22 Apr
2011
22 Apr
'11
9:37 a.m.
On Fri, 22 Apr 2011 22:52:22 -0500, you wrote:
And they don't think there's something wrong
(and unprofessional)
about this practice? It looks (to the layperson) that it's so deeply
ingrained in the culture that it has become acceptable and expected. Do
the people involved just view it as an acceptable risk, or do they think
there just isn't any risk?
-Dave
There are probably a few other MD's (and DO's) on this list, including
me ;)
I went through it in my late 20's and now, 20 years later, would not
have the stamina to do it at all, let alone safely. From personal
experience I'm inclined to believe the practice of 36 hour shifts is
no more or less than institutionalized hazing, as has already been
addressed by other posters. Any complaints were always met with
derision of the "you think YOU have it tough, when *I* was an intern I
had to walk uphill both ways barefoot in the snow 36 hours a day",
etc. Especially among surgeons, who usually won the macho-asshole
award hands down.
-Charles