ABSTRACT
The only certain factor in a modern consultant's business life is a level of uncertainty. A large number of factors that impact on a private consultants' practice is already in process of change. The pace of technological change shows no sign of abatement. The pressures on consultants to master and acquire new techniques, and for an ongoing programme of re-education and supplementary education are likely to continue. While there will be changes in the National Health Service (NHS), in technology and in the role of insurance companies, the conduct and management of private practices will change. Nonetheless, the NHS will continue to form the bedrock of career development for most consultants and the prime basis for their contact network. Cost management under a variety of guises will continue. In addition, quality control and audit of consultants' services are likely to become more sophisticated.