Sabbaticals in U.S. Medical Schools

Abstract Background: Sabbaticals are an important feature of academia for faculty and their institutions. Whereas sabbaticals are common in institutions of higher learning, little is known about their role and utilization in U.S. medical schools. This study examining sabbaticals in medical school faculty was undertaken at a time that wellbeing of health professionals was increasingly recognized as workforce and health reform priorities. Methods: We surveyed associate deans at U.S. medical schools in 2021 about faculty who had taken sabbaticals within the past three years, the parameters of the sabbaticals, as well as institutional policies and respondents' predictions of future sabbatical use. Results: 53% of respondents reported any faculty had taken sabbaticals in the past three years ( M = 6.27; Median = 3; range = 1-60). Institutions rated enhancing research as the most important objective, while recognizing other benefits. Sabbaticals were more commonly taken by male, White, senior faculty Ph.Ds. Details about sabbaticals, including eligibility, expectations, length, financial support, and benefits were reviewed. Most (54.8%) respondents expected no change in the number of faculty seeking sabbaticals. Nearly all anticipated the COVID-19 pandemic would not affect sabbatical policies. Conclusion: In contrast to other institutions of higher learning, sabbatical-taking by medical school faculty is rare. We explore factors that may contribute to this phenomenon, e.g., the tripartite mission, faculty clinical responsibilities, culture of medicine, and student debt. Despite financial and other barriers, a closer look at the benefits of sabbaticals is warranted as a mechanism that may support faculty well-being, retention, and mental health.