Episode 38 - Assuming Care from a Retiring Physician: Rebuilding Trust

When physicians retire, we often focus on how they leave practice. Less attention is paid to the physician who inherits their patients.

In this episode of The Host Response, Dr. Paul Bunce reflects on the experience of assuming care from retiring colleagues and mentors. Patients aren't simply transferred from one chart to another. Many have spent years, even decades, building trust with a physician who guided them through major illnesses and life events.

Paul explores the challenges of stepping into established physician-patient relationships, managing expectations shaped by a predecessor's practice style, and earning trust that doesn't automatically transfer with a referral. He also reflects on the responsibility and privilege of continuing the work of physicians who carefully plan for their patients' future care.

A thoughtful discussion on physician retirement, continuity of care, professional stewardship, and the gradual rebuilding of trust.