SA-4113 Leave of Absence for Educational Enrichment or Research

1.0        Purpose

To outline the process by which medical students in good academic standing at VTCSOM may request and be granted a structured leave of absence to pursue an advanced degree or a dedicated research experience, supporting their academic, professional, and career development goals.

2.0        Guideline

Students may have an interest in pursuing one of the Master’s Degree options through VT (TBMH, MPH, Professional MBA), a PhD through TBMH, or an interest in taking a year away from the medical school curriculum in order to pursue clinical or translational research based on their interest in a research or academic career or who have been granted a research fellowship. VTCSOM has created a process by which such a student may take a year away from medical school, either the conclusion of Phase 1 or Phase 2 (after the M2 or the M3 year for students in class years before the Class of 2028). A student in good academic standing may request a leave of absence for such a purpose. 

3.0        Procedures

Interested students must convey their interest in pursuing an advanced degree or research year away prior to applying for the program or grant. The student should seek approval from the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, and, where applicable, Senior Dean for Research by February 1, prior to the planned academic year(s) away. If approved, the student may apply for the program or grant.

Once approved by the VTCSOM administration, interested students should meet with the directors of the various programs:

• TBMH Master’s or PhD: Dr. Veronica van Montfrans (vanmonv@vt.edu)
• Professional MBA:  Dana Hansson (dhansson@vt.edu)  
• MPH: Dr. Nicole Holt (nholt@vt.edu)  

These advanced degree programs through VT will have a March 1 application deadline for MD students. Information on the application processes can be found on the VTCSOM website. Each program has unique application requirements. Notably, the PhD in TBMH requires students seeking the gap between Phase 1 and Phase 2 (the 2nd and 3rd year for students in class years before the Class of 2028) to take Step 1 by May 1.

In addition to applying, students must complete and sign the VT Student Withdrawal Form and meet with the Senior Assistant Director, Scholarships and Financial Aid. See the Leave of Absence policy for further recommendations and restrictions.

If the student is accepted to the program or decides to take the year(s) away for an advanced degree or research, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs may grant educational and/or research leaves of absence upon recommendations from the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education and, where appropriate, Senior Dean for Research. During an educational/research leave of absence, the student is required to update the MSPPC chair every 90 days. This update can be in-person or through the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. The MSPPC will be made aware of such students, and only the MSPPC can approve the return to coursework from such educational and/or research leaves of absence.

4.0        References

• Leave of Absence Policy
• Advanced Degree Opportunities
• Associate Dean for Student Affairs
• Office of Educational Affairs
• Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education
• Senior Dean for Research
• Senior Assistant Director, Scholarships and Financial Aid

5.0        Approval and Revisions

Approved by Student Affairs