It seems strange, but many physicians do not see e-mail as an important way to communicate with patients. He imagines parents deluging him with questions about potty training and school avoidance, issues he now addresses only at office appointments. If he could charge for e-consultations, he might see some value in them, he says. But he still would have concerns about liability and about the impersonal nature of email. It's the same issue as in teaching.
People are more likely to e-mail than call or come in person.
But that seems like a good thing, especially for a profession that's supposed to help people. Obviously, if a question comes that shouldn't be answered via e-mail, you just reply to that effect. Profs note Cal law , about selling class notes without consent of the instructor. I'm in favor of teachers putting their notes on the Web for all to see. It is in the tradition of openness that is integral to universities.