What to tell boss/friend about sick leave for lipo (so she will leave me alone)?

Question

When I had a TT/BL mid 2020 & male boss and just said I needed a "Procedure" & took 5 days sick leave, then worked from home (Covid). Now, for a revision & separate lipo procedure, I have a female boss that is a friend, but also a workaholic. What can I tell her so I can take 5 days sick leave (& so she will leave me alone)? I will be working remote after the sick time so she won't see me or results. We talk about other health issues, so just saying "Procedure" won't be enough.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Every company and every supervisor is different, so it's ultimately your call what you do or don't share with your boss &mdash; but know that you're entitled to your privacy and it's OK to not answer an invasive or personal question if it makes you uncomfortable. If your company has a human resources person, speak with him/her about the best way to handle asking for medical leave.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You could tell her exactly what you are having done, or just say something like "surgery" or "revisional surgery". She will probably want to know details. She might want something done as well.

Ashley Steinberg, MD · Answer

You NEVER have to tell your employers your medical issues/choices. You can say you are having a surgical procedure that requires some recuperation. HIPPA laws say that they cannot ask about your medical issues, and they cannot be disclosed.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

“My medical issues are private.”

Best,

Mats Hagstrom, MD

Real self requests that we write at least 100 letters

What to tell boss/friend about sick leave for lipo (so she will leave me alone)?

Answers (4)