FUND HINTS

Additional tip:

Even though reformers areproposing rules that would makemutual funds disclose their proxyvotes and open their portfolio holdingsto public view quarterly insteadof semiannually, the funds have mostlyescaped being tarred by the scandalsthat have plagued big Wall Streetbrokerages. Still, with many fundsconnected to investment bankingfirms, conflicts of interest are outthere in fund land. Physician investorswould do well to avoid suchfunds, while making sure that theirfund isn't putting too many of its eggsin 1 basket. Morningstar (800-735-0700; www.morningstar.com) is agood place to check what's in yourfund's portfolio. Lookfor no-load funds with low expenseratios and no marketing fees.