Residency Acceptance

[premedkid10]

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Do residency programs ask for driving records when you apply??

 

[NuckingFuts]

Do residency programs ask for driving records when you apply??

No.

 

[Stellar Clouds]

You do have to answer whether or not you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony.

 

[premedkid10]

I am aware of that. But the issue I am concerned with happens to be under "traffic violations" and is not considered a felony or misdemeanor. I guess the better question is do residency programs' background checks look into people's driving records?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

You might as well just tell us all what happened, so we can tell you whether it will matter or not.

Each program may do things differently. Any VA will do a full FBI background check. If you had something "expunged" or otherwise removed from your record, you should assume that a background check will find it.

 

[premedkid10]

it was an underage DWI (blood alcohol was .02, but since i was 20 theres a zero tolerance policy). There was no accident just a random stop by police officer, and i happened to drink a beer that night. Like I said it was not a crime under the law of NJ, no misdemeanor or felony, it is however on my driving record and is considered a traffic violation. I CANNOT get it expunged since it is not a crime. I know sounds counter-intuitive but because it is a traffic violation and not a crime it cannot get expunged.

 

[Law2Doc]

Do residency programs ask for driving records when you apply??

They likely won't ask. But you list yourself as a podiatry student, so a board geared toward US medical residencies might not be the best place to get advice on your path.

 

[tallash]

it was an underage DWI (blood alcohol was .02, but since i was 20 theres a zero tolerance policy). There was no accident just a random stop by police officer, and i happened to drink a beer that night. Like I said it was not a crime under the law of NJ, no misdemeanor or felony, it is however on my driving record and is considered a traffic violation. I CANNOT get it expunged since it is not a crime. I know sounds counter-intuitive but because it is a traffic violation and not a crime it cannot get expunged.

Lame but I think you're ok.

 

[blue2000]

One thing to keep in mind is that many hospitals will want you to disclose this on your application for privileges. I know a hospitalist who lost his privileges (And therefore, ability to generate income) because he declined to report something like this -- he'd pled down so it wasn't a misdemeanor or felony, but the staff application was phrased like "have you ever been charged with an alcohol related offense." To be clear, it wasn't the offense that screwed him, it was omitting it on the application.

 

[premedkid10]

One thing to keep in mind is that many hospitals will want you to disclose this on your application for privileges. I know a hospitalist who lost his privileges (And therefore, ability to generate income) because he declined to report something like this -- he'd pled down so it wasn't a misdemeanor or felony, but the staff application was phrased like "have you ever been charged with an alcohol related offense." To be clear, it wasn't the offense that screwed him, it was omitting it on the application.

OK, can you just tell me what you mean by privileges exactly. Plus, with what happened in my case, do you think that could be very detrimental to me getting hired?? Personally, If i was choosing between two people and I saw that on one of their records, although not criminal, I would think twice, and that is what worries me...

 

[Smurfette]

Privileges are what a hospital or clinic will allow you to do---procedures, types of patients, etc. Essentially your "scope of practice". To obtain privileges, they review your credentials, licenses, certifications, training background and other information to determine what you should and shouldn't be allowed to do.

 

[hamstergang]

Plus, with what happened in my case, do you think that could be very detrimental to me getting hired??

You should read his post again more carefully:

but the staff application was phrased like "have you ever been charged with an alcohol related offense." To be clear, it wasn't the offense that screwed him, it was omitting it on the application.

So read the question you are answering carefully and don't lie. Problem solved.

 

[Top Gun]

Disclose it. Honesty is the best policy.