Leave of Absence

Students must complete the MPH within five years of matriculation. Students may, however, apply for a leave of absence from the MPH program for one year, and, in exceptional cases, a second year of leave may be granted. Students continue to earn shared credits toward the MPH for their satisfactorily completed MD coursework, but extend the amount of time to complete the MPH. This may allow some students to “take a break” from the MPH if their medical school coursework or schedule is too demanding. Planning ahead is crucial because the SPH does not grant retroactive Leave of Absences.

To take a leave of absence, you will need to:

1. Notify Melissa Garcia at [email protected], and she will let the SPH staff know.


2. Download and complete the following MD/MPH LOA Request Form, provided below in word doc and editable-PDF file formats.

Once completed, send this original signed form to Melissa Garcia, at 7703 Floyd curl Dr. MC 7976, San Antonio TX, 78284-7976 three weeks before the semester begins (for the one you are starting the LOA). She will record it and send it to Houston.

Download LOA Request Form:   Word doc   |   PDF