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- Jun 25, 2014
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Howdy, I'm hoping to get some constructive feedback. I am currently on a medical leave of absence as an M2 at a rather new medical school. At the start of this year I was in a serious car accident on my way to a mandatory lab. I suffered a traumatic brain injury, pelvic fracture, avulsion ankle fracture, shoulder dislocation, and found out the hard way that I had undiagnosed adrenal insufficiency. It's been several months and I am still recovering from corrective surgeries and significant post-TBI symptoms (I'm receiving treatment at a TBI program at a university hospital). I'm currently recovering back in my home state.
Prior to the accident I was doing very well in my class (honoring courses, received a summer fellowship with the American Pediatric Society-Society for Pediatric Research at Mount Sinai in craniofacial surgery, published abstracts/manuscripts, founded a global health club, etc.) despite dealing with several health issues that were diagnosed in my first year. It was difficult trying to optimize my health as I was from out of state, and lacked a support system.
I am seeking advice because I am unsure of how to proceed with regards to my medical education. As a result of my brain injury I have substantial memory loss and overall feel very foggy still. I have attempted listening to review lectures to help trigger my memory, but it often feels as if I'm hearing it for the first time. The medical school I attended has a curriculum that is centered around organ systems; I completed all but MSK, Heme/Lymph, and Pysch. At this point I'm struggling to recall concepts that I had previously cemented, I feel like an M1 on day 1! I'm concerned that I will not be able to catch up to return in January. My school has also stated that they will not allow me to sit in on previous lectures--- overall I haven't received much assistance/guidance from administration. I feel like the longer I'm out of the med school environment the harder it is going to be to jump back in to the middle of second year.
I know this is a unique situation but a few people have suggested that if my memory does not improve, that I should start medical school over again from the beginning. Due to my health conditions and extenuating circumstances I would make it a priority to attend a program that is closer to a support system and where there is a strong university hospital system as I have some rare health conditions. I know that it is near impossible to transfer, therefore what would re-applying look like if I was unable to return in January? I am confident that I would have strong letters of recommendation if that makes a difference.
Any constructive advice would be greatly appreciated! I've set a reminder to check this thread in the event that I forget and don't respond right away to comments/questions haha. Thanks for the help y'all much appreciated!
Prior to the accident I was doing very well in my class (honoring courses, received a summer fellowship with the American Pediatric Society-Society for Pediatric Research at Mount Sinai in craniofacial surgery, published abstracts/manuscripts, founded a global health club, etc.) despite dealing with several health issues that were diagnosed in my first year. It was difficult trying to optimize my health as I was from out of state, and lacked a support system.
I am seeking advice because I am unsure of how to proceed with regards to my medical education. As a result of my brain injury I have substantial memory loss and overall feel very foggy still. I have attempted listening to review lectures to help trigger my memory, but it often feels as if I'm hearing it for the first time. The medical school I attended has a curriculum that is centered around organ systems; I completed all but MSK, Heme/Lymph, and Pysch. At this point I'm struggling to recall concepts that I had previously cemented, I feel like an M1 on day 1! I'm concerned that I will not be able to catch up to return in January. My school has also stated that they will not allow me to sit in on previous lectures--- overall I haven't received much assistance/guidance from administration. I feel like the longer I'm out of the med school environment the harder it is going to be to jump back in to the middle of second year.
I know this is a unique situation but a few people have suggested that if my memory does not improve, that I should start medical school over again from the beginning. Due to my health conditions and extenuating circumstances I would make it a priority to attend a program that is closer to a support system and where there is a strong university hospital system as I have some rare health conditions. I know that it is near impossible to transfer, therefore what would re-applying look like if I was unable to return in January? I am confident that I would have strong letters of recommendation if that makes a difference.
Any constructive advice would be greatly appreciated! I've set a reminder to check this thread in the event that I forget and don't respond right away to comments/questions haha. Thanks for the help y'all much appreciated!