Leave of Absence Help / Question

[intheworkings]

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Hi All, I'm hoping some people can provide me some advice about my situation.

I attend a US MD school and successfully completed the first two years. I did very well academically my first two years with no gaps. I was among the top students in my class academically (pass/fail curriculum but aced everything).

Towards the end of second year I had to take a leave of absence for one year and ended-up taking Step 1 a year later than I was supposed to. I scored 225 on it (much lower than I had expected).

Now I will be starting my third year after the leave and have taken Step 1. I honestly don't know what specialty I am interested in, but will be fine with anything at this point. During my time off I was able to get some research experience / 1 publication.

I am wondering how this Leave of Absence will impact me for residency? Will I still have a realistic chance of getting a spot?

Thanks in advance all!


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[mymembernames]

I think you will be fine as long as you can provide a decent reason for the LOA (medical reason, sick family member to take care of, etc).

 

[intheworkings]

Thanks all! If anyone has any other thoughts or related experiences with this, feel free to comment 🙂


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[Shjanzey]

I feel like your step score will have a bigger impact than the leave of absence.

 

[mymembernames]

I feel like your step score will have a bigger impact than the leave of absence.

But he/she is US MD.

 

[libraryismyhome]

Why does this matter? You left for a year in order to do research.


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[Shjanzey]

But he/she is US MD.

It is below average. It will limit the residencies they can match into. The more competitive residencies will be out of reach. Being a US Med doesn't guarantee anything

 

[intheworkings]

It is below average. It will limit the residencies they can match into. The more competitive residencies will be out of reach. Being a US Med doesn't guarantee anything

Thanks! I understand, I'll be fine with IM or anesthesiology. So hopefully it'll work out.


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[intheworkings]

The leave was due to medical reasons and after it resolved got some research done and studied / took step 1.


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[saudades]

Just be prepared to explain the LOA during interviews and on ERAS. I think the fact that you were able to get research and Step 1 done during your leave is an asset. You'll be ok.