Abstract
Leaves of absence (LOA) from medical school increase student stress and academic risk. We developed a course to support students returning to the clerkship year after a leave. The course was evaluated favorably by students and was reported to effectively prepare them for their clerkship year. We compared academic outcomes for course participants, students who took a LOA but did not participate in RICM, and traditional students. Planned LOA participants performed similarly to traditional students. However, students with unplanned LOAs faced higher academic risks and attrition, with course participation being associated with a reduction in post-clerkship delays in graduation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-025-02345-4.