar situations. I am sorry I came off as defensive, but it is hurtful to be attacked for something I already feel awful about. And no I don't feel bad about being caught. I feel bad that I made a mistake. I don't know why people harp on this. I never said what I did wasn't wrong and I never said that I don't deserve to be punished. I simply said I didn't believe I deserved jail time or a denied admission to medical school.


I feel I do have the right qualities to be a good doctor. In addition to a strong GPA and MCAT scores, I am involved in a number of community service/social justice organizations, 3 years experience as an RA, hospital volunteer experience, etc. I have always done things by the book and I have never had a major infraction (and no it is not because I never got caught). Am I a saint? no. But I am also not a reckless person. I am sorry, but I think other people would be defensive in my position, if they felt their character was being attacked. Especially when a lot of people speed as well. I was not driving recklessly like a maniac on the highway. What ever happened to he who is without sin throwing the first stone?

I am sorry and remorseful for what I did and I will be more careful in the future to drive safely. I realize this is also going to sound defensive, but I am truly concerned for medical students being so damn self-righteous and judgmental. What are you going to do if you have a patient with a disease that carries a social stigma? If a patient tests positive to HIV and is in complete dread over that are you going to make them feel worse by telling them they were irresponsible, reckless and putting other people's lives in danger? Have some compassion, for God's sake you are in the medical profession.

 

[Abilene85]

Especially when a lot of people speed as well. I was not driving recklessly like a maniac on the highway...If a patient tests positive to HIV and is in complete dread over that are you going to make them feel worse by telling them they were irresponsible, reckless and putting other people's lives in danger? Have some compassion, for God's sake you are in the medical profession.

I think almost everyone on this board would admit to some amount of speeding. You admit to driving too fast, but seem to have a real problem with the labels used to describe that speed. The issue is that many of us would define 90mph as reckless driving, whether or not you were weaving, etc. And others, like yourself, do not see it that way. I guess it has to be an agree to disagree on the definition of reckless driving situation. "Reckless" or not, it was too fast, period.

As for the HIV comment, I pray no physician would make a patient in that situation feel worse. That would be a terrible thing to do. However, I believe it is the physician's duty to inform the patient of their new responsibilities that result from a lifelong disease. Don't say "You were wrong to get HIV and now God is punishing you." But yes, make sure they know that having unprotected sex or sharing needles now that they have been diagnosed as HIV+ is an irresponsible, reckless act that would put other people's lives in danger. Don't tell a diabetic "You're fat and it's all your fault." Talk to them about appropriate diets, exercise, ways to control blood sugar levels, etc. Any physician who would make their patient feel worse should not be working with people.

It is possible to be a compassionate person and at the same time hold people responsible for their actions. It's like my sister. She always tells me not to eat sushi, but if I got food poisoning, she would feel bad for me and hold my hair back as I hugged the toilet.

 

[ssquared]

I am sorry and remorseful for what I did and I will be more careful in the future to drive safely. I realize this is also going to sound defensive, but I am truly concerned for medical students being so damn self-righteous and judgmental. What are you going to do if you have a patient with a disease that carries a social stigma? If a patient tests positive to HIV and is in complete dread over that are you going to make them feel worse by telling them they were irresponsible, reckless and putting other people's lives in danger? Have some compassion, for God's sake you are in the medical profession.

That sentiment didn't get translated into your earlier posts, though. It sounded like you had been caught with your hand in the cookie jar and now you wanted to whine about getting caught and the cookie jar might be taken away. I appreciate that you do feel bad about what you did, because you do acknowledge that you did something wrong. Many people who speed wouldn't do that.

We responded to you much in the same way we would respond to somebody who willingly did something wrong and didn't show any remorse. If I had an HIV patient who was knowingly and intentionally spreading the disease, hec yes I would get in touch with the authorities. If they got HIV because they didn't know their partner had it, it's not my place to berate them.

 

[JaggerPlate]

Dude, I killed someone in a car accident a few years back, and I wasn't even speeding. I was going 26 mph. Don't pretend that 92 mph is no big deal. I think we both still deserve the chance to go to med school but it's disquieting to me that you think this is "just" a speeding ticket.

If that story is true (and not just an example), I'm really sorry that happened to you.

 

[anybutpretty]

If that story is true (and not just an example), I'm really sorry that happened to you.

It happened.

