Residency and impaired driving charges

[Wahoo1]

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My brother, a 4th year med student, got an Impaired Driving misdemeanor charge (step below DUI) during his first year of med school. Now he's applying for residencies through ERAS (who apparently doesn't ask for misdemeanors, only felonies). Will this come up during the residency application process? If so, how? Interviews? Licensing checks by the state? Our family is really at a loss here, so thanks for the advice.

 

[rickthetwinkie]

My brother, a 4th year med student, got an Impaired Driving misdemeanor charge (step below DUI) during his first year of med school. Now he's applying for residencies through ERAS (who apparently doesn't ask for misdemeanors, only felonies). Will this come up during the residency application process? If so, how? Interviews? Licensing checks by the state? Our family is really at a loss here, so thanks for the advice.

I would guess the reasonable thing to do would be not to put it on the application if it doesn't ask for it, but be prepared to address it. Other than that, I'm a lowly MS-1, so I'm not in the midst of all that.

 

[Winged Scapula]

This question has been asked about a million times in the residency forums. You might consider doing a search there.

Usually comes up for licensing purposes...most states ask about anything which you were convicted of which is not a parking ticket or simple moving violation (ie, speeding tickets).

Some programs DO do a background check, in which case your brother's problems would be revealed. Your brother needs to be honest if asked, but not to reveal anything if not specifically asked about it.

 

[MadameLULU]

Moving...

 

[Leforte]

Many states will refer any alcohol/drug related issues, whether convicted or just arrested, to the state Physicans Health Program for guidance. They may want to talk to you about what happened, and potentially have you undergo an alcohol/drug evaluation at their treatment center of choice. Worst case, they think you have a problem and you pee in a cup for 5 years. But with 1 DUI, you'll get your license.... As long as you are honest about it on the application.

I would not bring this up unless specifically asked, and at that point would provide answers to specific questions with as succinct of answers as possible. You would not be asked these questions at your interviews, only upon licensing.

BTW, my medical school had a requirement to report all such issues to the Dean - including all arrests and convictions for any misdemeanor or felony. I am surprised your brother did not already go though some of this with his school.

 

[yaah]

Out of curiosity, why do people always post threads like this "on behalf of" someone else. Like, "my brother has this problem..." or "my friend had this question..."

The best advice I would say is to be honest about things, don't try to hide anything. You don't have to go around parading your past, but don't lie about it either.