Here's how you can smoothly hand over patient care before retiring as a physician in late career.

Plan Early: Start planning at least 2-3 years before retirement to ensure a seamless transition of patient care. Identify a suitable successor, such as a colleague or mentee, to take over patient responsibilities. Notify Patients: Inform patients of the planned handover and transition of care to ensure continuity and minimize disruption. Provide patients with contact information for their new healthcare provider to ensure they can reach out with any questions or concerns.

The most important thing about passing over patient is transfer of patient records. Hence you have to be diligent in your documentation. You have to document as though you are liable for medical litigation. Defensive practice helps although one can say it hinders life saving. I have been taught to save lives but not at the expense of my own well-being. You have to take care of yourself before others.

You can smoothly hand over patient care before retiring by ensuring your successor has the same skills and knowledge. I am going through this now with a couple of physicians in my network — they are training new physicians to effectively and sustainably restore missing hormones for women. There is a skill, technique, and process for full female hormone restoration and very few physicians know how to do it right. If I didn't have senior physicians train new physicians, patients would suffer mentally and physically. There should be a seamless transition of care when there is a change in prescribers.

To smoothly hand over patient care before retiring as a physician in late career, start by planning well in advance. Identify a successor who shares your values and approach to patient care. Gradually introduce this physician to your patients, allowing for a transition period where both of you are involved in their care. Clearly communicate your retirement plans to patients, reassuring them of continued quality care. Document all essential patient information thoroughly and ensure the new physician is fully briefed on each case. Maintain open lines of communication with both patients and your successor to facilitate a smooth and reassuring transition.