Bringing back the sabbatical: Radiologists offer 4 tips on how to make it happen
Two academic radiologists recently shared their experiences with taking time off to in the hope that their story would encourage others to do the same.
The radiologists, who are married to one another and have three children, propose that the return of the sabbatical could help to combat burnout and revive clinicians’ vigor for their careers. The couple recently shared how they were able to achieve their travel goals in a new paper published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology [1].
“Taking an extended time off to travel had been a dream of ours since medical school, but it was difficult to imagine how that dream could become a reality. Once both of us started academic radiology jobs, the obstacles to taking time off seemed insurmountable,” Wendi and Joseph Owen, both radiologists in Kentucky, shared.
Although they had financial, professional and educational concerns, the couple was able to take six months away from work to travel with their kids children while also homeschooling them. How their leave would affect the clinical and academic logistics at their institution was of particular concern. Their advice on how to help other radiologists, as well as institutions, plan for such an extended leave is shared below:
Study different types of leave. The facility where the Owens are employed does not have formal sabbatical policies, so they opted for a “special leave of absence.” It was unpaid and required the approval of a department chair but allowed them to be away for an extended period of time without also having to complete specific faculty requirements.
Plan for coverage of health benefits. Their facility covered health benefits while they were away and deducted their share of the costs from their first paycheck after returning from leave.
Arrange clinical coverage. The couple worked with their division chiefs to plan coverage. Part-time contracts were given to anyone who offered to take on additional work and three temporary radiologists were hired to cover during shortages.
Arrange academic coverage (if applicable). The couple designated individuals to cover their administrative duties while away and made themselves available via email or text to assist with questions/concerns during that time.
Budget. The Owens generated passive income via rental properties to save for their extended, unpaid leave. They also noted that their trip was carried out on a "tight" budget.
The Owens expressed a renewed sense of appreciation, focus and fulfillment both in their careers and within their home life following the extended leave. However, they acknowledged that their own experiences might not be achievable for many radiologists depending on their specific situation. To that note, the couple suggested that facilities consider implementing policies specific to sabbatical.
“By offering this time to employees, we can show a commitment to their personal well-being,” the couple suggested, adding that offering this time away could reduce burnout and help radiologists meet their own personal goals while finding both personal and professional fulfillment.
To learn more about their experiences, click here, or visit their blog www.nobedtimesnoborders.com.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.