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The very first pediatric intensive care units were established in the late 1960s with one attending physician who was always on call, and a couple of fellows who usually were on call every other night. One-hundred-hour work weeks and forty-eight hours without sleep were common, and the ability to brag about this was a badge of honor. Despite the fatigue and sleep deprivation, we were taught, and we learned. Along the way, we saw evidence that the lack of sleep caused harm in many ways, so long work hours and bleary eyes, missing meals, living in the call room, and not seeing our families for days on end are no more.
Source: Pediatric Clinics of North America - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Preface Source Type: research