question about background check

[Batbunny]

I'm getting ready to apply to medical school and someone asked me today if owning guns would affect my chances into medical school. I have good stats and i'm pretty sure i can get in, but i don't wanna risk not getting in.

And to be honest I've never thought about this. I know there are several doctors who own guns and are avid shooters, but my question is does my ownership of firearms make me look bad as a med-school applicant?

Or even...when the medical school does a background check does the report tell them about my the rifles i own and what about handguns? I figure that is all pretty private and that they wouldn't be allowed to look at that part but i really don't know...

If it comes down to medical school or my firearms...i'll have to sell my guns off, because i really want to be a doctor...or i'll just gift them to a friend and then i'll get them back after i'm in.

well any information will be gladly excepted.

i guess this also goes to ask for anyone else, when you apply for a job and a mandatory background check occurs (i'm assuming its the same check) does your firearm ownership show up...maybe some of you do this for your companies and know something or you've had experience with this

thanks in advance.

[rue]

I think you shouldn't answer any questions about if you own guns or not. It's none of their business as it doesn't have anything to do with your being a docter whatsoever.

[CavTrooper]

Background checks are usually either criminal or financial or both. Criminal, is usually with LiveScan, which will show any LAW VIOLATION YOU HAVE EVER BEEN FINGERPRINTED FOR AND THAT IS ALL. Financial, well, thats obvious.

[BigDogatPlay]

There is no requirement to disclose that you own a firearm in the background check paperwork is there? If not, then I'd think it is not a permissible inquiry. Remember many states, and the federal government, are prohibited by law from maintaining registration records of firearm purchasers. California is something of the exception rather than the rule. The firearms database in California is supposed to be law enforcement restricted anyway so if some college paid PI gets someone to run that DB for him, then I think they are the ones with a problem and not you.

If you apply for a law enforcement job that information would be uncovered as a matter of routine, as you have to be certified as able to lawfully own / possess a firearm as a condition of employment. However the last time I checked the POST background form there is nothing on there asking for disclosure of firearm ownership.

I don't think it's anything to sweat, and if they asked me I'd tell them it's none of their business... just as I have told medical staff on office visits when they have asked me. But that's just my opinion.