Dear Patients...
It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing the closing of my medical practice, Lighthouse Family Medicine. I have wrestled with this decision for quite some time, and have not made it lightly. It has truly been an honor to partner with you in your healthcare. I have learned so much from all of you, and am humbled that you have opened your lives to me.
Some people will wonder why I am choosing to take a break from medicine. While there are many facets to that decision, let me name a few. There have been changes in my personal life over the past several years. Also, insurance companies have made it increasingly more difficult to run a medical practice. Additionally, many of our staff, including medical providers, receptionists, billers, and medical assistants, have left the office to go on to bigger and better things. While there are no hard feelings, and I wish them well, it has concentrated the work of many onto a few. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I feel it is time to do something else. I have put much thought and prayer into this decision, and know it is the right thing for me to do.
The physical office, located at 4071 24th Ave, Fort Gratiot, MI 48059, will be closed effective August 31, 2023. I will remain available to provide medical care via telehealth appointments through September 30, 2023.
However, you will need to secure a new physician prior to that date to ensure continued medical care. Names of primary care physicians may be found online, in the local phone books, from the county and state medical societies, and from your insurance company. It is my understanding that some of the McLaren Port Huron physicians are accepting new patients. Their phone number is 810.385.6370. Additionally, physicians in Lake Huron PHO (of which I am a member), 810.216.1046, and Lake Huron Medical Group, 810.216.1680, are taking new patients.
All medical records are confidential under federal privacy and security regulations. With your authorization, a copy of your medical record will be released to you or transferred to your new provider. A records release form is enclosed with this letter. Please be sure to indicate where you would like the record(s) mailed when requesting them yourself. My staff will need approximately 10 business days to duplicate the records, which will be provided without cost. The new address for communication after August 31, 2023 is Lighthouse Family Medicine, PO Box 610927, Port Huron, MI 48061.
I know that I will not get to say good-bye to most of you in person. Again, it has been my sincere privilege to know you and your families over the years, and I am grateful you have entrusted me with your time, health, and lives. Please know that I have greatly valued our relationship. You have become friends and family, and I will miss you.
I wish you and your family the best of health.
Sincerely,
Beau Dowden, MD