Skip to main content

Resources for Students with Children*

Is there a “best time” while in medical school for birth, adoption or fostering of a child?

We recognize that life events can be unpredictable. We will work with any student navigating the birth, adoption or fostering of a child regardless of the timing.

The summer between MS1 and MS2 in the pre-clerkship phase and the clinical and advanced phases of medical school are natural breaks within the curriculum when a student could plan for Family Care Leave.

We encourage students to inform OSA as soon as possible of a Family Care request. Advanced notice facilitates pre-planning and coordination.

We encourage all pregnant students to contact Educational Support and Disability Services, https://www.umaryland.edu/disabilityservices/for-students/

We encourage all students who are considering family planning or are pregnant to discuss with their provider any potential exposures during their medical school curriculum.

What are potential Sample Family Care Leave Adjustments?

  • Any student may choose to take Family Care Leave for 12 months returning the following year at the same time as they left the curriculum, maintaining their place in medical school and delaying graduation by 1 year. This maximizes their exposure to the formative in-person, interactive learning.
  • Any Family Care Leave would not count towards the 6-year graduation policy[link].
  • Two assessments may be deferred without note in the MSPE

Pre-clerkship Phase Examples without graduation delay

1-week request

A student’s partner has delivered a child, and the student would like to take 1 week off to help.

  • The student remediates the missed course work on the weekends.
  • The student is granted an approved absence from in-person small group sessions without penalty during this time. The student is responsible for the small group material.This time will have no impact on their participation or attendance.
  • POM sessions will be coordinated at the discretion of the course director and preceptor.
  • The student is granted a delay for the subsequent assessment by 1 week
  • No leave would be noted on the students MSPE or transcript. 

4-week request

A student is pregnant and has a due date in February. The student requests a Family Care Leave of 4 weeks, causing them to miss the end of one Block and the beginning of another in the pre-clerkship phase. They would also miss a standardized patient encounter during POM.

  • They decide to attend the patient encounter as scheduled.
  • They finish the semester with a final grade for POM. Further POM sessions will be coordinated at the discretion of the course director and preceptor. POM assessment questions will be coordinated with the delayed assessment.
  • They use the first few weeks of MS1 summer to complete and study for the required elements and they take the delayed assessment/s . This may impact time previously allocated for FRCT. Any FRCT questions should be directed towards the Office of Student Research.
  • The student is granted an approved absence from in-person small group sessions without penalty during this time. This time will have no impact on their participation or attendance. The student is responsible for the material for all small group sessions.
  • The final grade for the block/s will be an Incomplete until delayed assessment completed, and Final Grade assessed.
  • The Family Care leave would be noted in the MSPE as Approved Leave.
  • If the student is in the MS2 year with a similar request, coursework would be completed after the CBSE assessment and before dedicated Step 1 study time. This may result in a delay of the start of the clinical phase.

A student has a complicated pregnancy and is on unexpected bedrest for the final 4 weeks of pregnancy and the student desires to take 4 weeks of Family Care Leave after the baby arrives resulting in medical leave for 4 weeks and a Family Care Leave of 4 weeks, disrupting two blocks of the pre-clerkship phase and POM.

  • During required bedrest, the student completes the first missed block material. They participate in virtual small group sessions. Participation and attendance requirements remain unchanged.
  • Their final grade for Block 1 is graded.
  • They complete the missed coursework for Block 2 during the summer of MS1 year. They take the assessment for Block 2 during the summer of MS1. This may impact time previously allocated for FRCT. Any FRCT questions should be directed towards the Office of Student Research.
  • The student is granted an approved absence from in-person small group sessions without penalty during this time. This time will have no impact on their participation or attendance assessment. The student is responsible for the material for all small group sessions.
  • Their final grade for Block 2 will be an Incomplete until delayed assessment completed, and Final Grade assessed.
  • The final grade for POM will be an Incomplete until sessions are completed, then Final Grade assessed. POM sessions will be coordinated at the discretion of the course director and preceptor which may include time during the summer or pre-clerkship phase. POM assessment questions will be coordinated with delayed assessment.
  • The Medical and Family Care leave would be noted in the MSPE as Approved Leave.
  • If the student is in the MS2 year with a similar request, coursework would be completed after the CBSE assessment and before dedicated Step 1 study time. This may result in a delay of the start of the clinical phase.

