anon: I would imagine there are semi-retired surgeons who may work on a schedule of something like half a work-week i.e. 20 hours/week (even if a non-retired surgeon’s work week is actually more than 40 hours/week.) I could see someone else obtaining a reduced workweek.
In any event, I’m sure there are positions other than surgeons that could accommodate a half workweek (i.e. 18-20 hours) for a semi-retired folk or someone else having such a need. (Don’t some working moms work reduced hours?)
SJS: “But your chances of getting…”
“Chances” falls into G-d’s realm.