Medical LOA & Considerations

[Emh_omega-323]

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So I am an MS2 now in the unfortunate position of needing to consider medical leave. It's an ortho & neuro problem I am happy to explain that shouldn't cause much concern. I'm considering leave as I'm already set up for 3x a week in-person PT, and don't know what is going to happen on the neuro end yet (neuro rehab of some sort or hopefully not spinal surgery). And you know, I also can't walk. And pain.

Obviously if it goes in the surgical direction, I'm taking a leave. But I'd love to hear from anyone with experience what I should be considering if it's more iffy if I absolutely need it.

Do I need to worry that medical leave will influence residency directors opinions of me? Will I be filtered out for having an LOA before I get to explain what it is? My hope currently is an academic psychiatry residency in CA. I know that not taking leave and say, failing STEP 1 (I take it in January) or having to repeat the year for academic reasons will be much worse. I had also planned to do substantial research this year and have a project I am currently leading.

This is all just sudden and frustrating. Has anyone been in this position and have insights into things I should be considering? Or is a residency director with thoughts on how it will be perceived if I do?

 

[Smurfette]

You need to talk to your school and let them know what's going on and see what your options are. You can decide from there when or if to do it.
If your app is solid but you had a LOA, it isn't generally going to be held against you. Stuff happens, best to not let your performance suffer by trying to hang in there when you are struggling.

 

[operaman]

It really depends on whether you think you can maintain your performance while addressing your medical needs. 3x a week for PT won’t eat up all your time and leaves plenty of time for study, but if the pain and whatnot is also limiting your ability to study and perform well on exams, then a LOA makes a lot of sense.

Key thing is to get your admin involved early before your grades suffer. Plenty of students take a LOA and come back stronger than ever. It shouldn’t close any doors to you in any field. You’ll probably have to explain it down the road when you apply, but easy enough to spin it as you overcoming something difficult and succeeding. What’s hard is explaining course failures or step failures. Get out in front of this now and get your administration on your side.

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

I'd take the LOA man. That sounds like hell to try and do during school.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

In general, a medical LOA is not going to be held against you. Certain subtypes of medical issues may raise concerns - specifically substance abuse and severe mental health issues. You should disclose the reason for your LOA in your application -- if you leave it out, people may assume incorrectly.