Medical Leave of Absence, need help

[medschoolprobs]

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Hello,

I really could use some advice. I'm in between my second and third years of med school, and I've already taken off the first two blocks of my rotations to prepare for the boards with the hopes of getting over some medical issues I've been having.... (i won't go into detail, but they include problems swallowing, have had endoscopy, they think it's due to esophageal spasms due to GERD, in addition they found that I have Celiac's, so my diet has had to change). Anyway, I don't know what to do. I have yet to take the boards and I don't think I will be prepared... Not that I wouldn't be able to take it, but I don't think it's in my best interest to do so in the state I'm in. In addition I don't think I'll be able to start rotations even if I do pass my boards due to the fact that I can't swallow completely properly yet. I just feel awful. Everyone around me has been telling me to push through and take the exam and go on with rotations and see what happens. I don't think it's in my best interests. Am I off base? Should I just wing my boards? Will this get me kicked out of med school? As far as my preparation for the boards, I've been pushing myself for the last 3 months and still scoring in the 40-50% on uworld. I did alright in my preclinical classes, passing everything, I just haven't been able to focus on studying due to the swallowing issues. I'm really in a bind... thanks for any advice, I might send my dean an email today asking for a medical leave of absence. I DON'T WANT to do it, but i feel like it's for the best, for me. What do you guys think? Am I overreacting? Should I just go for the boards? Anyway, thanks.

 

[CW3469]

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[chaya618]

I totally know what you're going through. I too got dx with celiac during med school & on top of that had major family issues & I have had to take time off... While many people are fortunate enough to go thru med school in 4 yrs without any hiccups, some of us have real life issues going on and need to take the time off to deal with them... in the end you will be a better doctor for having gotten through all the b/s.

Also, never take step 1 if you're not fully ready... I did this summer and failed it and I'm now preparing to retake it. You need to be in good mental and physical health before taking step 1 and no one will fault you for stepping up and saying you need more time to get better before forging ahead. Also, there's no reason to start rotations if you're not on your A game. The stuff you do during 3rd yr is an important part of your education and if you want to be a good doc, its not something you can do half-*&*^%$!