It's so easy to kill someone with an automobile, and even more so if you're being reckless. 92 mph is ridiculous to me. I don't want to be preachy, here. I just end up feeling kind of cheated, in a way, that I can follow the speed limit and drive sober et cetera and end up killing someone, while other people can drive 92 mph and not realize they are actively putting their own and other people's lives at risk. I'm kind of jealous, actually...eh.

 

[proclivity]

For the love of God, it's a feakin' speeding ticket!


Those who are adamant that they are such wonderful drivers, never speed, think what the original poster has done is an abomination and has posted as such are being a bit harsh.

They obviously drive a sub 2 liter 4 banger, have never ridden on a motorcycle, nor have they driven a Mustang GT500. It's fun to get on it and "blow the carbon out" sometimes. Relax, and take your criticism to the marijuana thread.

 

[tkatchev]

For the love of God, it's a feakin' speeding ticket!


Those who are adamant that they are such wonderful drivers, never speed, think what the original poster has done is an abomination and has posted as such are being a bit harsh.

They obviously drive a sub 2 liter 4 banger, have never ridden on a motorcycle, nor have they driven a Mustang GT500. It's fun to get on it and "blow the carbon out" sometimes. Relax, and take your criticism to the marijuana thread.

I think you're absolutely right, we do need more future organ donors like yourself. And remember, helmets are for sissies and mama's boys.

 

[Raidergate]

Really? Does it just kill you?

Yep, it sure does. You yourself said you don't mind driving fast on occasion, but this guy will be a danger to his future patients because of this ticket. I guess you're right there with him.

You must be a first or second year. If you've done your clinical stuff by now, you'd know there's tons of docs out there with a LOT worse stuff on their resume than a single (excessive I agree) speeding ticket. In fact, I've met several that I think are huge dirtballs personally, but that doesn't affect their ability to diagnose and treat disease in their patients.

People make mistakes, and do dumb things from time to time. It happens. If the OP goes out and does it repeatedly, then I'd agree he lacks some judgement skills. Other than that, I wouldn't hang this guy out to dry for the rest of his life over this ticket.

Also, this sucks to know, but somebody WILL die someday under your care because of a mistake you will make. Does that disqualify you from becoming a doctor? It doesn't, and it shouldn't. Mistakes happen, and the best thing you can do is learn from them.

Then again, I'm not the big moral authority on SDN like you appear to want to be.🙄

 

[tkatchev]

Yep, it sure does. You yourself said you don't mind driving fast on occasion, but this guy will be a danger to his future patients because of this ticket. I guess you're right there with him.

You must be a first or second year. If you've done your clinical stuff by now, you'd know there's tons of docs out there with a LOT worse stuff on their resume than a single (excessive I agree) speeding ticket. In fact, I've met several that I think are huge dirtballs personally, but that doesn't affect their ability to diagnose and treat disease in their patients.

People make mistakes, and do dumb things from time to time. It happens. If the OP goes out and does it repeatedly, then I'd agree he lacks some judgement skills. Other than that, I wouldn't hang this guy out to dry for the rest of his life over this ticket.

Also, this sucks to know, but somebody WILL die someday under your care because of a mistake you will make. Does that disqualify you from becoming a doctor? It doesn't, and it shouldn't. Mistakes happen, and the best thing you can do is learn from them.

Then again, I'm not the big moral authority on SDN like you appear to want to be.🙄

Haha, I challenge you to find where I said that "I don't mind driving fast on occasion."

If you knew anything about what it takes to be a good doctor you would recognize that there's more to it than diagnosing and treating. And contrary to your opinion, most "huge dirtballs" don't make great or even good doctors.

I don't even want to respond to the rest of your comments because it would be like arguing with a child who claims clouds are made of marshmallows. But seeing as how you seem to know so much about doctors and medicine, tell me, what year of medical school are you in?

 

[Raidergate]

Haha, I challenge you to find where I said that "I don't mind driving fast on occasion."

Quote from page 1:

"Have I pushed my car before when I was in my teens to see how fast it would go on the highway? Yes."

There ya go, sweetie.


If you knew anything about what it takes to be a good doctor you would recognize that there's more to it than diagnosing and treating. And contrary to your opinion, most “huge dirtballs” don’t make great or even good doctors.

You ARE a first year, aren't you? Some of the biggest a-holes in the world are docs. Famous surgeons (polk and debakey come to mind), all knowing internists (too many to list), and even the pedi ID guy who is head of the pediatrics department at my school, is a huge jerk. Sure, he yells at the residents, students, and staff. Sure he's had affairs with a couple of the office workers in 3 south, and I sure as heck wouldn't go have a beer with him after clinic. But, if I had a kid that was sick, he's the guy I'd want figuring out what was going on. Excellent doctor, dirtball of a person.

