Leave of Absence

[OMSII]

Hello,

Im taking a leave of absence for health reasons during OMSII. Obviously my task during this year off is to improve my health. I also want to do board prep from home to make sure I don't forget everything Ive learned, so when I go to finish OMSII its not so rough, but most importantly I won't be dull when I start OMSIII rotations. I hope to do research or something also once Im healed to boost my CV. What other options should I look into? I want this year off to make me more competitive, if that is even possible. I am just trying to make the most of my circumstances.

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[Brorthopedic]

Research, board prep, and maintenance of good health is all that there is to do

 

[costales]

If your LOA is for health reasons, make sure nobody has reason to question your health status when you interview for residency.

 

[OMSII]

If your LOA is for health reasons, make sure nobody has reason to question your health status when you interview for residency.

Luckily, unless something else health related comes up, I won't have this problem. My health issue is not too awful, its just that scheduling surgery, healing, and following up with a specialist several times while studying for boards will be too much to juggle and I don't want my grades or board scores to suffer. If I could opt to only take a few months instead of a year, I would, but during OMSII its not an option. Its either a year or nothing. So realistically Im looking at 6 months or so of dealing with an issue that will then be resolved, then having 6 months to do....fill in the blank. Board prep obviously, Im going to try to shadow, do research, etc. I was just looking for ideas. If I could put this off until a more convenient time, I would, but I simply can't. And trying to push through while trying to juggle all of it and possibly failing boards or classes because of it is also not an option. So that brings me here. I am meeting with a few professors soon to discuss some options to keep me involved, but thought Id look for advice here also, in case someone else has gone through it.

 

[costales]

Sounds reasonable. Research is a great gap filler, and you can do it in your pajamas. If you already know the material, board studying shouldn't take long (much requiring short-term memory, and you'll get sick of it). Shadowing should be your lowest priority. Best of luck with your surgery.

 

[OMSII]

Sounds reasonable. Research is a great gap filler, and you can do it in your pajamas. If you already know the material, board studying shouldn't take long (much requiring short-term memory, and you'll get sick of it). Shadowing should be your lowest priority. Best of luck with your surgery.

Thank you!
So the director of research at my school emailed me back and said he's not sure what the protocol is for medical students taking a LOA. He thinks I can do research but I would be a "volunteer", aka undergraduate level. Do you think this is ok? I'll be honest Ive never done research before so Im not sure if the title really matters. Selfish, probably, but I don't want to do research unless it looks good on my CV. Just wondering if this would look good or if it would look like I took several steps back (to undergrad level...).

 

[OMSII]

Ugh....turns out I can't shadow because I won't be covered under the school's liability policy during medical leave. I wanted to shadow to maintain interest, in case the "easy life" started looking too good . Just kidding. Becoming a doctor is a lifelong dream and I did not come all this way to back out now. I just know that statistically speaking, I think its close to 1/3 of students don't come back. I could be making up this number, I don't remember where I heard it. Anyway, I may still be able to shadow my clinical faculty.

So its looking like I can do some research that may or may not be beneficial, and of course board prep. Pretty much it, unless someone else has an amazing idea that could help me build my CV. I suppose there's always netflix. :/ haha. As much anxiety as it gives me to think that I will be doing basically nothing for a year (besides healing, etc) its looking like my only option. There's a free clinic not too far away that is looking for volunteer scribes. I wonder if I can get away with doing that -- plus its volunteer work and I get to learn the computer system for when I start OMSIII. Ill look into it. Good luck to those reading this that are considering a gap year. Perhaps a month long backpacking trip across Europe could help build my CV

 

[Girl Interrupted]

Hello,

Im taking a leave of absence for health reasons during OMSII. Obviously my task during this year off is to improve my health. I also want to do board prep from home to make sure I don't forget everything Ive learned, so when I go to finish OMSII its not so rough, but most importantly I won't be dull when I start OMSIII rotations. I hope to do research or something also once Im healed to boost my CV. What other options should I look into? I want this year off to make me more competitive, if that is even possible. I am just trying to make the most of my circumstances.

I cant give you any advice but i understand how you're feeling right now. Id be curious to know if you came up with any new plans since writing this post

 

[OMSII]

I cant give you any advice but i understand how you're feeling right now. Id be curious to know if you came up with any new plans since writing this post

Hey,

I've been trying to keep myself on a boards study schedule. Soon I'll be able to volunteer at the free clinic as a scribe which is good because then I'll know the computer system before starting third year. I've heard not knowing the system before hand can be a stressor because it slows you down. I'm also going to shadow a bunch of specialties to get a better idea of what I want to go into. Then I can start researching hospitals that offer those specialties and start planning on where I will go for audition rotations, and maybe start visiting those places now to build more of a relationship with the people there.

Research is likely out unless I do it as a volunteer-- as in no class credit or credit of any kind. I've looked into it and I can't do it for credit unless I pursue a second degree, which I can't afford. Someone specifically pursuing medical research residencies should definitely do the second degree though.

Other than studying for boards, shadowing and volunteering, I've decided to relax a little and get into some of my hobbies. So many people burn out in med school or residency. Maybe an unexpected gap year will help prevent that for me .

Girl Interrupted-- If you're in a similar boat you can pm me. It was a hard decision to make at first but I'm glad I did.

