The procedures for taking a leave of absence from the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery Program are more stringent than other programs at the ANU. It is important that the school regulates and monitors the conditions of leave to ensure students are not missing out on key learning outcomes and also to ensure the wellbeing of our students is monitored and managed.
The School understands that from time to time events beyond control may require some time away from the medical program. Depending on the length of time away, the approval process may differ. The key information is available below, however students are encouraged to read the below documents for more detailed information.
Planned and Unplanned Leave Guidelines
Leave < 3 Days
If 3 or less consecutive days of leave are required, you need to notify via email as soon as possible your relevant Year Coordinator, Academic or Clinical Supervisor and Education support staff.
Depending on what year you are in, other people to contact may include:
- PBL facilitator
- Laboratory Technical Coordinator
- Clinical Skills Team
Leave > 3 Days
If more than 3 consecutive days of leave are required, your year coordinator will require completion of a planned leave application form.
If more than 5 consecutive days of leave are required, your year coordinator will require completion of a planned leave application form which will also require approval from your respective Associate Dean (Phase 1 or Phase 2)
When completing the planned leave application form please submit any necessary supporting documentation together with the completed form. This may include a medical certificate and/or catch up plan for missed teaching.
Once the leave is approved, you will need to notify your Year Coordinator, Academic or Clinical Supervisor, Education support staff and any other relevant personnel via email.
Notify your teacher/s
Once leave is approved, you will need to email the academic lead or tutor for each of your compulsory classes, to notify them that you have approved leave for medical reasons. If suitable, your year coordinator and academic lead/tutor can be emailed in a single email together, or for sensitive issues just email your year coordinator, who will deal with the leave from there.
For phase 2 students this will usually mean contacting your clinical supervisor.
For phase 1 students this will usually mean contacting your PBL tutor or practical coordinator.
Returning from leave
Once you have recovered from your illness and returned to class, please let your year coordinator know if you are concerned that any extended absences will have a negative impact on your studies. This may require you to apply for special consideration for exams or work with your year coordinator to determine the best action moving forward.
Extended program leave
If you are considering an extended time away from the program, please read the Program Leave and Withdrawal Guidelines to understand the eligibility requirements and approval process.
All students considering extended program leave will require approval by the Director of the Medical School: director.smp@anu.edu.au
