Welcome Letter

Dear Patient,

Welcome to my practice.

I’m honored to be your physician, and I’m committed to providing you with the best care I can. My hope is that we form a partnership to keep you as healthy as possible, no matter what your current state of health. Few of us, me included, live a completely healthy lifestyle, but each day we can take a step closer to a healthier life.

Everyone who joins my practice should start by having a complete physical exam followed by periodic check-ups to test for a few specific diseases.

I look forward to working with you as your family doctor. Please contact me whenever you’d like to talk about anything you think may be affecting your health.

It’s my hope that we can have a relationship where the lines of communication are open and communication goes both ways. I will listen to you at least as much as I talk. Let’s work together to help you live the satisfying life that you deserve.

Sincerely,
Dr. John van der Merwe

Developed by Carolyn Thiedke, MD. Copyright  1999 American Academy of Family Physicians. Adapted for my own practice. Belzer EJ. Improving patient communication in no time. Fam Pract Manag. May 1999:23-28; http://www.aafp.org/fpm/990500fm/23.html.