Ramifications of taking a LOA

[fivelikes]

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Hey,

I'm an MS1 who is thinking about taking a LOA due to severe anxiety/depression this entire first semester. I've passed all my classes this semester, but I'm wondering if I'm cut out for the demands of a medical career and think I could benefit from some time to think it all over, as well as receive treatment for my mental health issues.

I'm just wondering that if/when I do decide to come back to med school, what will the ramifications be in terms of residency and eventual licensing? As of right now, I'm not interested in any of the most competitive fields but would still like to keep my options open. Is taking a LOA for mental health issues a huge red flag? Will I be screwed in the match, even if I come back and have a good academic record?

I've searched the forums and read everything from "it's no big deal to take a LOA" to "it'll essentially completely screw you over and don't bother coming back" so I'm just wondering if there's any consensus on this. Thanks in advance

 

[Crayola227]

Seriously, the official consensus is that it varies greatly depending on the particulars.

For the most part, such a leave of absence ends up being nothing more than a nuisance on the path to being a practicing physician. However, it's no lie that having an LOA for any reason, especially mental health, can harm your chances in very competitive fields, or at very competitive programs, or at bastard programs.

I knew going in that I was OK with doing primary care or other less competitive fields, and while I wanted to keep my options open, like anyone does, that took a lot of the pressure off of me in med school. It's OK to be an average med student if you want to be an average doctor, and I mean that to say there's nothing wrong with average.

The most important thing for you career, ultimately, is to get your health under control so you can do well in your training. What is much more harmful to a career is not taking an LOA when it's needed.

Best of luck, and don't worry, if you take an LOA and come back and do as is expected of you, things will work out. Truth.

 

[Goro]

Hey,

I'm an MS1 who is thinking about taking a LOA due to severe anxiety/depression this entire first semester. I've passed all my classes this semester, but I'm wondering if I'm cut out for the demands of a medical career and think I could benefit from some time to think it all over, as well as receive treatment for my mental health issues.

I'm just wondering that if/when I do decide to come back to med school, what will the ramifications be in terms of residency and eventual licensing? As of right now, I'm not interested in any of the most competitive fields but would still like to keep my options open. Is taking a LOA for mental health issues a huge red flag? Will I be screwed in the match, even if I come back and have a good academic record?

I've searched the forums and read everything from "it's no big deal to take a LOA" to "it'll essentially completely screw you over and don't bother coming back" so I'm just wondering if there's any consensus on this. Thanks in advance

It's never hurt any of my students who have taken LOA.

 

[MrChance2]

It's never hurt any of my students who have taken LOA.

It’s fine. Better than doing poorly first 2 years and on boards because of depression. Or worse being in a field you don’t actually want to be in.

I’ll say this though. At some point most medical students at least briefly consider dropping out. See how you feel during Christmas break after 2 weeks off. See if you’re ready to go back or not before committing to a whole year off.

Talk to your doc about SSRIs. I see/ put tons of patients on them that aren’t “crazy” or clearly depressed to a casual observer. A lot of your classmates are probably on them as is ~12% of the population. Trying one as well as once a week therapy isint going to hurt you and again would be easier than a year off.

 

[arcus]

At some point most medical students at least briefly consider dropping out. See how you feel during Christmas break after 2 weeks off. See if you’re ready to go back or not before committing to a whole year off.

Talk to your doc about SSRIs. I see/ put tons of patients on them that aren’t “crazy” or clearly depressed to a casual observer. A lot of your classmates are probably on them as is ~12% of the population. Trying one as well as once a week therapy isint going to hurt you and again would be easier than a year off.

OP, depression and anxiety are very very common during medical school. First year sux. I struggled with situational depression so SSRIs were not warranted, per my physician and my own input. CBT, scheduling regular exercise and practicing mindfulness meditation worked wonders.

Do use the holiday break to rest. See your physician if you feel necessary
Then reassess.

 

[mistafab]

I would suggest not to worry about taking an LOA.

Take it if you need it! You gotta be at school when you are SURE you can be successful and want to actually be there.

Will it affect residency? Maybe. But so what? If you do poorly and shoot yourself in the foot, it would be far worse than to take a year off, come back and then crush classes/tests/clinic in a straight shot. Plus, what if you figure out medicine is not for you? Early on is a good time to figure that out.

 

[deleted480308]

Tak it you need it, career be damned. Your life, and make no mistake about the fact that some med students commit suicide, is always more important.

Be safe and get the help you need