Retirement: An idiosyncratic vade mecum

Many physicians tend to regard their upcoming retirement with great trepidation. They are worried that after years of productive activity they will become useless and lose all their connections with medicine. This essay will try to impress on readers that this way of thinking is absolutely incorrect, and it will provide some personal insights regarding the retirement process. These will address why I retired (due to governmental interference), how I felt before I retired (pretty lousy), and how I felt after closing my practice (really liberated). I've also included some thoughts on how to minimize aggravation when shuttering a practice, as well as suggestions on how to remain active in medicine. Some reflections on staying fulfilled during postretirement are presented, ranging from making an effort to teach colleagues and young physicians (the most important project), lots of omnivorous reading (the second most important pastime), continuing medical writing, trying to travel, taking up cooking (truly marvelous!), and generally attempting to fully enjoy the leisure time afforded upon leaving practice. The bottom line is that retirement is not to be dreaded or feared but rather anticipated and enjoyed. For me, it has turned out to be simply delightful and wonderful.