The Warmest of Handoffs: A Neighborhood Physician’s Transfer of Care

Ann B. Reichsman; Corey Meador

doi:10.1370/afm.2991

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RE: a second perspective
Stephanie Deuley

Published on: 10 September 2023
RE: Rare but invaluable transfer of care
Barbara Toeppen-Sprigg, MD, MPH

Published on: 01 September 2023
The process
Rini Meador

Published on: 07 August 2023

Published on: (10 September 2023)
Page navigation anchor for RE: a second perspective
RE: a second perspective
Stephanie Deuley, Physician, Neighborhood Family Practice
When I received the article written by Drs. Corey Meador and Ann Reichsman, I also reflected on the experience I had of the “handoff” when I started at Neighborhood Family Practice at the same time as Dr. Meador. In that reflection it was incredible to think it had already been over a year since she had retired. When I started, I had just come from residency so handoffs were a regular thing as residents came and left the practice every three years. This was different though; 40 years of a beautiful primary care relationship. My first interactions were overwhelming, often filled with tears and worries about what would be next. However, after the next few months when Dr. Reichsman had departed there was a hope for a new start but one that did not feel like starting over but rather, changing course slightly. Our foundation was already strong because I knew so much about the patients (their families, their careers, their health history, their success and their struggles). We continue to build on the foundation that was already set and although I may have done things a bit differently it did not destroy what was already worked on and so delicately fostered. Flash forward to now the patient’s I took over working with still bring up Dr. Reichsman frequently (some even only wear purple to our appointments in her honor). We have decided to always respect their beautiful relationship they had with her but additionally move forward in creating our own beautiful and unique relationshi...
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When I received the article written by Drs. Corey Meador and Ann Reichsman, I also reflected on the experience I had of the “handoff” when I started at Neighborhood Family Practice at the same time as Dr. Meador. In that reflection it was incredible to think it had already been over a year since she had retired. When I started, I had just come from residency so handoffs were a regular thing as residents came and left the practice every three years. This was different though; 40 years of a beautiful primary care relationship. My first interactions were overwhelming, often filled with tears and worries about what would be next. However, after the next few months when Dr. Reichsman had departed there was a hope for a new start but one that did not feel like starting over but rather, changing course slightly. Our foundation was already strong because I knew so much about the patients (their families, their careers, their health history, their success and their struggles). We continue to build on the foundation that was already set and although I may have done things a bit differently it did not destroy what was already worked on and so delicately fostered. Flash forward to now the patient’s I took over working with still bring up Dr. Reichsman frequently (some even only wear purple to our appointments in her honor). We have decided to always respect their beautiful relationship they had with her but additionally move forward in creating our own beautiful and unique relationship together on their unique path to wellness.
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Competing Interests: None declared.
Published on: (1 September 2023)
Page navigation anchor for RE: Rare but invaluable transfer of care
RE: Rare but invaluable transfer of care
Barbara Toeppen-Sprigg, MD, MPH, Family physician, Retired
Such an interesting article! And it illustrates cultural changes that are so uncommon now. How many of us in family medicine can point to 40 years of care in the same neighborhood, let alone be able to have a responsive colleague to transfer that care to! And one of the most valuable is that the patients who were knowledgeably transferred are among those with the most complex and strife-ridden lives. Here could be a "graduation wish" for new entrants to medical practice: "May you receive a wealth of warm and humane information about the people you will care for." Our society would be well served if each person felt well heard through this kind of process.

Competing Interests: None declared.
Published on: (7 August 2023)
Page navigation anchor for The process
The process
Rini Meador, CVT, NA
How insightful of these 2 Doctors were when they developed this handoff approach. I’m sure the level of care that transpired between patients of Dr. AR and Dr. Corey was unmeasurable and valuable. The patients takeaway had to have levels emotional and physical confirmations and doubt. It sounds like this process eased the anxiety of the patient’s concern that they would have the same level and hopeful care they had with Dr.AR as she prepared and trusted Dr. Corey to handle each and every one of her patients to protect and proceed with the whole picture and background of this very diverse practice. I can’t imagine leaving a practice and patience after 40 years in that worry that somebody will have that kind of same connection and concern for her patients but truly this process seems like it prepared the doctors as well as the patient. I really enjoyed this article. It restores my faith in humanity when working with a culture that doesn’t have the basic necessities at times to fully function in a healthy and physical environment. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt process and extreme kindness that went on between Dr AR, Dr Corey and the patient’s.

Competing Interests: None declared.