Going on Leave: The Power Move No One Talks About in Med School

What med schools don’t tell you about hitting pause.

Turns out, pausing med school can actually be the smartest career move. Whether you’re spiraling in burnout, floundering in step prep, or just eyeballing that MPH, here’s an option you should consider: taking a leave of absence.

MD/PhD student Riley Behan-Bush, and M2s Srishti Mathur, Megan Perry, and Jay Miller take on the taboo option you’ll only find in the student handbook—what happens when med students hit pause. From Riley’s built-in MD/PhD “leave” to Srishti’s public health ambitions and Dave’s stats on distress, the Short Coats break down the reasons people step back… and why they return stronger.

Of course, going on leave isn’t without risks. The crew spills on insurance nightmares, loan limbo, and the heartbreak of watching your classmates match without you. But they also dish on planning your leave, making it productive, and protecting your peace.

Look to your left. Look to your right. Y’all are going to graduate.

Episode credits:

• Producer: Dave Etler
• Co-hosts: Riley Behan-Bush, Srishti Mathur, Jay Miller, Megan Perry

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