Pre-clerkship Phase Examples with graduation delay

Greater than 4-week request

  • A student who requests > 4 weeks of Family Care Leave is recommended to take a 12 month leave of absence. This is the general course of recommendation and process for student who request > 4-weeks in the pre-clerkship phase to maximize their exposure to the formative in-person, interactive learning during the pre-clerkship.
  • The student returns the following year at the same time as they left the curriculum, maintaining their place in medical school and delaying graduation by 1 year.
  • This leave would be coordinated with the Office of Student Affairs.
  • Family care leave would be noted as an Approved Leave in the MSPE Academic History section in “Extensions, Leaves, Gaps or Breaks"
  • In particular scenarios, a Master’s degree may be an option depending on the application and registration dates for the program. These requests would require special approval given the timing in the pre-clerkship phase. Typically, applications are Spring for the following Summer/Fall session
  • For example:
    • MPH: Application deadline is ~May 1st with Term starting July 1st.
    • MCR: Application deadline is ~ Feb 15th with Term starting August 1st
  • Gap time would be noted in the MSPE Academic History section in “Extensions, Leaves, Gaps or Breaks” and “dual-degree"

Clerkship and Advanced Clinical Phase Examples without graduation delay

  • Clinical phase dates such as ERAS and San Francisco application dates (Fall of the MS4 year) and interview dates (typically late October-early January) are determined by AAMC, NRMP and individual programs, respectively.
  • There are ~17 blocks between the end of MS2 and September MS4 to complete, Step 1, Step 2 CK, and graduation requirements.
  • The student should review graduation requirements with OSA to determine if the timing of the requested leave and the ability to successfully apply for residency and meet graduation requirements (LORs, Step 2, Sub-I, FRCT, OSCE prior to application) is possible
  • These Examples are based on the Renaissance Curriculum Graduation Requirements. Student in the Legacy Curriculum should meet with OSA to review.
  • These Examples are based on starting the Clinical Phase on the Standard Return Date from Step 1 prep.
  • Green blocks represent unscheduled time for Family Leave
  • The order of rotations or unscheduled months is individualized. Advanced phase rotations are examples only.

1-week request

A student’s partner has delivered a child, and the student would like to take 1 week off to help.

  • The student has pre-planned with OSA to take an elective month around the timing of delivery.
  • 1 week of an elective may be requested for approved 1 week request. Grading would remain unchanged.
  • The student can request to drop the elective without a withdrawal up to 3 weeks of completed coursework. Grading would remain unchanged.
  • POM sessions will be coordinated at the discretion of the course director and preceptor.
  • No leave would be noted on the student MSPE.

4+ week request

A student in the MS3 year is pregnant and has a due date in February. The student desires a Family Care Leave of 4 weeks, causing them to miss the end of one Block and the beginning of another in the clinical phase. They would also miss a standardized patient encounter during POM.

  • A total of 8 weeks of Family Care Leave is determined
  • The student has planned with OSA to make 2 months unscheduled around the timing of delivery to the MS4 time.
  • The student has planned with OSA to move 2 elective months around the timing of delivery to the MS4 time.
  • The student has no graduation delay
  • The student works with the POM tutors to remediate coursework during an elective
  • The student ensures that all graduation requirements are fulfilled. All clerkships must be completed prior to Dec in the graduating year.
  • They have no pre-clerkship elective courses
  • They ensure that the ambulatory and internal medicine graduation requirements are satisfied by an elective or SubI
  • No leave would be noted on the student MSPE.

Chart outlining the curriculum for a MS3 student who was a due date in February

A student in the MS3 year is pregnant and has a due date in August. The student desires a Family Care Leave of 12 weeks. This student has no pre-clerkship elective graduation credits. They have completed their FRCT requirement.

  • A total of 12 weeks of Family Care Leave is determined
  • The student has planned with OSA to move 3 unscheduled months around the timing of delivery to the MS4 time.
  • The student has planned with OSA to move 3 elective months around the timing of delivery to the MS4 time.
  • The student has no graduation delay
  • The student works with the POM instructors to remediate coursework during an elective
  • The student prepares for residency application during requested leave.
  • The student ensures that all graduation requirements are fulfilled. All clerkships must be completed prior to Dec in the graduating year.
  • They have no pre-clerkship elective courses
  • They ensure that the ambulatory and internal medicine graduation requirements are satisfied by an elective or SubI
  • Step 2, SubI and ability to obtain needed LORs may be impacted by this choice
  • The standard time for Step 2 score to return is ~ 4 weeks. The standard time to receive an evaluation and grade for a rotation is 4 weeks.
  • No leave would be noted on the students MSPE.

