Oh my Gosh!!!!!!! Did he SAY that?
You need a new doctor you can trust. Especially at an important time like childbirth! If you feel uncomfortable not knowing your doctor at the time of delivery, hire a doula. They are fairly inexpensive, they work with you and your doctors, and will be there with you through the entire process including delivery. They can help answer the questions you have because a part of their job is to provide research for you.....They are fairly inexpensive as well.
Never induce your labor to accomodate a doctor's personal life! Inducing should only be done when it is best for you and your child. My son was due Nov.4 and because of the fact I was attempting a VBAC and the risks were high, we (my doctor and I) did not want to chance the baby being born after my due date (it increases your chance of needing a c-section if you had one the first time *sidenote).....Nov.2 (two days prior to my due date) I was induced. That same day I went into labor. We did not induce with a drug but we did induce my rupturing my membranes that morning. I had a successful VBAC (vaginal birth after a cesarean)that day. It was awesome.
I would NOT induce in your situation at all. They should have another doctor on call if they cannot make it, or a backup doctor of some kind while he/she is on vacation. Meet them before your due date.
Oh please do not induce under those circumstances. Give natural childbirth a chance to work first and I'll say it again: Hire a doula!.
*Hope that helps.
Feel free to contact me with any questions about my 2 experiences with childbirth. One was a c-section the other natural birth (VBAC)
:)