Nearly all are 5-6 years long. Almost any permutation can be achieved if one looks hard enough, given a little geographic flexibility. There are 3 or 4 typical days. Mostly there are clinic days, surgery days, administrative days and research days, but these can be half days or less depending upon clinical and other demands. Work hard, play hard.
Any surgical career requires an understanding and supportive spouse.
It is definitely harder for a woman in this field versus a man, but flexiblity and adaptability are key. Willingness to work hard, take initiative, be professional and smart. Depends upon geography but generally quite. This changes year to year.