Chart outlining the curriculum for a MS3 student who was a due date in August

A student in the MS3 year is pregnant and has a due date in September of the MS4 year. The student desires a Family Care Leave of 12 weeks. This student has no pre-clerkship elective graduation credits

  • A total of 12 weeks of Family Care Leave is determined
  • The student has planned with OSA to move 3 unscheduled months around the timing of delivery to the MS4 time.
  • The student has planned with OSA to move 3 elective months around the timing of delivery to later in the MS4 time.
  • The student has no graduation delay
  • The student works with the POM instructors to remediate coursework during an elective
  • The student prepares for residency application during requested leave.
  • The student ensures that all graduation requirements are fulfilled. All clerkships must be completed prior to Dec in the graduating year.
  • They have no pre-clerkship elective courses
  • They ensure that the ambulatory and internal medicine graduation requirements are satisfied by an elective or SubI
  • No leave would be noted on the students MSPE.
  • Step 2, SubI and ability to obtain needed LORs may be impacted by this choice

Chart outlining the curriculum for a MS3 student who was a due date in September of the MS4 year

Clerkship and Advanced Clinical Phase Examples with graduation delay

  • A student may choose an option that results in a December graduation. This may have implications for residency Match. This option should be discussed with OSA as well as departmental advisors.

Chart outlining the curriculum for a MS3/MS4 student who will delay graduation

  • A student may request a 12-month leave returning in the following year at the same time as they left the curriculum, maintaining their place in medical school and delaying graduation by 1 year. This leave would be coordinated with the Office of Student Affairs. The student would restart within the curriculum wherever they left.
  • Family care leave would be noted as an Approved Leave in the MSPE Academic History section in “Extensions, Leaves, Gaps or Breaks"
  • In particular scenarios, a Master’s degree may be an option depending on the application and registration dates for the program. Typically, applications are Spring for the following Summer/Fall session

For example:

  • MPH: Application deadline is ~May 1st with Term starting July 1st.
  • MCR: Application deadline is ~ Feb 15th with Term starting August 1st
  • Gap time would be noted in the MSPE Academic History section in “Extensions, Leaves, Gaps or Breaks” and “dual-degree"

 

 

How is Family Care Leave noted in the MSPE?

  • Please refer above for examples of how Family Care Leave is noted in the MSPE
  • Family Care Leave will be noted as “Approved Leave” unless a student chooses to designate as Medical/Personal/Family Care. This decision should be discussed with OSA.
  • When applicable, deviations from the curriculum will be noted in the MSPE under the Academic History section in “Extensions, Leaves, Gaps or Breaks"

To what extent does being pregnant or a parent during residency interviews impact matching?

  • It is an NRMP Match Violation to ask a candidate about Family Status.
  • Match Communication Code of Conduct
  • Refraining from asking illegal or coercive questions
    Program directors shall recognize the negative consequences that can result from questions about age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and family status, and shall ensure that communication with applicants remains focused on the applicant’s goodness of fit within their programs.
  • Any additional concerns that a student may have regarding being a parent or pregnant during residency interviews can be directed towards the Office of Student Affairs.

What are the healthcare benefits afforded to students through UMB Student Health Insurance Plan?

  • Student Health Center
  • Student Health Insurance Plan
  • Steps to locate current Coverage Determination Guidelines (CDGs) [pdf]
  • Breast pumps, lactation support, and counseling services are considered under the Preventive Care benefit if billed per PPACA guidelines. Services rendered by a preferred provider; would be considered at 100% of the preferred allowance. No deductible, copay, or coinsurance would apply. Out of network would have a $200 deductible and then be covered at 100% of usual and customary charges. The preferred provider for this plan is United Healthcare Choice Plus. A student may contact the following preferred providers listed below for the breast pump.
  • Edgepark Medical Supplies - 800-321-0591
  • McKesson/Target Breast Pump Program -855-406-7687
  • Please note, this does not guarantee payment. We are not able to determine if and what benefits are payable until an actual claim for services is received. Benefit payment shall be subject to all deductible, copayment, coinsurance, exclusions, and limitations, or any other provisions of the policy effective at the time of service.
  • Student with questions regarding student health insurance coverage can contact Mr. Reynolds:

Mr. James Reynolds, MBA (he/him/his)

AVP and Assistant Dean, Administrative & Fiscal Affairs

Office of the Provost/Graduate School

James Reynolds

410-706-0485

What is the Lactation Policy and locations for Student Parents?

Are there childcare resources for Student Parents?

A search engine that provides results by zip code “for free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more,” including childcare.

Downtown Baltimore Child Care

237 N. Arch St. ~ 410-659-0515

High-quality early education and childcare for infants as young as 12 weeks through children in prekindergarten (age 4 turning 5 years) is available at Downtown Baltimore Child Care (DBCC), located between Saratoga and Lexington streets directly across from the Saratoga Street Garage. DBCC is accredited by the Maryland Statement Department of Education.

Hours are 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Call for full-time monthly rates.

