Okay, had to end that last post quickly because H came home from his morning pre-work surf session.
As I was saying - haven't really seen other physicians doing what I envision, and I don't know if that's because it is just not a viable business model. I did see a survey of salaries for life coaches which did not look that promising (in that most of them didn't seem to have enough clients to sustain a good income) but then again, I do have confidence that I could attract a following eventually, if I could work out the insurance issues. And flexibility is more important than absolute income at this point, although I do need to have a reasonable revenue stream in order to justify it to my H.
Writing a column would be a way to attract clients, as would a book. (Book sales, of course, could then be another source of income).
As to your question about insurers providing an "answer" service, J - many do, but it takes the form of nurses answering calls - wouldn't pay to my level, and frankly, what they offer is pretty limited. Once the medical coaching thing were established, I suppose it could be marketed to large businesses as an executive service they couldprovide to their employees - but healthcare costs being what they are, I'm not sure how you would go about proving to the companies that they would get a return on that money?
Anybody else out there with thoughts? Would you pay the equivalent of coaching fees ($100 - 200 an hour) to talk online or over the phone with a physician who could answer your medical questions, point you towards the right specialists for your problem, help you understand your test results, interpret your family history and give you health advice? What would you really want such a service to look like, and what would it be worth to you?
Gosh, Ellie, if you could resolve the insurance (malpractice) question, and if you could market it as wellness or efficiency care it just might work. Medical care is such a maze for people now that to have an initial one-stop place to ask for direction would be an enormous relief for some people. Getting them to pony up the $100-200 fee is another question. People facing serious health issues just might though, on a one-time basis. Sort of like the consult fees for coaching on this site. Or a much, much better version of the cocktail party moment--"You're a doctor?! Oh, can we talk, I've got this thing....." A less-threatening way to start the medical journey than making that appointment and trekking to the sterile office environment. But getting a roadmap.
Hi Ellie, Have you ever tried contacting various medical journal or database publishers? They often look for freelancers to write columns, or copy edit, or set up web sites, or review materials, etc. One of my dear friends is a doctor and he does consultancy work for publishers, including drug descriptions, indexing, product comparisons, evidence-based medical reviews, etc. Of course, he worked for a publisher for many years so he also had the contacts in that industry. Also Pharmaceutical companies are busy setting up Patient Information web sites - perhaps they could use some freelance help.
I used to do some work for an internet site - basically writing and devising diagnostic and treatment "trees" for their website - but the pay was really lousy, and they went under when the dotcom bust came through. I'd love to talk to your friend though about his experiences, and see if he has any advice for me. Does he do this exclusively, or just as an adjunct to his clinical practice?
KML, your story has inspired me to keep working at my M. Thank you.
As to your website idea. I am a web designer, and had often wondered how I could create a site that is health, wellness, fitness, psychologically and spiritually related. Something that encompasses the whole person. I have mulled over many ideas, and still am trying to think of something. Your post has certainly gotten my brain cells working again.
Me:57 H:52 M:28 Got another lawyer last year and filed. D35,S/D twins28,D22 EA4/04 End? Who knows? "Life is like a mirror. Smile at it and it smiles back at you." — Peace Pilgrim
FYI, Ellie, I work for an e-commerce site (as a developer), so if you were thinking of setting up your own site and have any technical questions, I love talking geek.
Thanks, Nevanna, I will keep you on my roster of possible advisors!
You see so many badly-designed websites out there. My H bought an IBM laptop online from IBM a few months ago, and THEIR website was terrible! Full of dead-ends and "you can't get back there from here"s. I must give Michelle credit, I think her bb is one of the more user-friendly ones I have visited.
Ellie: Your experience is inspiring, and I'm so glad that you summarized your journey. I'm hoping you can give me some advice on my current situation: --I'm 39 & H's 43, and 2 children (6&3) --Started to notice some change when H turned 43 in 7/04. --He bought a porche & had emotional affairs whenever he was stressed about work or life in general. --Things got really ugly around Thanksgiving when we were on a family vacation. (D word was brought up on 2 occasions) --Since returned from the family vacation, H's been sleeping in the study. ***************** I've read Michele's bk, and found it helpful. Though I noticed small acknowledgement, I'm finding it extremely difficult on occasions when H's behavior is so cold & indifferent. It's as if he's turned to be a complete different person.
I'm actively working on myself by doing yoga & ceramic classes, and I'm planning a 1-day trip in Feb., which I thought H would ordinary enjoyed. But decided against asking him, for I can't take anymore rejection.
Because my children are young, the imbalance of our family life is causing lots of insecurity. My daughter is finding ways to get what she wants by asking H whenever I told her 'no'.
I go through the valley or highs & lows, and would love advice on whether I'm on the right course.
