Hi all. Made account to post. I've look at A LOT of the other threads on this. Interested if anyone has more recent experience or thoughts (before I get more official advice). I have a dismissed underage possession of alcohol charge from 9 years ago--read, not a misdemeanor, first time offender situation. After looking at licensing wording and requirements for where I'm applying, I truly do not think this would "limit my ability to be licensed." That being said, has anyone been extra careful and listed something like this anyway out of extra caution (while risking a mark on an app to competitive places)... or waited until matching and then risking a sour taste when background check times roles around. So far it seems like a gray area. To note, this has not come up on any BG check of mine to date (Certiphi and fingerprinted check) but who knows what will be used in the future at residency programs (it happened, and can not be expunged). I also disclosed this on med school secondaries and obviously will do whatever I need based on the wording for licensing. Thanks in advance for reading ANOTHER thread on this...
Vague ERAS Licensing Question
- Thread starter Arly2007
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The only downside of what I'm about to say is that I don't know if programs can filter out applications based on legal issues, so you may waste some money. Better to be honest and upfront, especially if this is your only legal mistake. You don't want to disclose after match because it could be a violation at worst and at best you're starting off on the wrong foot with your new employer. Many doctors enjoy a drink or several, most of them probably enjoyed drinking before the legal age too. You made a mistake, learned from it and are taking accountability for your actions; sounds like someone I'd like to work with. If you're a USMD and this is your only red flag for the specialty you're applying for, I imagine you'll be fine.
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It is better to be honest up front, that way licensing issues can be anticipated.
Personally, I would answer no to that question. A *dismissed* charged from 9 years ago is not going to affect credentialing.
An MIP charge 9 years ago that was dismissed, correct?
Answer no and don’t worry about it.
Now, if you specifically were asked “have you ever been arrested?,” that is a different story. But just the generic ‘anything that will limit licensing?’ then absolutely put no.
My two cents.
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be very careful with how things are worded...we once had someone have to start off-cycle because they had answered "no" on the application for training permit; they had had a MIP back when they were 19, it was expunged. However, the Texas Medical Board found it, and the resident had to go and explain why he lied on his application. We have since cautioned everyone about how even if it is expunged, they will still find it.
