title: The RANZCP Australian Private Practitioners' Network.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide an overview of the challenges and opportunities afforded by the practice of psychiatry in the private sector, and in so doing build a rationale for the formation of a formally established network of Australian psychiatrists who meet to advance constructive proposals concerning the private practice of psychiatry, encourage mutual support, and promote this area of psychiatric endeavour.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Private psychiatry has dangers, challenges and many responsibilities, but it also has the potential for relative independence and creative fulfilment. It is desirable that its practitioners support each other and work constructively together in addressing the sorts of issues delineated in the Private Practitioners' Network's mission statement and objectives.
authors.affiliation: RANZCP, West Croydon, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Warwick
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Middleton
authors.forename: Johanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lammersma
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D019058:Community Networks; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D017149:Private Sector; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017150:Public Sector; D012944:Social Support