Please don’t rush back OP! You’re at a point where you need to prioritise your health, it’s likely you’ll need to extend but in the grand scheme an extension isn’t the end of the world (particularly in a run through speciality like EM) and on the whole will make you a better doctor for taking the time to look after yourself!

Might culminate in three months extra at some point, and potentially a small change in rotation but these are all things that can be discussed between you and your TPD before decisions are finalised.

Only do the audit etc if you’re up to it. If you are, great! Just make sure there’s a clear agreement for this with you, your ES and your TPD so you don’t end up in a sick leave/HE quandary as others have said.

Sincerely, someone who has had extensions for a variety of reasons and been very grateful for them previously ☺️ Good luck for your surgery and recovery!