Sure, it'd be nice if every single doctor in the world had a spotless personal AND professional record. That ain't happenin', though.

You seriously need to get some clinical experience (as well as some actual real world experience for that matter) before you start lecturing this forum, and me especially, on what it takes to be a "good" doctor. You probably think the root of all evil comes from big pharma, too, don't you? Those first year ethics lectures still banging around in that head of yours?


I don't even want to respond to the rest of your comments because it would be like arguing with a child who claims clouds are made of marshmallows. But seeing as how you seem to know so much about doctors and medicine, tell me, what year of medical school are you in?

Good burn with the whole marshmellow thing. 🙄 Really. It was great. 🙄

Btw, you never answered me. Should YOU be allowed to be a doctor, knowing that someday someone WILL die because of something you WILL do?
To me, that's a lot more scary than this dude who got ONE speeding ticket in 10 years. But, hey, it's your high horse to fall off of, not mine. 🙄 🙄

 

[tkatchev]

Quote:
Originally Posted by tkatchev
Haha, I challenge you to find where I said that "I don't mind driving fast on occasion."

Quote from page 1:

"Have I pushed my car before when I was in my teens to see how fast it would go on the highway? Yes."
There ya go, sweetie.


Well SWEETIE, if you actually process what you read instead of jumping to conclusions you would realize those are not at all the same statements. Admitting that I made a mistake in my teens and then learned from my mistakes is NOT the same as saying that I don't mind driving fast on occasion today. Completely different statements. It may shock you to learn that people grow up and get wiser.

Edit: Also you took the quote out of context. The entire quote reads..."Have I pushed my car before when I was in my teens to see how fast it would go on the highway? Yes. But somewhere between that time and now I grew up and realized that it's not worth risking my life and especially the lives of other people."

If you knew anything about what it takes to be a good doctor you would recognize that there's more to it than diagnosing and treating. And contrary to your opinion, most "huge dirtballs" don't make great or even good doctors.

You ARE a first year, aren't you? Some of the biggest a-holes in the world are docs. Famous surgeons (polk and debakey come to mind), all knowing internists (too many to list), and even the pedi ID guy who is head of the pediatrics department at my school, is a huge jerk. Sure, he yells at the residents, students, and staff. Sure he's had affairs with a couple of the office workers in 3 south, and I sure as heck wouldn't go have a beer with him after clinic. But, if I had a kid that was sick, he's the guy I'd want figuring out what was going on. Excellent doctor, dirtball of a person.

Anecdotal evidence, and if true, are only exceptions that prove the rule.

Sure, it'd be nice if every single doctor in the world had a spotless personal AND professional record. That ain't happenin', though.

You seriously need to get some clinical experience (as well as some actual real world experience for that matter) before you start lecturing this forum, and me especially, on what it takes to be a "good" doctor. You probably think the root of all evil comes from big pharma, too, don't you? Those first year ethics lectures still banging around in that head of yours?

You're making assumptions based on no evidence. You don't know how much clinic experience I've had. And how many first year ethics lectures have you been too?


I don't even want to respond to the rest of your comments because it would be like arguing with a child who claims clouds are made of marshmallows. But seeing as how you seem to know so much about doctors and medicine, tell me, what year of medical school are you in?
Good burn with the whole marshmellow thing. Really. It was great.

I'm glad you enjoyed that.

Btw, you never answered me. Should YOU be allowed to be a doctor, knowing that someday someone WILL die because of something you WILL do?
To me, that's a lot more scary than this dude who got ONE speeding ticket in 10 years. But, hey, it's your high horse to fall off of, not mine.

By the way, you never answered me either. What year of med school are you in? And as for killing someone as a future physician, that example really has no relationship to being an irresponsible person or driver. An irresponsible physician makes careless mistakes or takes unnecessary risks with their patient's lives which can lead to death. A responsible physician, however, acts appropriately and despite their best efforts, still looses a patient. This is the difference between being careless, reckless, or irresponsible and being human. I don't think irresponsible people should be physicians. Physicians are human beings and can make mistakes; this doesn't disqualify them from being physicians. But if you want to relate this to driving, the original poster was making a conscious decision to speed and therefore put people's lives at risk, he wasn't making an inadvertent error; that is the difference.