Dear Patients,
After nearly 30 years in clinical practice in the Tidewater area, with much thought and reflection, I have chosen to retire. This certainly comes with mixed feelings. Although I’m excited at the thought of moving on to the next phase of my life, it comes with sadness as to leaving my patients and their families who have shown me the greatest honor of putting their faith in me for something as important as their medical care.
This decision has not come lightly, suddenly, or without prolonged reflection, as I have been in the slow process of moving toward it for the last 3-5 years. I have also shared some of this decision-making journey with my family, many of my colleagues and some patients.
Fortunately, I am doing this currently in good health, as I want to spend time in my remaining healthy and fruitful years to enjoy certain activities that I have put aside because of the demands, obligations and stress of medical practice. I am looking forward to spending time with family, friends, pursuing travel, biking and running, going to the rifle range (which I actually find quite relaxing}, and some volunteer work.
God has blessed me in providing me the ability and opportunity to help many people through some of the most difficult times of their lives. I leave knowing I have used His gifts to the best of my ability.
Being in medicine for all these years, and simply from life experience as I age, I am reminded of the quote “Tomorrow is not promised, and the past cannot be changed, therefore live each day to the fullest and know that every new day is a blessing.” Knowing that tomorrow is promised to no one, I have taken that to heart and am moving on to see what else life now has to offer.
So it is with bittersweet emotion that I bid farewell to my practice and my patients. I will deeply miss my patients and my colleagues. I ask for your prayers and support for this next step in my life as I will pray for the health, happiness, and well-being of all I have had the privilege to serve over these many years.
Again, thank you and God bless,
Lawrence R. Volz, M.D., F.A.C.S