Hi all Jeanette raised an interesting issue earlier about what our profession is/should be called. The United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA) ran a survey last year to get members' opinions on our name and what it might mean to change it. The original article is here: http://www.uslcaonline.org/news/April2007.pdf And the followup analysis of the survey is here: http://www.uslcaonline.org/documents/June2007.pdf This was basically a thought exercise, not a "vote on which one you like best so we can change" exercise. It does provide interesting food for thought! Melissa Vickers, IBCLC USLCA eNews Editor Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:31:16 -0700 From: Jeanette Panchula <[log in to unmask]> Subject: What's in a name? I had an interesting viewpoint given to me by a physician we were approaching about getting IBCLCs reimbursed via health insurance (this is a US issue, so those of you not of the US may find it boring)... When we discussed reimbursement for "International Board Certified Lactation Consultants" he indicated hesitation - and after further discussion (open ended questions...acceptance...etc...) we learned that the term "consultant" in HIS view refers to physicians he "consults with" who are specialists in their medical-related field - neurologists, radiologists, etc. He is more comfortable using the term "therapists" in regards to specialists who address issues such as speech therapy, Physical therapy or occupational therapy. I know that in the 80's when the discussion was what to call us - there was a deliberate moving away from that term "therapy" and thus the choice "consultant". I am not asking for us to be re-named at this late date - however, we need to know what a barrier this CAN be for us - and work on ways to address it rather than a "get over it" attitude which will not win us friends or influence! Jeanette Panchula, BSW, RN, PHN, IBCLC California, USA *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome