>There are two reasons for this situation in USA. Firstly, doctors make so good money that sometimes they cannot say No.
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>Long shifts are generally a resident doctor problem. Resident doctors probably earn less per hour than you.
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>Second reason is an inadvertent continuation: US hospitals cannot afford to employ sufficient number of doctors so they rely on residents (physicians-on-training) so much that they force them to work non-stop.
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>It is true that training hospitals may not have resources to fund a sensible roster, even if enough qualified candidates are available.
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>It is also true that medicine is a fascinating undertaking and some residents are reluctant to clock-watch while care is underway.
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>Some doctors are even altruistic. ;-)
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>The latest trend is to hire "nocturnist" physicians who work only at night and have no patients of their own. Obviously the cost can be expected to rise.

Dr. Dracula will see you now....