private practice

[/ˈpraɪvət ˈpræktɪs/]
nounpl: private practices
consultório privado / prática privada / clínica privada
1. A professional business where a doctor, lawyer, dentist, or other professional provides services directly to clients for a fee, independent of government or institutional employment
After 15 years working at the hospital, she opened her own private practice.
Depois de 15 anos trabalhando no hospital, ela abriu seu próprio consultório privado.
2. The act of practicing a profession independently as a self-employed professional
He transitioned from corporate law to private practice to have more control over his cases.
Ele transitou do direito corporativo para a prática privada para ter mais controle sobre seus casos.
In Brazil and the US, private practice is highly valued among professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and dentists as it offers independence and potentially higher income compared to institutional employment. However, it also requires entrepreneurial skills and business management. The term reflects the distinction between private sector professionals and those employed by government or large institutions, which is a significant part of professional culture in both countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
independent practicesolo practiceprivate clinicself-employmentprivate business
Antonyms / Antônimos
public practiceinstitutional employmentgovernment employmenthospital practice

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
consultório privado / clínica privada
Most common term used for medical professionals; 'prática privada' also used for lawyers and other professionals
São Paulo
consultório particular / escritório de advocacia privado
In legal context, 'escritório de advocacia' (law office) is commonly preferred over 'prática privada'
Rio de Janeiro
consultório privado / clínica particular
Terms are used interchangeably; 'particular' sometimes preferred over 'privado'
Portugal
clínica privada / consultório privado / prática privada
Similar usage to Brazil; 'clínica privada' is widely used for medical professionals

Related Words

consultantfreelanceself-employedprofessional servicesfee-for-serviceentrepreneurship

Related Idioms & Phrases

set up in private practice
go into private practice
hang out a shingle (informal, meaning to establish a private practice)
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →