Tasks

I’ve created several tasks lists in Outlook to help me keep track of things that have to be done as I close my office.  Many have been completed, but a large one looms.  It’s the one that has to do with finding someone to sublease the office space.  I thought I had it done, but the potential lessee backed out. I’ve countered with an option where I would continue to pay a percentage, in effect giving them a discount, but have not heard anything back from them.

I am not a good negotiator or haggler.  My husband is much better (at least at garage sales, etc).  I am thinking I may have to hire an agency with contacts and a bigger net.

It’s a nice space (1318 sq ft) – large enough for one or two doctors to share.  Basic utilities (electricity, water) are included as are basic cleaning services.  Maintenance has always been timely and the guys are very nice.

So if anyone knows anyone who is looking for medical office space in Little Rock, Arkansas.  I have some space here in the Doctors Building I would love to show them.

Reviewing

The past few weeks have been filled with writing letters to organizations and patients to announce the closing of my medical practice, sorting through 21 years of stuff and deciding what to do with it (keep, give away, sell, donate), canceling accounts (Pitney Bowes, credit card processing, yellow page ads, etc), trying to sublease the office space (as I am caught midway in my lease), getting a PO Box so journals, etc don’t come directly to my home (as we all know our data is sold to marketing), and copying records as the requests come in.

Much of this has been a review of my past 21 years.  I seem to have used my office (and the draws, filing cabinet space) to store not just professional correspondence, but also personal.  I had a couple of drawers that I routinely keep filled with cards (birthday, thank you, condolence, encouragement, just because).  I love mailing cards to family and friends.  My desk was a nice space to sit down and do this before the day began.

I have been amazed at the number of letters I have “squirreled” away in my desk drawers.  Many of these are from loved ones now dead (my mother, my old high school math teacher, a plastic surgery mentor).  Others are thank you notes from nieces and nephews who had just learned to write.  These made me smile, as they are now in high school, college, or grown with their own children.

Coping the charts bring many emotions.  I did the right thing here.  Did I miss something here?  What if I had done this one differently?  If I did this one today I would do it like this, not like that?  I would do this one the very same way.  I wonder how this one is doing. 

So many emotions in reviewing the past 21 years.

Record Transfer Requests

Requests for transfer of records are coming in response to the closing practice letters.

These bring dueling emotions: pleasure in the knowledge the individual is planning for continued care AND the sting of rejection.

Intellectually, I know the second makes no sense. I am the one who is leaving them and the practice.

Still....