[strongbow]

Residencies today have drifted towards a new kinder, gentler approach to training doctors. Did you know that a resident had "rights" and a list of procedures to address real or percieved grievences? When I was a resident (yes I know these stories get embellished) I had a right to do what the attending staff said or leave the program. There is a reason they call you a "resident". I have had residents tell me that they can't take call or see patients because they have been on duty for 36 hours. You see the resident advocacy committee will make sure they get mandatory time off after prescribed periods of duty. The staff can face consequences for requiring a resident in training operate when he or she feels like they need to rest. This may sound Draconian but picture the "empowered" resident who knows how to work the system. This article doesn't surprise me.

[KarlInOhio]

I have had residents tell me that they can't take call or see patients because they have been on duty for 36 hours

Next time I go to a hospital, I'll remember to bring a large stick to chase away any resident who looks like he has been on call for 16 hours straight, much less 36. Other than a war or major natural disaster, when do patients really need doctors who can work those hours?

I know what I'm like when I've been up for 20+ hours trying to get a project finished at work. I have no business working on electronics, much less making life and death decisions or cutting into human flesh.

I'm sorry, but those hours are just "macho doctor initiation" BS. They have nothing to do with providing proper treatment for patients.

< /pet peeve>

[LibWhacker]

I have had residents tell me that they can't take call or see patients because they have been on duty for 36 hours.

My wife did her residency under the old system. I thought she'd be able to work fewer hours once she finished her fellowship but it hasn't worked out that. Between all her clinics, being on call, being on the wards, etc., she puts in just as many hours as she ever did. The wards are the worst, in part because of resident rights. I could never do what you guys do. I'd quit in a second flat before I'd put up with those hours.