 

[hallowmann]

Hey,

I've been trying to keep myself on a boards study schedule. Soon I'll be able to volunteer at the free clinic as a scribe which is good because then I'll know the computer system before starting third year. I've heard not knowing the system before hand can be a stressor because it slows you down. I'm also going to shadow a bunch of specialties to get a better idea of what I want to go into. Then I can start researching hospitals that offer those specialties and start planning on where I will go for audition rotations, and maybe start visiting those places now to build more of a relationship with the people there.

Research is likely out unless I do it as a volunteer-- as in no class credit or credit of any kind. I've looked into it and I can't do it for credit unless I pursue a second degree, which I can't afford. Someone specifically pursuing medical research residencies should definitely do the second degree though.

Other than studying for boards, shadowing and volunteering, I've decided to relax a little and get into some of my hobbies. So many people burn out in med school or residency. Maybe an unexpected gap year will help prevent that for me .

Girl Interrupted-- If you're in a similar boat you can pm me. It was a hard decision to make at first but I'm glad I did.

Why does it matter if you can't do research for credit? The point of research is not class credit, its experience (meh) and publications (actually beneficial). You're not doing it for some sort of credit. The goal is something you can put on your CV/ERAS when you apply for residency.

On the side its good to get experience in it if you're interested in doing it in the future especially in the field you're interested in, but if not it's to get publications to land a more competitive residency. The whole point of doing something like research is to demonstrate that you did something with your LOA.

Shadowing from a CV/ERAS standpoint is useless and so is being a scribe, although you might find them beneficial for non-CV reasons (e.g. getting a better understanding of the doc day-to-day or becoming familiar with the EMR).

 

[OMSII]

Why does it matter if you can't do research for credit? The point of research is not class credit, its experience (meh) and publications (actually beneficial). You're not doing it for some sort of credit. The goal is something you can put on your CV/ERAS when you apply for residency.

On the side its good to get experience in it if you're interested in doing it in the future especially in the field you're interested in, but if not it's to get publications to land a more competitive residency. The whole point of doing something like research is to demonstrate that you did something with your LOA.

Shadowing from a CV/ERAS standpoint is useless and so is being a scribe, although you might find them beneficial for non-CV reasons (e.g. getting a better understanding of the doc day-to-day or becoming familiar with the EMR).

The dean at my school said I should try to get credit for the research is all. So I assumed that meant it looked better. I'm not sure if I can get published if I'm listed only as a volunteer. I'll try to figure that out. The shadowing is for my own personal gain, not for my CV. More or less a way to stay involved. Are you sure volunteerism won't look good on your CV? I thought I heard a residency director mention it before. But even still it would be good to learn the system and possibly even make connections with physicians I will be rounding with come third year. Thank you for your response!

 

[hallowmann]

The dean at my school said I should try to get credit for the research is all. So I assumed that meant it looked better. I'm not sure if I can get published if I'm listed only as a volunteer. I'll try to figure that out. The shadowing is for my own personal gain, not for my CV. More or less a way to stay involved. Are you sure volunteerism won't look good on your CV? I thought I heard a residency director mention it before. But even still it would be good to learn the system and possibly even make connections with physicians I will be rounding with come third year. Thank you for your response!

It really depends on long-term goals. Volunteering is good, but most med students have periods of volunteering in their CVs, and unless you're organizing events or something, they're things they look at after interviewing and what not. That said, volunteering at a hospital as a scribe doesn't look as good as say volunteering to help out a free clinic or going abroad on a medical mission or something.

As far as getting involved in the hospital, maybe it'll help, but it depends more on who you make connections with. Like I said, there are other benefits, but from an ERAS standpoint research is beneficial.

Whether or not you get published depends on how much work you put in and your PI. It really doesn't matter if you are just a "volunteer" researcher. Most students get published by volunteering to work on certain topics. Credit is a plus, but not necessary nor particularly meaningful, so don't use that as a measure of whether or not you should do research.

 

[22031 Alum]

The dean at my school said I should try to get credit for the research is all. So I assumed that meant it looked better. I'm not sure if I can get published if I'm listed only as a volunteer.

Most medical students doing research - I'd argue the vast majority- aren't doing it for any sort of course credit. There are schools where some sort of research project is required, but even then it's not really listed as a course with credit. Maybe your school has a 'research class' that gives credit, which would explain your dean's advice. But I certainly wouldn't avoid doing research because of some 'volunteer' vs. 'credit' distinction. If you participate in the project and contribute enough, you can be included as an author. The specifics can be discussed with your PI when the time comes.

 

[OMSII]

So it looks like I'll be getting paid to do research in a few months. In the mean time I'll get paid to tutor. Guess that worked out! Research + tutoring should keep my brain fresh and help my CV.

Thank you everyone for the advice!

 

[jonb12997]

Another option (maybe not for you but someone else like you reading this) is an mph or mba or the like. Expensive yes, but what's another "couple" thousand if it sets you up for a more successful career. (Assuming it's something you're at least somewhat interested in studying)...

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Another option (maybe not for you but someone else like you reading this) is an mph or mba or the like. Expensive yes, but what's another "couple" thousand if it sets you up for a more successful career. (Assuming it's something you're at least somewhat interested in studying)...

Probably hard to do one unless you plan ahead for the leave and apply beforehand.

 

[intheworkings]

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