Since starting this website and blog a short time ago I have received emails from doctors in many countries, which is of course wonderful. As an American doctor who started this website out of frustrations I experienced opening my own practice, I realize I was a bit myopic to assume that private practice issues we face are unique to America. In fact, the issues and the processes are often identical, no matter how a country’s healthcare system is structured. I think it’s safe to say that many things will not change even under healthcare reform because, after all, being an excellent doctor supercedes politics and finances.

Several of the international physicians have kindly submitted articles for inclusion on this website. I hope they represent a trend that will continue as we can all learn from each other. The original tagline for PrivatePractice.MD was “Doctors Helping Doctors” and that’s a sentiment I hope to always encourage. Dr. Lawrence Kindo in India has written several articles. The first is entitled “A Perspective On The Indian Healthcare System” and shares his opinion and overview of the medical system in India. I found it interesting that he believes medical tourism will become a big industry for India, and I had the thought that we American doctors never think about our healthcare system in that way (at least I haven’t). Yet we know that people travel to the US from all over the world for the excellent and advanced medical care available in the US. Dr. Kindo’s other article gives a overview of the training Indian doctors receive. It is entitled “Medical Education In India and the US: A Comparison.” I think you’ll find it an interesting article also.

Dr. Rodrigo Rubio , a Mexican anesthesiologist and MBA student, kindly offered to share his knowledge and insights about private medical practice from a Mexican perspective. He has proposed a series of articles, with the first article talking about the value proposition we physicians bring to our patients. I think you’ll agree that the principles are universal and location- independent.

I encourage everyone to write and share their experiences and perspective.  Please leave comments as well!