I am a plastic surgeon in Little Rock, AR. I used to "suture for a living", I continue "to live to sew". These days most of my sewing is piecing quilts. I love the patterns and interplay of the fabric color. I would like to explore writing about medical/surgical topics as well as sewing/quilting topics. I will do my best to make sure both are represented accurately as I share with both colleagues and the general public.
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....
6 comments:
That's understandable. A part of you may actually wish your patients would petition you to stay.
Just remember...this is a necessary step to move your life in a new direction. These are growing pains. I am sure your patient's loved you, and were saddened to learn of your leaving. Just read one of Seaspray's posts about her losing her PCP and having to find another one. It will remind you of the patient's side of losing a valued member of their healthcare team. They are probably switching over care with a heavy heart, too.
Thanks, CA. PK wrote a nice post about all the doctors who've retired on her/her family through the years too: http://willowelephant.wordpress.com/2011/08/18/to-all-the-docs-ive-lost-before/
It's really hard to lose a good doc. I know, myself, when it comes time to lose the doc I've had since in my 20's, it will be very sad. We've built a bond of mutual respect and trust. No one wants to start over.
You are doing what is going to be good for you and your family. Just think of all the benefits and sleep you can get now. Change is hard, even when it's something we initiate. We all support you and understand the decision. It's time for you to get to enjoy life in a more care free fashion. You've paid your dues.
Nice post PK did. I enjoyed the link, thank you.
Was at 10 year med school reunion this past weekend. A handful were either re-training or had quit and were doing some amazing things. I'm getting together with one of the ones that left medicine this Thursday night. I know it's got to be hard, but you've also got to be happy!
I do imagine that what you are going through is bittersweet, and have much sympathy. I also have sympathy for patients who are used to you and have to leave you - that would be really tough, knowing how you are as a friend, you must be a wonderful doctor.
I'm sure the bittersweet is on both sides of the record request. A difficult time for you, to be sure.
Thinking of you.
Smak
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