"Mike" <
[email protected]> wrote in message news:<
[email protected]>...
> You didn't give any specifics about your drug problem, such as whether you were convicted of any
> crimes. So it's hard to say what difficulties this may cause. But there are some general
> principles to follow for anyone who has had some trouble in his/her past. You should take 2 or 3
> sentences to briefly state that you had this problem, that this was in your past, and list the
> specific steps you have taken to make amends. This should be done without making excuses or
> apologies. For example: "I had a substance abuse problem for about 3 years, successfully completed
> rehab in 1991, and have been drug-free since then. This experience inspired me to help others with
> similar problems, and I have been working as a counselor at such-and-such drug rehab center for
> the last 8 years."
>
> In addition, talk to your premed advisor. This person is your advocate, and should give you
> objective advice on how (and if) to talk about your substance abuse.
>
> Mike
>
> --
> Mike George Washington University School of Medicine
http://www.NontraditionalMedicalStudent.com
>
> "B. Eisenmann" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
>
news:[email protected]...
> > I have a quick question that someone might (hopefully) be able to answer. I've been a paramedic
> > for about 15 years now and I've decided it's time to get out. I'm seriously considering going to
> > medical school after I finish up my Bachelor's. Now, I had a substance abuse problem when I was
> > younger and went to rehab to clean up my act. I've been completely drug-free since 1991. Does
> > anyone (perhaps someone with admissions experience...) know if that would raise any eyebrows or
> > present a problem getting into med school? I'd hate to go pre-med and then find out that I
> > wouldn't be able to get into a good medical school. TIA!
Hi, Mike; nope, no convictions/arrests/DUIs or the like, and I volunteered to enter a 5 year medical
professional substance abuse advocacy program to ensure my medic license wouldn't be in jeopardy for
any reason. During the five years, medical professionals in the program are randomly drug tested and
go to counseling sessions, so everything's documented. The only employers I've had are fire/public
safety departments and the background checks are very, VERY intensive, and they're extremely picky
about certain things. I wasn't sure if review boards (or whatever entity makes decisions about
accepting new students) were that strict.
BTW, that's a great website you have there; it's found a home in my bookmarks. Thanks for
the response!