New year, new beginnings

Dear friends,
Thanks for checking in to my blog.  I have started this blog just so people can be aware of what I am up to.  I know that many of you are patients (sadly soon to be former patients) of mine who have taken a genuine and sincere interest in what's going on in my life, especially as it pertains to my wife, Gabrielle's cancer journey.  I also know that typically when a doctor leaves a practice, that's the last anyone every hears from him (or her).  Time and again, I have had patients express their thoughts about "whatever happened to Dr. Smith or Jones".  I think that is sad, as medicine is a profession built on relationships and it is unfortunate that when a doctor leaves, all of a sudden that's the end of a partnership that has been developing for 10, 20 or even 30 years or more in some cases.  It is a special relationship, built upon mutual trust, respect and understanding, and I shall truly miss the interactions I have had with many of you.  The decision to leave my current practice was very difficult because of these factors, but I believe it is the right one for the reasons I outlined in my departure letter. 
When I first entered medical school, I always wanted to be a family doctor and it has brought me a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.  On most days, I can go home thinking that I did my part to help a few folks out, on the way to better health or wellness, and that's a good feeling.
As I mentioned, I will be working at the urgent care clinic of the University Washington in Shoreline.  I have long been impressed with the University of Washington, having spent 8 years there as a student and also sending my son there for medical school (yep, watch out for the future Dr. Dudley (new, improved and 50 pounds lighter, version 2.0)).  I will even be considered faculty at the UW, which means I'll continue to get to teach students, which is something I enjoy doing as well.
The most important thing about the new job, however, is that it allows me to have more flexibility in my schedule.  I will actually work fewer days (albeit longer) and have the potential to have time off if the need arises.  I have been working hard on enjoying time with my wife while she still has health enough to travel and do a few things, and hope to do more of the same in the future.  I'd like to take a road trip to the parks of southern Utah (I hear Bryce is nice), possibly hop a Canadian train to Banff or even parts farther east like Montreal, or just amble on down the Oregon coast in no particular rush. 
I am happy to stay in touch with you, as much as I am able.  To that end, I thought I would include my e-mail address (see below), but I need to do so with a big caveat.  The caveat is that I cannot offer any medical advice, answer questions about current doctors or where you should go to see a specialist.  For that matter, since the e-mail is not considered secure (no fancy encryption), I am not even supposed to acknowledge how I know you, if you are a former patient.  HIPPA raises its head once again.  Also, I may not be able to answer every e-mail I get, so if you don't get a response from me, it's not because I am ignoring you.  I will do what I can, but no promises.  I just don't want to feel the burden of needing to answer e-mails for an hour each night (probably wouldn't be that long...I'm not that popular). 
I will try and write something on this blog from time to time to update you on family matters (appreciate your prayers for Gabrielle, by the way), and how things are going at my new job. 
I will end this post by reiterating what I said in my letter which is that I have loved being your doctor and shall miss you.  Thank you for the kindness and trust you have placed in me.  It has been an honor to be your doctor.  Many of you have been great resources for silly jokes, best fishing holes, homemade treats, restaurant advice, tree trimming, bicycle repairs and all sorts of other things.  In sort, you are my friends, and I am honored to count you as such. 
Wishing you all the best for a new year.


Steve Dudley, M.D.
My e-mail:  stevedudley@comcast.net 


Oh, and in case you are curious and would like more information about my wife, we have a blog about her as well.  It has been going on since her cancer diagnosis in January, 2013.  It has a few more hits than this blog.  At last count, her hits were 196,000 and I had 12 (not 12,000, but 12).  That's life. 
Her blog is: welovegabrielle.blogspot.com 


Oh, one more thing.  You may notice that the "blogger" is Daniel Dudley.  That's because I piggy-backed on to his blog account, finding it easier to do so than to set up my own.  Being significantly over 50, I find things like this a tad more challenging than he does at 24.