Surviving Disengagement

It was a thin letter.

I was curious.

It was from our pediatrician.

Informing us (and 1000+ local families)

that we were being

disengaged.

...

She was off to pursue an MS in Child Psychology in Boston

so she could be a better provider to children.

To provide better care.

To deepen her understanding.

To give her children-patients better outcomes.

I was being

Disengaged.

...

Of course, for a flash I thought, “Shoot, that s---ks.”

But only for a flash.

Because my immediate second thought was,

“Good for her!”

and

“That’s so cool!”

and

“How exciting!”

and

“What an adventure!”

and

"Wow, she'll be even more amazing!"

and

"What a gift to her future patients!"

…

Surely, some of her relationships had been long standing. 

Surely, some of us (or our kids) had been her first patients. 

It's normal that saying "Goodbye for now, until we meet again," would bring lament. 

...

...

You might be wary of client responses.

​Or client upsetness.

…

Only an imp would have a real, genuine, protracted hissy fit.

Only an imp would direct that at you.

…

Imps need not be on your client roster.

…

You are taking your business somewhere.

Somewhere positive.

Somewhere that excites and inspires you.

Somewhere that will be better for your clients, and for you.

….

Your existing clients want the best for you.

They want nothing less than the best for you.

….

We’ve been without a pediatrician for a year.

We’re doing great.

Really. 

We're fine.

…

Here is a TEMPLATE DISENGAGEMENT LETTER.

…

Now go chase your dreams.