Majestic82 Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 Hi there, I'm a 3rd year med student currently considering taking time off (ie. 1 year) from med school. I am debating between taking time off now (during med school) vs. taking time off after finishing med school (before starting residency). I was wondering if anyone can help me go over the pros and cons of each choice with regards to implications on residency applications, etc... Thanks! Majestic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdai Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 I heard it's really bad if you don't place after 4th year, so from that I assume it's probably better to take a break between 3rd and 4th instead of after 4th. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tooty Posted August 7, 2009 Report Share Posted August 7, 2009 how bad? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chemgirl Posted August 7, 2009 Report Share Posted August 7, 2009 I think it is really dependant more on the reason you are taking time off than the time period. Some people from the group that just matched took a year off after fourth year to match with their spouse. I think research and having a baby would also be looked at favourably as a "good" reason to take time off. I don't think any reasonable program director would see you as a less desireable candidate if you had a solid reason for taking a year off after you have your MD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weirdity Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 what about 'because i need to do a few things that i wonder if i'll be able to do again?' or 'because i don't think i'm quite ready for another year, yet?' i came online to ask more or less the same question, but between 2nd and 3rd year. does that count as a reason? has anyone reading this actually taken time off, and what was that like? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ontariostudent Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 what about 'because i need to do a few things that i wonder if i'll be able to do again?' or 'because i don't think i'm quite ready for another year, yet?' i came online to ask more or less the same question, but between 2nd and 3rd year. does that count as a reason? has anyone reading this actually taken time off, and what was that like? I spoke to someone who took off time before 3rd year. I think it was totally not a problem for her, but one thing you need to take into consideration is that you'll end up joining a new class right before clerkship. She didn't like her original class (a bit strange, if you ask me- in a class of 200 she couldn't find anyone to be friends with?) but made a bunch of friends during clerkship that she really likes. Seems like it would be annoying to be the new kid, but if that doesn't bother you, I guess it's as good a time as any to take off. Preclerkship is different enough from clerkship that a bit of time off shouldn't harm you too much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdai Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 Someone in my class (heading into clinical years now) just took a year off to pursuit her interests, and I guess the faculty is ok with it. So yeah, the possibility is there, but it depends on the school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Majestic82 Posted August 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 Thanks everyone for all the advice. Just one more question... If I take a year off between the end of med school and the beginning of residency, I understand that one of the downsides is that I wont be able to do any clinical electives during this time because I wont be covered by medical school's clerkship elective medical insurance. Now, my question is, I am wondering if its possible for me to be able to purchase this clerkship-type medical insurance *myself* after medical school (bypassing the medical school, because I have already graduated by this point) in order to be able to do some clinical electives in my year off before residency starts? Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blinknoodle Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 I think it is possible to buy the insurance, however it is super pricey. Some people get around it by doing a research elective instead. Another thing to consider is that student loans would have to be paid back if you are not a student per se, ie if you already have your MD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jochi1543 Posted August 28, 2009 Report Share Posted August 28, 2009 Someone I know had to get out of a residency contract and opted to "not graduate" - redid a couple of rotations in their 5th year. Wasn't exactly a year "off," but that person had a good half a year off in total in between these rotations, and they didn't have to worry about paying back student loans, either, since they didn't graduate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chemgirl Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 I definitely think it's all in how you are able to spin it to the interview panel IF they ask. If you present it as a positive experience in that you are now heading into residency 100% ready and certain that you have chosen the right career and the right specialty (and you mean it of course) then I'd say kudos to you for stepping back, reflecting, and realizing that you were jumping in too quickly. what about 'because i need to do a few things that i wonder if i'll be able to do again?' or 'because i don't think i'm quite ready for another year, yet?' i came online to ask more or less the same question, but between 2nd and 3rd year. does that count as a reason? has anyone reading this actually taken time off, and what was that like? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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