ABSTRACT
This altruistic quotation was suitable for a large young nation with an expanding frontier but is unfortunately inappropriate for a solo medical practice with no external source of funding. When I married Jay 24 years ago we were very much in love. I knew that his practice management style was chaotic, or even nonexistent, and that he did not have the knowledge, ability, or inclination to run his office so that he could support himself, much less a family. I thought that we had formed a partnership so that I could help him to make a decent living while fulfilling his dream. His almost delusional pursuit of his sense of ideal medical practice proved to be stronger than my most vigorous intentions and efforts. His method of medical practice and a few of his patients have harmed our marriage, in spite of our love.
