A French medical group called the Syndicat national des praticiens anesthésistes réanimateurs élargi (Snphare) has drawn attention to a recent American study that links long working hours to increased patient risk. The research found that when anesthesiologists and intensivists work more than 16 consecutive hours, the risk of patient death during or shortly after surgery rises by 30 percent. The group is calling for changes to how these doctors are scheduled, suggesting that those who start work at 8 a.m. should not be required to stay on call during the night. The Snphare has long been concerned about the effects of extended shifts on both doctors and patients. They describe 24-hour shifts as "harmful," emphasizing that the risks extend beyond the health of the medical staff to the safety of the patients they care for. This concern is supported by a study that analyzed over 1.5 million surgical procedures in the United States, which found a 30 percent increase in patient deaths within the hospital after surgeries performed by doctors who had worked more than 16 hours straight. The study underscores the growing body of evidence linking excessive work hours to medical errors and poorer patient outcomes. Snphare has been advocating for years to move away from the 16-hour consecutive work model, which they argue is unsustainable and unsafe. Their push is part of a broader movement in healthcare to improve working conditions and reduce the risk of fatigue-related mistakes. The findings have reignited discussions about work schedules in the medical field, with calls for reforms that prioritize both patient safety and the well-being of healthcare workers. While the study focuses on the American healthcare system, the implications are relevant globally, as similar workloads are common in many countries. The Snphare continues to stress the need for policy changes to ensure that doctors are not overworked and that patient care remains the top priority.