I am a single mom of 5 years old twins attending one of the universities affected by Hurricane Katrina. My problem is I am about to start my 3rd year clerkship next week monday, but due to katrina, i no longer have my back up resources for child care. My first rotation will be IM and I really dont know how I will cope with the long hours and no babysitter yet. Any advice, anyone? please!! should i take the whole year off to search for a nanny?

Can you just take a month or two? Some schools let you steal your vacation months from fourth year if you need them in third year. No need to take an entire year!

thanks, I asked for a leave of absence today and I was granted 3 months off because I was supposed to start my medicine rotation today and its 3 months long so they basically gave me that rotation off for now. the only problem is that I heard that since I am taking 3 months off now, I would have exhausted all my remaining med school vacation and come 4th year, I wont have anytime to study for my boards or go on residency interview. Is this true?