Ad-Lad-La
That’s baby talk for “See you later.” At least it was in my house when my first-born began imitating adult speech. You’ve probably also found yourselves so delighted at your first child’s early attempts at conversation that you’ve added several new expressions to your lexicon. Now he’s 50 and I’m still imitating him imitating me. My surviving lovebird, Clyde, now a widower since his mate Bonnie died recently, is at home where I call him “Boorp” because that’s the way Steve said “bird.” When I find my glasses, phone, keys, or remote I often yell “Ee-dee-dee” for “Here it is.” But I digress.
By now you’ve received my letter announcing my departure from private practice after 44 years. At 75 (which they tell me is the new 74) I might be expected to retire. However I wouldn’t if I could. I love what I do too much, and I’m blessed with good health. Except for a 4-week cancer break in 2001 I’ve never taken a sick day, making me the Cal Ripken of pediatricians. The opportunity to sell the practice arose last year and it was a one-time chance to stop the tailspin that I (and most of my colleagues) had been experiencing since the failure of managed care and the recession. There was uncertainty as to where that would lead, but now we know.
I am too independent-minded to work full-time for someone else. The incessant bureaucratization of medicine, the erosion of authority, the replacement of bedside skills with high-technology razzle-dazzle, and now electronic record-keeping have all come between the doctor and his patient. Seventy years ago we headed down a path which joined health insurance with employment, and federal and state government now account for half of all coverage, with all the political fallout that entails. Predictably, the “marketplace” for health care is a mess, partly because no one has any idea what a fair charge is, especially the consumers. In the future virtually all primary care will be group-centered. Perhaps that will be a good thing for both of us.
What I’ve chosen to do is “take my act on the road”, so to speak. I have already been working some nights and weekends at Urgent Care centers around the city, as well as covering practices in both private and community settings. It’s a bit of a gamble because the work is rarely made available more than a few weeks ahead of time. However I’m assured that there will be plenty. Much of my family lives in the Silicon Valley, which I hope to visit more often. Cynthia is excited about all the farmers’ markets and antique shops, and Gucci will get even more attention than usual.
Thank you all for the unforgettable experiences, for the honor of being part of your families, for the trust you’ve placed in me. As the letter mentions, my cell phone is 818-414-6777 and my e-mail, as you obviously know, is harry@doctormaller.com. I’ve also taken a box for my snail mail: P.O. Box 7725, Van Nuys 91409. For the foreseeable future we’ll keep our home here and would love to hear from you.
May 25th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Your letter came today and I can only say that I am truely heartbroken. I cannot imagine taking my children to anyone else besides you. Many friends have asked me why I drive to Van Nuys from Stevenson Ranch to take my kids to their pediatrician and all I say is “I love Dr. Maller. I will never change pediatricians unless I have no choice.” Your name was always the first one that Colin would look for whenever there was a change in our insurance coverage. Nicholas, Stephanie & Trevor seeing you mattered more than anything for Colin & I.
Well, I guess that the day that I never imagined has come. I want to thank you for always being there with your advice and support and thank you for becoming my friend. I will send Christmas cards & if you want I am on Facebook & I am usually pretty good about keeping pictures of the kids current. Good luck to you and Cynthia, please tell her hello for me, and I hope to hear from you both about your new adventures and about your beautiful grandchildren. WE LOVE YOU! The Probert Family
May 27th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Hello Dr. Maller… I knew, when I saw the envelope in the mail, I knew the day had come. I had been suspecting it since you merged the practice, but was not wanting it to happen. Although I trust you’ve left us in good hands, we will miss you. You’ve steered us through vaccination questions, fevers, chest colds, multiple broken bones and… who’d have guessed… delayed-reaction bee sting allergies! Thank you for your kind care over the past 15 years. We wish you, Cynthia and your family, all the best. Love, Mike, Cindy, Joelle & Mikey Cabral
May 29th, 2010 at 1:30 am
Hi Dr. Maller,
I had been expecting this since last year when you merged the practice with Dr. Desilva. I just wanted to thank you for all the care and support you have provided my five children over the past 10 years. I was saddened when I seen you yesterday and you informed me that it was your last day. We are so sad to see you go. I would like to wish you, Cynthia and Gucci the very best in you new adventures. You will be greatly missed by the Calderon family.
Love,
Xochitl, Miguel, Christopher, Serina, Alexander, Cassandra and Angelica Calderon
June 2nd, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Hi Dr. Maller!
I was so worried when your office told me today that you won’t be in the office for several weeks. I had to ask your secretary if everything was alright. Eventually, she said that you will be retiring already. That is such sad news.
You have been a wonderful pediatrician to both of my kids. You have been their one and only since we migrated here from the Philippines. We’ve had 7 wonderful years with you. Paul and Matthew enjoy seeing you each time we come to your office. As soon as Paul feels sick or has a cut, he always tells me, “We need to go to Dr. Maller! He will fix me!” You are such a good doctor. You have left Paul with such a wonderful impression that he trusts you wholeheartedly. We wish you all the happiness in your retirement years. Take care and may God bless you, your family and all your plans.
June 13th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Dear doctor Maller,
I am so sad about you leaving your practice yet Im so happy for you because I knew you were unhappy about the new arragenment. I didnt even have kids (or wanted any at the time) but when I first met you, I knew if and when I had a child YOU would be their doctor. A couple years later you have become part of our family. You are a big part of the team that made it possible for our little Jay to be alive today. We are forever grateful for your kind, helpful advice and guidence. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Earlier this year when we decided to move to Jersey we didnt even consider replacing you because we figured we’d fly back to L.A every couple months and see you. I know you will be fine wherever your new venture takes you because you are and AMAZING doctor and we all know you have our kids best interest at heart. Like I always say, do what makes YOU happy because in the end thats all that matters. Please continue your blog and keep in touch. We love you and wish you and your family the best of luck.
If you ever find yourselves in Jersey; you Cynthia and Gucci are always welcome.
January 18th, 2012 at 10:25 am
Hello Dr. Maller!
My daughter Renee told me that you retired and boy, oh boy, I suddenly felt so old! I was 19 years old when Mike and I interviewed you for our soon- to- be- born first born, Renee’s pediatrician.
I now have 3 grandbabies…7 total counting my stepchildren’s kids. Renee as you know, has Gavin who is now 5. Janine, has a boy, Jacob and a girl, Teagan. They are 8 and 5. Brent is single and has no kids yet. Where have the years gone?
I hope that you are enjoying your “golden years”. I am enjoying reading your blog. I would enjoy hearing from you! You are the best pediatrician…ever! Renee and I were just discussing how she remembers your beard and how it terrified her! Lol! Still, all three of my kids loved having you as their doctor. I appreciate that you never pushed antibiotics and you are such a proponent of breastfeeding! I really miss the doctor/patient relationship these days. I don’t think my doctor even knows my name!
Best of everything to you. I hope to hear back from you!
Thank you for all your years of service,
Paulla Kennedy-Chubb