[svrtknst]

Are they? Sounds odd that the norm would be for people to take birthdays off.

[steerablesafe]

It doesn't have to be norm, only statistically significant.

[boomboomsubban]

I may be making this up, but aren't there some rather strict rules about surgeons and alcohol? It may make them more likely to just take the day off.

[helsinkiandrew]

I'd guess that few surgeons start boozing at breakfast on their birthday or have a lunchtime drinking session to celebrate. But are more likely to be rushing off to have a party than actually be impaired.

[boomboomsubban]

I more thought you might need to request the day off to avoid being on call, surgeons have very unstable hours.