My psychiatrist friend (not my psychiatrist) was in support of the leave of absence idea... so I've made my decision. I'm going to take the short LOA. Unfortunately, I have to approach it from the medical standpoint because that's how these things work with my school, so I HAVE to tell them what is going on. Here's how it works:

K. Leaves of absence may be requested as follows:

1. The student is to write a letter to the Program Chair, specifying the reason, and the period of time requested, for the leave of absence. A doctor’s note and/or review by the director of the Student Health Service may be requested for medical leave requests.

2. The Program Chair makes a recommendation for approval or disapproval to the Dean of the School of Health Technology and Management.

3. The student is notified of the Dean’s decision.

So, it's possible that they will deny my request, but they really shouldn't. I called the psychiatrist's office and I'm waiting for a call back regarding a note from him stating that I need to take some time off. Hopefully I can get that today. I have already drafted my letter to the program chair, and I'd like to send everything in this morning.

Here's the draft - any recommendations?

Xxxxx,

I am writing to request a brief medical LOA from the program, approximately 2 weeks' duration. Although I hesitate to share this, the reason for this request is that I experienced a frightening manic episode over the weekend, and I am now recuperating and undergoing medication changes which are causing me to be very sedated. Although the option was encouraged, I declined hospitalization and am handling this at home with close supervision. Attached is a note from my physician stating the necessity of the LOA.

My goal is to create as little educational interruption as possible while still taking care of my needs. The requested LOA would begin immediately and end on September 2nd. This timing will both allow me the recovery time I need, and permit me to take the overdue orthopedics exam and make-up CSPs with the current second year students on September 3rd, then resume my future clinical rotations as presently scheduled.

I understand that taking this LOA will mean that I will have to repeat my pediatrics rotation in January/February, and I accept this as a natural consequence of taking the leave. At present, my recovery must take priority, or I will be risking further decompensation and complete disaster. I will look into pediatrics clinics in Utah which may be willing to accommodate me.

Please let me know the status of my LOA request as soon as possible.

Thank you,

Christine

Does that sound diplomatic and reasonable enough? Keep in mind that my faculty really don't like me... will it be enough to sway them?