C.Ione Sims' question about going into practice with CNMs raises some
general issues whenever one considers doing a practice with someone else.

a) Going into practice with someone (regardless of their
specialization/professional background) is like being married.  It is best
to get clear each person's philosophy and approach so that problems of
potnetial conflict between partners can be minimized. This will reduce
confusion by patients seen by each partner separately.

b) When going into practice with a midwife, phyisician, etc., consider
whether you want to limit you practice to only THEIR patients. Many
potential patients may think twice about seeing you if you are viewed only
as that practice's LC--unless you want this to happen, such a partnership
might not work.

c) Another option to the problem noted in b) is to have a clear
understanding (preferably in writing in advance) that you can bring in/see
other patients, too. (This might work well, but does not in all cases)

d) as with any (long-term, productive, positive) relationship, it is best
to go slow and get things down in writing. In other wrods, this is one
"marriage" where a prenup is a must!




Def. of LC service: "We are all faced with a series of great opportunities
brilliantly disguised as impossible situations."
Kathleen G. Auerbach,PhD, IBCLC (Homewood, IL)- [log in to unmask]