Including residency, I have spent 35 years as a physician, and I am on year 32 in Watertown. My whole career here after I was done with training. Chris has been my nurse from day one. She had some years under her already by then. She took me under her wing, and we have been together since. If I learned anything in residency, it’s that you never “make the nurses mad!”–they can make your life “He..!” otherwise. Chris is working on year 50! Some of you may have heard already…I made an announcement on Thursday this week. Life is about change, and it is time for a change. I am going to finish up my role as the Chief Medical Officer at the end of December and go back to the clinic more days in January and February. But at the end of February, I am going to retire. I am calling it a career…

Chris and I have come a long way over the years. Time is catching up. When I retire, Chris is planning on retiring…maybe. The end of July marks the completion of 50 years for her, and she is torn by this, and thinks she has to go to the end of July for it to count. I am trying to convince that she is on “year 50 right now!”. If you see her, encourage her—she has 50 years in!!!!

This is a shot from when I turned 40! This seems so long ago, but really, it just flew by. I struggled with this decision for some time now. The stress of all of it is taking a toll. I have to start thinking of my own health. I tell patients all of the time when they are trying to decide: “I take care of a lot of patients at the end of their life. I am waiting for the first one to say their regret is–If I just could have worked longer!” Nobody has told me that yet, and I don’t think I will hear it either! Chris, along with the “Reiffenberger Team”–Dr. Sarah included, has given our life to Watertown. Sarah plans on working yet…she always said she wanted to have a “couple years at least” to work after she was done with OB, so she could see what life was life without having to rush out of clinic, or the all-night deliveries. She stopped doing OB at the end of January. So, she tells me now I will be getting the groceries and making supper now! Any fast, really good recipes, I would take them all please!!!

I see this next stage of my life as to how it feels when I got done doing a marathon. You finished it…but then you start planning for the next adventure. This was 7 years ago after the Disney Marathon! Bring it on! Let’s go for it! I have always wanted to write a book–this is now on the agenda. My turn to try and create a “medical thriller!”. We will see what happens. I will get to have more time to spend with the grandkids, make (and eat!) chocolate chip cookies, and of course, there is always time for peanut M & M’s.

I may struggle at first. My life has been spent figuring out how to help other people…

…how to help people and make a difference for them. I hope I made a “good” difference. I don’t know everything and never will. For the past 35+ years, medicine has been more than my profession–it has been part of my identity. From my first white coat to the last committee agenda, I’ve had the privilege of practicing alongside amazing people, caring for generations of families, and shaping systems that help others heal. I spent my career working alongside my Sarah as well. We made a great team for each other, at clinic and at home. Chris made a great team for me at clinic! Those 2 people shaped my career! I sent a notice out to all Prairie Lakes employees to do me a favor. I have had the opportunity all of these years to help keep an eye on Sarah each day at work to make sure she was doing ok with everything. I won’t be doing that now. I asked all of them to please help keep an eye on her for me! I am truly anxious to see how the sequel to the first book of my life goes. I am finished in one area and starting on another…I still plan on writing my blog. I will still keep encouraging everyone to do what is in their control to help with their health, both with diet and activity. Stay healthy! Keep moving everybody!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day of Newest Streak: #634