Taking a break (few months to a year long) DURING a fellowship?

[pdv]

I'll be completing the 1st year of my oncology fellowship in June '09. Originally, it was a 2 yr program & recently got additional approval of hematology making it a 3yr Hem-Onc fellowship.

For the current trainees, the 3rd yr is optional & due to my visa issues & unforeseen time stipulations on my current visa I'm having problems with getting permission to do the 3rd year.

The only way I could possibly do the 3rd year is if I work as an "Internist" or a "Hospitalist" (for around a year) after 2nd year of fellowship & then resume the 3rd year later on after getting additional visa approval.

Could anyone give me any information regarding the rules on " Taking a break during a Fellowship"? It could be an "unpaid leave" Vs "Sabbatical" or "Leave of absence"...

Any input will be appreciated
Thanks.

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[dragonfly99]

Wow...I've never heard of this. This is a great question/post.
I think your idea is a good one.
I don't know how you'd go about finding out about this.
Would your program agree to give you a leave of absence and then let you come back?
Also, will you have to work in an underserved area and would you, as a FMG on a visa, be able to get a contract to work for just one year?

 

[pdv]

Ya...It is an interesting situation, but not so much so if u are dealing with it
Well, I'm on an H1B & used 3 yrs for residency, 1 yr for a hospitalist job & had 2 more left (total 6 yrs). Now that I'm nearing end of 1st yr, have 1 more to go.
In order for someone to get an additional year extension beyond 6yrs, you need to have a "Green Card" (GC) application sponsored. Thats how this crazy idea came to my mind.
As far as working in "underserved area" goes, it's not a requirement for H1B visas unlike J-1 visas (I don't know how much you're familiar with the various visas... it's a maze! would be an understatement).
In general, such policies as leave of absence, sick leave etc. are at the discretion of individual training programs as long as they comply with general ACGME rules & regulations. I was just trying to get a feel if anyone else is aware of similar instances at any residency/ fellowship programs... I'm yet to approach my fellowship director with my appeal. Hope I'm not being over optimistic & that theres more to it than just some wishful thinking !

 

[gutonc]

I can't give you any info on the visa/immigration issues but as far as taking a LOA from your fellowship, I think that's completely up to your PD. If they want you around to do the 3rd year of training, they'll probably make some kind of an exception for you. I have no idea how this would affect or interact with your visa issues though.

Honestly, the PD is the first person you should go to re: this. If they want you, they'll make it work.

 

[docindi1]

I am in a similar situation but my break will only be for 2-3 weeks. And my PD is planning to give me vacation so that there will be continuity for my fellowship training.
You should find out if you are eligible for O 1 visa. I know J1 people can. ONLY IF THE HOSPITAL IS WILLING TO SPONSOR YOU. That will be a great way to continue your fellowship. But definitely very expensive[ attorney fees usually high]. There are people out there,law firms which claim they are specialists in O1 visa.