Ok, some of you gave me good advice when I was deciding if I should take the year off of medical school (between year II and year III) to care for my first child. Well, he's here and we are having so much fun. I still have a couple of months until I return back to school (June 2010), but I'm starting to freak out as I talk to my med school friends who are already finishing their fourth rotation. Has anyone been here and how did you prepare for your return to school (rotations)?

Hey -- I'm in the exact same spot. Would love to hear some responses!

I'm just about to ask for an LOA for baby. I'm interested in the responses, too!

lildoc, have you taken boards yet?

I have nothing to contribute other than that I'm also in the same boat! Worried about the upcoming months: traveling in May, June, and August, moving in June, a 4-wk rotation in July and then starting for real in September. Dreading leaving the little one behind! Hopefully we'll get some responses, but if not perhaps we an at least draw some support from each other

I did something relatively similar. It was a rough transition and I definitely was eager to get home each day. Studying on the bus and doing all associated work at school helped keep me free so I could spend time with family when I was done.

I think the biggest realization for me that I was not and did not want to be a gunner. I had it in me pre-baby but I am satisfied that I backed off of my intensity and worked hard on the most important rotations for me and not so hard on the less-important ones. It was a balancing act and it actually served me well. It was hard, after being so focused on achievement all of my life, to do this but once I did, life was copacetic.

I like this. I'm already feeling this, and I haven't even resumed school yet. I am quite intense and always strive for the tippy top of things, but I think the sooner I embrace a more toned-down professional lifestyle, the happier I'll be. Needless to say, now that my son is here I have totally changed my perspective on residency options.

I did exactly this - took off a year off between 2nd and 3rd year - best decision ever. I guess I would try to review a little a month or two before you return. I had forgotten so much and didn't have time to review - really struggled in Medicine for the first month (psych and family went fine). I also recommend starting the year off with easier rotations so that the transition isn't so terrible for you or baby. If you started on psych - you'd actually have plenty of time to review then (and spend time with baby!). (Maybe you're super smart and remember everything and don't need to review - even better)

Make sure you have childcare set up with backups as necessary - hopefully you have family support. Babysitters and daycare issues tend to blow up at exactly the worst times... (right before exams, when you're supposed to be on call, insert worst case scenario here).

Congrats and welcome back. You'll get back into the swing of things faster than you think

I am def more relaxed about grades now too.