<Do any of you have any ideas of how a physician gets these contact hours?
Or is there an easier way?>

I would have to say that a physician gets them the same way anybody else
does - by working, hands-on, with BFing moms & babies. I don't see anything
in the handbook about "easier" ways for physicians or anybody else.

I know it would be unorthodox, but perhaps a physician could work with an
IBCLC in her office; they could do their consults together, with the doc
watching & learning from the LC at first and then taking an increasing role
in the consults. It takes more time than the average office visit, that's
for sure. Perhaps she could take enough leave time from her practice to do
one of the supervised practicums (practica?) offered by some programs -
don't have names in front of me, but I know I've heard of these being
offered. Always wondered who could afford them - maybe doctors trying to get
their hours! Perhaps she could make/find the time to work with the BF
coordinator at her local WIC program - I trained an MD as a peer counselor
once. Or maybe, when she takes a long hard look at her real-life situation,
she'll find that a better option for her would be to work closely with a
good IBCLC to whom she can refer pts., rather than become one herself. I
have incredible respect for the MDs I've encountered through lactnet who
have managed to get their IBCLC!

I know doctors are busy, and the experience-hours number is a big one. But
people in many other professions are busy as well, and they do what it takes
to get those hours. I have to say that getting my hours as part of my job as
an OB nurse is sure the easiest way to rack 'em up - I'm very impressed when
others who don't have that built-in opportunity to get hours manage to pull
it together!

Cathy Bargar RN< IBCLC Ithaca NY

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html