I also have mixed emotions when I read all the doctor bashing on lactnet and
hear it at LLL meetings. Here a few of my comments.

It took me 12 years to complete all my training, likewise for other
specialist. I find it hard to believe physicians spend all this time in
training to *hurt you*. There are much quicker ways to *get rich* and
quicker ways to get credentialed to serve the community without creating a
$100,0000 debt. At least when we get started with school I feel that many
doctors do want to *help people*.(just like LLL leaders) I don't know what
happens along the way to many physicians but I still get alot of personal
satisfaction serving the community.


Many of the procedures all of you oppose are government regulated.(in the
USA) Instead of attacking doctors for the eye drops,bathes, vit k etc. Maybe
it it is time to blame the legal system for influencing the way doctors
practice and get these laws changed. When these regulations went into effect
they were for the benefit of many. As times change, we need to update the
laws and then medical school education will also be influenced. Insurance
companies also try to influence my decisions and write protocols for me to
follow. Take your battles to them.

Several times I have thought of suggesting to a local doctor or residency
director to have residents attend LLL meetings or read lactnet. I would be
embarrassed though if my physician colleagues did get bashed when they went
to a meeting or got on lactnet at  my suggestion. I don't know how any of
you can get physician support if you continually bash them. It is one thing
to discuss the lack of physician knowledge about breastfeeding and how to
improve medical education. But to start bashing all physicians in all areas
of specialty should be kept out of this discussion. I also realize that this
is a forum for support and a place to ventilate. Perhaps someone with
positive experiences with the medical community could share some stories to
balance the discussion a little.

When a patient comes to my office I assume they want to know what I have to
offer. And that is what they get. If the wanted to hear what herbs and
vitamins and alternative therapies to try I can try to lead them in the
right direction but may not have much to offer in my office.

Sometimes a patient prefers not to have a treatment and it is reasonable to
hold off, and it is ok with  me. Other times it is really hard to see
someone refuse treatment, and  to see the prolonge suffering when I have
something that could make a difference.
In my practice common situations are bronchodilator treatment for wheezing,
nicotine cessation prescriptions, antidepressants. The people who refuse
treatment are usually not the well informed lactnet types. They are often
patients that don't put their health as a priority.

I have also wanted to comment on all the rewards I supposably get for
writing prescriptions. Where are they. Maybe in the past year I have gotten
two really nice dinners at the expense of loosing valuable family time, so I
don't go very much. I was  also invited to a day at a central florida theme
park. This was the only trip I was ever invited to. That was not my favorite
park . The very same weekend I went to a  different tourist attraction at my
own expense. Several lunches are brought to the office a month.Big Deal, but
I do agree with you that all the antibiotic reps want to *brainwash me*.
Among sales reps I have a pretty tough reputation.
Writing prescriptions is a privilege and I take it seriously. I do not make
any direct profit from writing prescriptions. On the other hand, If I (sold)
dispensed megavitamins or herbs from my office it seems like the direct
profit would be much greater financially to me then writing prescriptions.
Please let me enjoy the rare free lunch. I will try to refer my vitamin/herb
seeking patients to reputable private sources.

I hope my mixed feelings towards physician bashing is taken well, broadens
your perspectives and helps to improve physician/IBCLC/LLL leader relations.

Denise Punger MD FAAFP
Hobe Sound,Florida
Still nursing William 3 1/2 and Scott 1 1/2 so I may be slow responing to
your questions
http://doctor.medscape.com/denisepungermd


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