To my most cherished and valued patients:
After much thought and consideration, having practiced for almost 40 years, I have finally decided to retire.
I would sincerely like to thank all of you for giving me the privilege of being able to serve you as your dentist. I am so grateful for the loyalty and trust that you have shown and given for so many years.
I am turning 65 this year, but I never thought that I would retire at this age. Covid, unfortunately, changed everything. Due to my age and my asthmatic condition, I was advised by doctors to not return to see patients until the pandemic was over. Now that the pandemic is hopefully coming to an end, I now find myself needing surgery for my right elbow this coming summer. By the time I am all healed and healthy, I would not have practiced for over a year and a half. I feel that at my age, this is too long a period to have not worked, to be able to come back and practice at the highest level that is required and that you would expect.
As most of you already know, my son Janson, and my daughter Anika have joined my practice a few years ago. In my absence this past year, the two of them have essentially taken over the running of the practice. I would like to say, without trying to be boastful, that they have both exceeded expectations. With their youthful energy, their training from UBC Dental School (one of the top ranked and prestigious dental schools), their up to date knowledge of new dental techniques and digital technology, and with me instilling compassion and honesty in them when they were growing up, and also with the passing along of all my knowledge from my many years of experience, I am certain that they will be able to offer you the very best in dental care. I would be extremely disappointed otherwise. I would be grateful if you allow them to earn your trust and loyalty as you have allowed me.
I have totally enjoyed my career as a dentist, thanks to the wonderful colleagues that I have worked with, the amazing staff that I have always had the good fortune of having and to you, my patients, who I have always looked forward to seeing and chatting with, and of course, serving.
As to what I am doing to keep myself busy? I am now almost a full time babysitter of my 2 grandsons, age 1 and 3. I enjoy cooking, gardening, landscaping, walking, hiking, skating and working out in the gym. As much as I enjoy all of these, I do miss dearly what I have been doing for the past 40 years and I do miss the interactions I have had with my colleagues, my staff and my patients.
With the utmost sincerity and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you again for enriching my career and my life.
With love,
Dr. John Lee