Apparently, many of you are still reeling or at least confused by my recent actions. So, an Insight on the rationale and decision-making to close my practice seemed clearly appropriate. If you understand the circumstances, actions will make more sense to you.

First, and foremost, I LOVE being a doctor. In the true sense of the word, a doctor is teacher, confidante, collaborator in health maintenance, and a healer when possible. I have wanted to be all of these since late childhood, and have cherished the ability to proceed in such a profession.

Over the last two decades, especially the last ten years, I have felt the practice of medicine being overtaken by the business of medicine. I was neither trained, nor prepared for such a shift. I find myself at the office on weekends, early mornings, and late nights, simply to do the requisite paperwork required by Insurance Companies, managed care organizations and formularies. My soul is chipping away by degrees as my commitment to good patient care and a sound doctor-patient relationship has persisted. And, despite all this turmoil, I would have remained in this increasingly tumultuous role had not the Cosmic Kick in the Butt occurred.

For me, this kick was the eviction from my office space--home for me and my practice since 1989. Centennial Medical Center desires the entire building for their Bariatric Surgery Initiative. I don't blame them. It's the rage. Huge sums of money are generated by this business currently. In dollars and cents, my contribution is miniscule. But, had I not been evicted, I would most likely have remained . . . and in the process have become progressively unhappy and inefficient as your primary care provider. Since change could not be avoided after this Kick, I chose to look at it as an opportunity to boot me forward into an alternate career direction.

Please know that this decision was not an easy one. Part of me feels I have deserted or betrayed my office mate, Dr. Robert Graham, and my loyal and long term nurse, Mary Hardy. Audrey was planning to retire at year end anyway. But in truthfully analyzing my needs for professional joy, I realize I have to change venues. In shifting my career toward teaching, I think I can continue to influence healthcare in a positive way for many years to come.

I leave all of you patients with a sense of gratitude for your commitment to our doctor-patient relationship, and a sense of hope that my future work will continue to impact the health and well-being of many folks. Your out-pouring of simultaneous congratulations and consternation have been overwhelming to me. I thank you for your love. Please stay in touch, and know that my care for you as patients and fellow human beings has been genuine. Let no doctor or other person diminish you in your right to be yourself, know your body, or express a truth about your sense of health. The doctor-patient relationship should always be a collaborative venture. Remain steadfast in that resolution.

Fondly,

Doc Steve

Stephen L. Hines, M.D.
September 2003