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Residency Leaves of Absence
Residents may request different types of leave depending on their personal, medical, or educational needs. Find more information on available leave options, including pay, duration, and required steps.
For all leaves, your Program Director must approve the request, and your program will submit documentation to the PGME Office.
Before You Take a Leave
- Speak with your Program Director
- Provide required documentation (if applicable)
- Ensure your program submits your leave to the PGME Office
→ Start the process early to avoid delays in approval or pay.
Leave of Absence Overview
| Leave Type | Paid | Benefits | Max Length | Documentation | Who to Contact |
| Medical | Yes | Yes | Up to 6 months or end of academic year | Medical note | Program Director |
| Pregnancy & Parental | Yes | Yes | Up to 52–78 weeks | Medical note + EI documents | Program Director + Learner Experience |
| Personal/Compassionate | No | No | Up to 6 months | None | Program Director |
| Emergency / Bereavement | Yes | Yes | 5 working days | None | Program Director |
| Educational | No | No | Up to 1 year |
|
Program Director |
All leave requests must be submitted by your program to the PGME Office with supporting documentation.
Leave Categories & Guidelines
Medical leave is available for physical or mental health concerns that prevent you from performing your duties.
Key details:
- Paid for up to 6 months or until the end of the academic year
- Medical documentation is required
- Privacy is protected—diagnosis details are not shared with PGME
Important considerations:
- Leaves under 7 days typically do not need to be reported
- A medical clearance is required for leaves longer than 3 months
- A gradual return-to-work plan may be arranged
Next steps:
Speak with your Program Director as soon as possible.
Residents are eligible for pregnancy and parental leave in accordance with provincial legislation and the Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO)-Ontario Teaching Hospitals (OTH) Agreement.
Key details:
- Paid leave with benefits
- Up to 52 weeks (standard) or 78 weeks (extended)
- Minimum 4 weeks’ notice required
Additional notes:
- Pregnancy leave (birth parent) may begin up to 17 weeks before the due date
- Modified duties (e.g., no call) may be arranged with medical documentation
Next steps:
Contact your Program Director and Learner Experience Office early to begin planning.
Unpaid leave may be taken for personal circumstances or career-related decisions.
Key details:
- Typically up to 6 months
- Benefits must be self-paid during this time
Additional considerations:
- You may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) in some cases
Next steps:
Discuss timing and approval with your Program Director.
Short-term paid leave is available for urgent personal situations, including bereavement or family emergencies.
Key details:
- Up to 5 paid working days
- Extensions may be granted under compassionate grounds
Next steps:
Notify your Program Director as soon as possible.
Residents may request unpaid leave for educational pursuits not part of their training program.
Key details:
- Up to 1 year
- Requires approval from Program Director, RPC, and Associate Dean (PGME)
Important considerations:
- Must not negatively impact training progression
- Extensions require additional approval
Next steps:
Discuss your plan early with your Program Director.
Questions?
Contact PGME