Bernstein E, James T:  Sabbatical programs and the status of academic emergency medicine: a survey. Acad Emerg Med 1999;6:932-938.
In 1998, SAEM commissioned a survey to describe sabbatical programs, academic rank, tenure, and to shed light on factors affecting the continuum of faculty development.  Among 2,042 ranked EM faculty, there were 121 professors and 346 associate professors.  Mean sabbatical length was 6 months and required 5.7 years of employment.  Only 40 faculty members (9% of senior faculty) had taken sabbaticals.   Obstacles to successful participation of EM in sabbatical programs include reduced funding, lack of departmental status, CMS regulations, and graduate medical education cutbacks. 

Vickman L:  Change of shift, sabbatical. Ann Emerg Med 1996;27:668-671.
This is an essay written by an emergency physician who took a sabbatical that details his experiences and thoughts regarding sabbaticals.  He lists his suggestions for developing a successful sabbatical such as: commit to doing it, decide on a purpose, choose a mentor for advice.  He also focuses on his spiritual thoughts about sabbaticals.  Here is a brief excerpt from the essay: "Take another look. Where are your kids? Do you know them? Are you friends with them? ..........You can't come back after years of absence and make up for not being there. It just does not happen."