Leaves/Interruption of Medical Education

Requests for a leave may be granted by the Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs or their designee or when recommended by a faculty committee. A leave may be granted, if deemed appropriate, for health, personal, or family reasons, or for special academic study. A leave is generally granted for a period of one year or less, and readmission is automatic at the time agreed upon when the request is made, provided any issues necessitating the leave have been dealt with appropriately. If for any reason the leave extends beyond one year, the student must apply for readmission, unless a longer period for special study is approved by the Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs or their designee.If the approved leave involves an academic course of study longer than two years to qualify for a degree or certificate, this must be made clear in writing to the Executive Associate Dean when requesting approval for the LOA.

The School of Medicine reports all leaves/interruption of medical education in the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE).

All students requesting a leave must:

1. Request the leave in a letter specifying both the start and the return to medical school dates
2. Meet with the Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs or their designee
3. Meet with the School of Medicine Registrar
4. Meet with the Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships (if the student receives financial aid), and
5. Receive a letter from the Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education and Student Affairs or their designee approving the leave.

Discussion about planned absences (e.g., for special academic study, research fellowships, or other Extended Discovery activity) whether involving study at Emory, or away from Emory, should be made as far in advance of the absence as possible, and preferably during the application process for the special academic course of study. Optimally, written requests for such absences should be made at least 3 months in advance.