"I've been on vacation," Scott told The News yesterday. "I'm taking some time off. Everything is fine. There are no issues with [the station]."

Scott said he would return soon, within the next few weeks, though he did not have a date.

Station officials aren't talking, either.

"We do not comment on matters concerning personnel," said Ch. 7 spokesman Jim Gorham.

News director Kenny Plotnik did not return calls or e-mails for comment.

Since Scott's been out, Jessica Taff has been filling his weekend slot while also doing her own assignments.

Scott, who has been with the station since 2001, is also a doctor focusing on sports medicine and training.

A week ago, he was honored by the Cabrini Mission Foundation, where a crowd of 300 heard him passionately praise the organization. In April, he was named to the science advisory board of Metabolic Research, Inc., a biotechnology company developing a new form of nonsynthetic pharmaceuticals. He also runs Performance Health by Dr. Marvell, a Madison Ave. wellness and sports medicine company.

Scott said it was his decision to be out at this time, and that he's spent the time away "traveling, taking a vacation and practicing medicine in the city."