On Fri, 22 Apr 2011 22:52:22 -0500, you wrote: 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