Goodbye to St. Paul

September 28, 2009

To My Dear Patients and Their Families,

It is with sadness that I am writing to inform you of a change in my practice.  As you may know, I suffered a low back injury in November of 2008.  Over the past 10 months I have worked very hard in physical therapy and have been able to gradually increase my hours of work and patient volumes.   I have, however, reached the point at which continuing to try to increase my hours has caused worsening of my symptoms.  It appears that I have reached the point of permanent partial disability.  On the advice of my physician, I will continue with my current work restrictions and will no longer have regular office hours at our St. Paul site.

I have resisted this change in the past, as I love my work and I feel a strong sense of commitment to the families who chose me as their children’s physician.  However, I am in a position in which increased travel time and number of shifts have worsened my symptoms.  I need to be responsible for my own health and to follow the advice of my physician.  Hopefully, by doing this I will be available to practice medicine for a much longer time. 

I will continue to work 5 mornings and 2 afternoons each week.  I will be available in the Hudson and Lake Elmo sites.  For many of you, traveling to these sites is not feasible.  I certainly will understand you choosing to stay at your preferred sites and seeing one of my partners for your primary care.  I have the utmost respect and confidence in each of them.

I appreciate having had the opportunity to share in the care of your children.  Thank you for allowing me that privilege.  I sincerely regret any inconvenience that this might cause.

I wish you and your family good health and happiness,

Kelly L. Delahunty, M.D.