Lessons Learned from Private Practice

Abstract

Private practice helps the young physician understand what the standard of care is in your community. Deviation from the standard of care can lead to an allegation of malpractice if harm has been done to the patient. Advice on how to avoid malpractice is given within the context of striving for a higher goal: choosing good practice. Another benefit of private practice is the long-term relationships you develop with your patients. By getting to know your patient better you may best be able to appreciate what Osler described as “the true poetry of life”. Stories, sad and humorous, highlighting some of these poetic moments are given as examples from one’s private practice.