Maryland Family Network

Resources and information regarding childcare in the state of Maryland, including voucher information.

Are there support resources for Student Parents?

  • Mobtown Mommies
    • An active Facebook group for Baltimore-based parents.
  • DJCC
    • A family parenting center based in downtown Baltimore. Visit site for membership fee. All faiths are welcome.

Child Care

  • Child Care Scholarship (CSS) Program
    • CSS provides financial assistance with child care costs to eligible working families in Maryland. Eligible families receive payment vouchers that can be utilized by child care providers. 

  • Aunt Bertha
    • A search engine that provides results by ZIP code “for free or reduced cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more,” including childcare.

  • Downtown Baltimore Child Care
    • 237 N. Arch St. | 410-659-0515
    • High-quality early education and child care for infants as young as 12 weeks through children in pre-kindergarten (age 4 turning 5 years) is available at Downtown Baltimore Child Care (DBCC), located between Saratoga and Lexington streets directly across from the Saratoga Street Garage. DBCC is accredited by the Maryland Statement Department of Education. Hours are 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Call for full-time monthly rates.
  • Maryland Family Network
    • Resources and information regarding child care in Maryland, including voucher information.

 

 

What are the Financial Aid resources for Student Parents?

  • All SOM medical students are required to pay 8 full terms of tuition
  • We encourage students to reach out to financial aid individually.

Financial Aid Contact Information

aidtalk@umaryland.edu

University Student Financial Assistance

601 W. Lombard St. Suite 221

Baltimore, MD 21201

P TTY/Voice 800-735-2258

Can my university take away my merit or need-based scholarships if they find out I am pregnant?

  • No. Based on Title IX, schools are not allowed to end or reduce your merit or need-based scholarships based on pregnancy. If the student remains in good academic standing in your program, the student must be allowed to keep their financial aid and scholarships.

How will my pregnancy affect my federal grants and loans?

  • For UMB, all graduate/professional students are considered independent for the purposes of financial aid and if they become pregnant, the FAFSA® would not have to be updated. UMB only uses the student or student and spouses income and asset information to determine eligibility for financial aid.
  • If the student is pregnant when filing FAFSA®, but the child will be born that award year, the student should still include the child in the household size. Be sure to preserve a copy of an ultrasound and other medical records just in case FAFSA® wants to verify the application
  • If the student has additional expenses such as medical expenses not covered by insurance or child day care expenses, they can request a cost of attendance increase. That request would be reviewed and considered based on medical expenses paid by the student not covered by insurance and child day care expense not to exceed the IRS allowance of $2,500. The cost of attendance is reviewed based on the academic year the expenses were incurred. For child day care expenses, financial aid is not able to cover cost associated with a nanny, childcare or anything considered tuition.

What happens if I must leave the medical school while pregnant, do I need to pay back the aid I received?

  • There are a lot of factors to consider when determining whether or not you have to pay back the aid you received such as:

When in the academic semester do you plan to leave?

Are you dropping out or taking a course while on leave?

Is the aid institutional or federal?

Taking time off from school may have an impact on your student loans, depending on your student status during your time off. To learn more about how your extended leave of absence affects your loans, contact your loan servicer and/or lender.

  • Make sure you contact the financial aid office before taking an extended absence.
    • If a student is out of school for more than 14 days, that student would be considered withdrawn for that term and any federal loans they have received would begin the grace period. In most cases, the student returns for the next term which allows them not to make payments on the loans they have received. Taking off a semester usually means the student graduates a semester after their class.
    • For any student who is out for a semester, financial aid would like to meet with the student to review their loans and provide them with repayment information as the repayment for the loans they have prior to the time off are treated differently than any new loans they may receive.

* Resources will be updated as often as appropriate. The descriptions above are not a substitute for contacting and engaging with the OSA to review each student’s individual circumstances. Questions or concerns not included within the Resources should be addressed with OSA directly.

Educational Support and Disability Services

The Office of Educational Support and Disability Services (ESDS) coordinates services to assist students with disabilities in obtaining reasonable accommodations through an interactive process involving the student and the school.

Title IX

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex or gender, including sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, as well as retaliation for reporting Title IX-prohibited behaviors or participating in Title IX processes. Through our policies and procedures, UMB not only fulfills its regulatory requirements, it also communicates the expectations UMB has for our community, the actions required, or requested, of our community if they experience or observe sexual misconduct, and the actions our community can expect from UMB when it receives reports of sexual misconduct.

Campus Links

* Resources will be updated as often as appropriate. The descriptions above are not a substitute for contacting and engaging with the OSA to review each student’s individual circumstances. Questions or concerns not included within the Resources should be addressed with OSA directly.