May 19, 2020
Dearest patients,
The day has come, that I have decided to close my practice. This decision has come after an intense struggle between my head and my heart.
I have always strived to be the best doctor I can be, to be your friend and to be your advocate. You trusted me with the care of your families, your greatest secrets and your worries. This was the gift each of you gave me every day. A gift that has taught me humility, empathy and love. A gift that has helped mold me into who I am today.
It has been a challenge to keep my solo practice open over the last 10 years in an everchanging healthcare system. But, that challenge only fueled me to get stronger and work harder. My amazing staff, my incredible patients and my true passion were all I needed to wake up every day and keep the doors to my Dermatology practice wide open.
This pandemic has further disrupted our current healthcare system making it impossible for me to continue my practice at the standard that I insist upon. My new challenge is to determine how I can be a passionate physician in this new world. What this will look like is still unclear but, each day brings a little bit more clarity.
And now for the administrative nuts and bolts. The doors of my practice will be closed on July 31, 2020. The task of my talented and dedicated staff and myself will be to transition your dermatologic care to a new provider before that day. Because of the rapidly changing status of the Dermatology practices in our local community I am unable to recommend a specific provider. I suggest that you work with your Primary Care Physician and your insurance carrier to identify a new Dermatologist.
Click here for a medical records release form. You may use this form to indicate your request to forward your medical records to a physician of your choice or to obtain a copy of your medical records for yourself. Please select the method by which you would like to receive your records and return the completed form to my office by June 30, 2020 (at the latest), via E-Mail at hjsderm@gmail.com or mail to PO Box 66 Fishkill, NY 12524. Only one form may be used per patient.
As I sit here and write... Carol Burnett comes to mind.
I’m so glad we had this time together
Just to have a laugh or pop a zit
Seems we just get started
and before you know it
Comes the time we have to say
So long
Goodnight!
(Ear pull)
Thank you for the true privilege to be your physician... I will forever be grateful to each and every one of you for all that you have given me.
With much gratitude,
Hara J. Schwartz, MD