In other fields like trucking or air traffic control, they have maximum time limits so that tired workers don’t cause dangerous accidents. It’s surprising that there isn’t something similar for doctors since medical accidents could also kill people. So, why do I keep hearing about medical workers working super long 12-48 hour shifts? Is there a benefit that outweighs the risk of accidents?
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Residents do this (as it makes hospitals a lot of money), but this practice has changed recently. Established doctors may work this much for more money but they don’t have to. Except ER docs, who may work 12 hour shifts because of continuity of care: less shift changes in staff means less miscommunication. But these docs only usually work 3 days a week.
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