Well, look at it from the patients point of view... if there isn't a doctor to available, because they took some time off after a 20+ day stint...where does tha

Well, look at it from the patients point of view... if there isn't a doctor to available, because they took some time off after a 20+ day stint...where does that leave you(the patient)? It's a tough job, but they signed up for it, and the pay is very good by comparison to other jobs that have similarly long hours. For some contrast though, before everyone cries out "save the med students, they have it harder than any one should endure"... remember there are other jobs with far greater risks, hours, and far less pay. Ever been deployed in a military unit during wartime? I've wished there was a window to jump out of several times, or that a pager beeping was the scariest thing to fear while trying to sleep - and that was in recent engagements, it was far worse for the generation before us during wartime - doctors not so much.