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Johns Hopkins

School of Medicine

Requesting Leave of Absence or Advanced Studies Program Status

Leave of Absence (LOA)

LOA is a period of non-enrollment during which a student is not considered to be working toward the MD degree. This may be to pursue other degree opportunities, including a MPH degree at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, or for personal and/or medical reasons.

Advanced Studies Program Status (ASPS) 

ASPS is a period of non-enrollment during which a student completes a formal, approved research experience, such as the Dean's Year of Research.

If you are considering taking a LOA or an ASPS:

  • Notify [email protected] that you would like to discuss taking a LOA or ASPS and request a meeting with an OMSA dean  (typically the dean assigned to your college).
  • An OMSA staff member will contact you to set up the meeting.
  • You will discuss the details of your proposed status change including specific dates of exit and return to the curriculum for the necessary form, as well as receive advising around this change.
  • An OMSA staff member will prepare a letter regarding your LOA or ASPS and send it to you along with health and dental waiver information by email. This email will also go to Financial Aid, the Registrar’s Office, and SoM Benefits.
  • The letter is your official documentation that you are on LOA or ASPS. If you do not have a letter from OMSA, you are not officially on leave from the medical curriculum and could face tuition fees and/or other expenses. In addition, the Registrar's Office will not change your status without the letter.
  • During your LOA or ASPS you must check your JHMI email account and notify the Office of Medical Student Affairs in writing 30 day prior to returning that you plan to return and/or would like to discuss an extension of your leave. If your extension is not approved prior to the end  of your expected date of return, you may be responsible for tuition and/or other fees.
  • If you receive financial aid, you should meet with the Financial Aid office to discuss the ramifications of your status change prior to going on leave.
  • If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Medical Student Affairs at [email protected] or 410-955-3416