FAREWELL
I promised that I would give you a lot of notice
January 1, 2024
It’s hard to believe that it has been just over 50 years since I graduated from medical school and 46 years since I started practicing as a primary care internist in the Watertown, Belmont and Cambridge area. Like my late father it has been something that I have never regretted. I love to quote James M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan:
"It isn’t real work unless you would rather be doing something else"
"It is not in doing what you like, but in liking what you do, that is the secret of happiness"
I have always loved what I do and it has defined me as a person. Practicing medicine has been my passion.
"When I close the door to the exam room and it’s just the patient and me, with all the bureaucracy safely barricaded outside, the power of human connection becomes palpable. I can’t always make my patients feel better, but the opportunity to try cannot be underestimated."
This quote by Danielle Ofri, MD describes exactly how I have felt about what I do.
In the past, I have worried about how I would handle retirement, but now, after much deliberation, I have finally made the decision to retire at the end of this year (December 31, 2024) and want to give you an entire year to plan ahead and transition to a new physician.
What I will miss most will be the long term relationships that have been forged over the years. Change is not always easy, but it is something we will both have to deal with.
It is my hope that I can see you before I leave Beth Israel Lahey Primary Care : Belmont Medical Associates, but if it is not possible, I want you to know that I have always cherished and respected our relationship and the trust you have shown in allowing me to provide for your medical needs. It has been an honor and a privilege to have served as your physician for so many years. I have had the pleasure of watching many of you grow and change, and I am grateful for the relationships we have built together.
I appreciate your loyalty throughout the years and will take the memories of all that I have experienced into my retirement.
I hope that you will enjoy many more years of good health, success and happiness, and as the next phase of my life unfolds, I hope to keep up with many of you on social media.
As you all know, this practice is staffed with knowledgeable and caring physicians. I highly recommend that you select one of these physicians for your future medical needs. You can review the bios of all of our staff by visiting our website at www.belmontmed.com. Please be assured that my staff and I will do everything we can to make the transition smooth and stress free. I recommend that you begin looking for a new physician as soon as possible. You may also contact the physician referral line at Mount Auburn Hospital.
Your medical records are confidential and will remain on file with the Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care : Belmont Medical Associates medical practice. If you choose another physician within our organization, you do not need to take any action concerning your records. If you choose a physician outside of Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care : Belmont Medical Associates, you will need to sign an authorization form before we can release your medical records. Please note, by law we cannot share your medical information without your written consent. You may sign this form at our office or you may complete the necessary paperwork at your first visit with your new doctor.
Thank you once again for your support over the years.
I would also like to thank all my colleagues and staff who have supported me throughout my career. It has been a pleasure to work with each and every one of you.
I will always treasure the memories of our time.
Trevor
August 1, 2024
Addendum:
It is possible that some of you may bump into me in the office next year, as I will be helping out on an as needed basis when my colleagues are away on vacation and the office is short staffed.
