I'm currently a Junior in College studying applied mathematics, and 4-5 months ago received an offer to intern as a data analyst at a medium sized company that I am very interested in. When they reached out I let them know that I had a few other offers that had a shorter commute or better pay, but I was specifically interested in the work and data they dealt with. Because I already had standing offers from other companies, they rushed me through the interview process so I could compare their offer to the others I had, and I ultimately accepted their offer.
Fast forward 2 months and I've started to experience pain in my hips, and after meeting with doctors have come to find that I have a hip deformity which may require surgery on both my hips. This would entail a week or so of bedrest, then 6-8 weeks of double crutches, and then even more time with physical therapy afterwards. My doctor has me doing physical therapy and taking certain medications to see if the condition could be treated non surgically, but the reality of surgery is looking more and more real as we have seen no real improvement.This job would require a daily commute on public transit of 75 minutes one way, which I don't think would be feasible after my surgery, and I would likely go home to another state to have the surgery done anyway.
I really appreciate the effort that this company put in to giving me an offer quickly, especially because I am so interested in the work that they do. I'd be on a small specialized 12 person team, 4 of which are interns. When is an appropriate time to mention to my future supervisor that I may have to quit my internship for medical reasons? Part of me wants to give them advance notice so that if I must quit, they could still have time to find a replacement. However another part of me doesn't want to say anything until it's absolutely certain I'd be having the surgery.
I would appreciate any thoughts on this, I'd just like to be professional and considerate to all parties. Thanks!
Edit: Thanks to everyone for your responses. As a few points of clarification, I could not work remotely, as this company values being in the office and expects that of all employees. Negotiating being able to clock in on the commute to and from work was as flexible as I will get from them, so remote work during my recovery is not an option. I appreciate everyone's feedback, as it seems like my initial hunch of just staying quiet about the matter until I definitely reach a conclusion with my surgeon is the best bet. Thanks you!
This job would require a daily commute on public transit of 75 minutes one way, which I don't think would be feasible after my surgery
=> Can you consider moving closer to the work place?