I have several MDs I’ve seen for a decade and more (one for several decades, several for about 15 years). Some are in 60s and 70s, and I suspect some will be retiring sooner than later. Anyone have suggestions on the best way(s) of honoring them? I do give gifts sporadically (mostly food and consumables) but am just looking for ideas.
Thanks for any thoughts and suggestion, especially from folks in the medical field or married to MDs. I have varying degrees of closeness with the various providers. For some, we have each other’s cell numbers and exchange texts and emails periodically.
I’m also curious about how to find a new doc, and get care transferred? I know that it’s great if the retiring MD can refer to a new one, but absent that, any suggestions? I’m especially concerned as there aren’t many young docs in our state, especially internists. Our insurance is BCBS and pretty much accepted everywhere except at Kaiser HMO.
When we moved out of state, I wrote the pediatrician a letter thanking her for being a great doctor and listed several ways she had helped me over the time she was our doctor.
My father retired last year as a physician. I agree a thank you letter or letter of appreciation would be nice.
Maybe a bouquet of flowers with a note or you could make a dessert or other item that is your specialty.
If you wish you could cater lunch to be delivered to the office for the doctor and his/her staff.
It is really what you are comfortable with.
You could bake or order a doctor themed cake to take on your next visit.
Do you know of the doctor’s plans after retirement. Will he be traveling or has interest in a hobbie? Maybe look for something related to that.
I’ve written a letter to my doc and his boss, thanking them for my doc’s amazing and outstanding service. I guess I have a hard time figuring what more to do. I guess listing the ways the doc has helped over the years would be a good thing to enumerate as well. I am fortunate to have had many wonderful docs but sad for me and the many others they’ve helped (but glad for them) that they will be retiring.
I’m concerned about finding new great providers to transfer my care to.
Some practices have physician listings on their web sites where each physician describes his/her particular medical interests and philosophy of care. Perhaps that can help in finding a physician whose interests match whatever you are most concerned about.
One of my best doctors retired about 2 years ago. I wrote him a nice note.
The retiring doctor actually recommended two doctors to take his place. He more strongly suggested one, and that is who I’m seeing now. The good thing…that new doctor is only 34 years old…so I’m thinking he won’t be retiring in my lifetime!!
Thanks–good suggestions. I’ve considered these ideas. Will keep pondering as most of my docs will likely retire while I still need care. Some are specialists and my internist isn’t, of course.
I know my spouse keeps all the notes he’s ever received from patients. They really mean a lot to him. If you wanted to do something more, I suppose you could give a gift certificate for a nice restaurant.
I think a nice letter would suffice, especially with copies to his/her administration, e.g. CEO, hospital president, regional administrator depending on the type of practice.
Although this is only partially true, some of the doctors most loved by their patients are among the most reviled by their administrators! So sharing the love can help in multiple ways.
I have written a letter to the President/CEO, bcc to my doc, praising my doc and the med center for all my doc’s timely and effective interventions and amazing dedication. I’ve also sent him many heartfelt letters and notes over the years, along with small gift boxes of HI food. I have also publicly acknowledged him at national meetings when I have spoken, since he’s kept me healthy enough that I can continue to travel and lead a full and active life.
I believe he is pretty well appreciated among most of his peers and the administration, but have never probed much. His secretarial and support staff think the world of him. He is humble and considerate and brilliant.
Ok, I guess I am on track. Will do more pondering about what restaurant he and his wife may like best.
My other docs are mostly solo practitioners, so really no one to praise them to other than insurer. They all have so many patients they are referring them out to others. I mostly give them consumables too (tho did give one a nice Seiko watch she loves–H took out the extra links so it fits perfectly). I sure hope they keep practicing awhile, but wonder.
You could do something like a Festschrift–its a book honoring a respected academic that’s given to the person when he/she retires. It includes essays written by former students and colleagues, which are related to the individual’s contributions to his/her field. There’s also a section for congratulations/best wishes from the scholar’s colleagues and friends and students.
You could get a journal and ask the doctor’s office staff if they would ask patients who come in if they want to write something in honor of the doctor’s retirement. See if the staff has ideas on how other patients could contribute.
If you think your doc is worthy of praise other patients will as well.
I really love your idea–it will take some thought. Let me mull it over. Is there a specific publisher or how is it all pulled together? I’ve never heard of this before. He’s authored or co-authored 100s of articles and mentored scores of researchers over the decade.
Ok. I have given many heartfelt notes–he must have about 2 dozen or more just from me. Have given him HI coffee for his wife and lots of HI edibles for him and everyone he wants to share with. Have also gotten him some clothing and other items over the years (secretary told me his size), including a golf watch you attach to the golf bag, tea sets, 2 live plants and more. Haven’t bought many gift cards. Also played tour guide to his secretary when she and her H visited HI.
I think it would be awkward for me as a patient to compile an academic book. I figure his med center either does or doesn’t have that tradition and one of his protégés should have that honor.
