Is That Deductible? Reflections On My Retirement Party

Recently, I had the honor of attending a retirement cocktail party hosted by one of my close friends and former medical partners. The occasion marked not just the celebration of my own career, spanning nearly 30 years in our rural community, but also a tribute to another physician who, like me, had deep ties to the area. He had practiced here for nearly 40 years, following in the footsteps of his father and alongside his siblings, who are also physicians.

This gathering was small, intimate, and uniquely special—about 15 doctors and their spouses. What stood out was the shared bond we all had. Though our backgrounds in medicine varied, with many specialties represented, the majority of us were family doctors. Yet, despite the differences in our job structures—ranging from traditional employment to private practice, independent contracting, and retirement—we shared a common thread that tied us to this place and to each other. It was a collegial bond, formed by years of working together to care for our community. We were all rowing in the same direction, united in our privilege and responsibility to serve.

The Bonds of a Rural Medical Community

What made this gathering so poignant was that it brought back something I had been missing for years—a sense of a close-knit medical community. In my first decade of practice, this kind of camaraderie was common. We met regularly at hospital-centered meetings, events, and informal gatherings, not just to discuss patient care but to share our lives, talk about our marriages, our kids, and our experiences outside of medicine. True friendships were formed during those years, grounded in our shared commitment to our patients and to each other.

But as time passed, that sense of community started to fade. The demands of our profession grew, and our free time diminished. We became more siloed in our work, and the time spent at the hospital dwindled to the point where I barely saw some of my colleagues in person anymore. The days of chatting between surgeries, catching up in the hospital cafeteria, or attending each other’s family events seemed to fade away as our lives and practices became more fragmented.

The Simplicity of Gathering and Reflecting

That’s why this party was such a refreshing and special experience. It wasn’t a lavish event—no fanfare, no extravagant decorations. It was simply a group of doctors gathering in the warmth of a colleague’s home, enjoying each other’s company, and reflecting on our careers. The setting was humble, but the meaning was profound.

Our host had kept the event simple yet meaningful. There was food, a celebration cake, and drinks—likely deductible expenses for him as the event organizer—but the real richness of the evening came from the conversations, the shared memories, and the genuine camaraderie that filled the room. His teen children quietly and authentically served us throughout the evening, a testament to the self-sufficient spirit we all share as rural physicians. It reminded me of how we’ve always approached our work and our lives: with humility, resourcefulness, and a deep love for what we do.

A Changing Profession and the Next Chapter

This gathering also made me reflect on how much medicine has changed over the years, particularly in rural areas like ours. The days of doctors coming together in person to share the responsibility of caring for a community seem to be dwindling. Fewer physicians are coming to small towns like ours, and fewer still are forming the close-knit bonds that were once so common in our profession.

For me, this event represented a turning of the page as I transition from the location-specific work I’ve done for nearly 30 years to a new chapter. I’m embarking on a national journey, delivering care across the country through my locums work in Oregon this fall and focusing on the growth of my telehealth start up company, ChatRx. The sense of community I’ve experienced here will always be with me, but I’m excited to explore new ways to care for patients in this ever-evolving landscape of medicine.

Is It Deductible?

As I reflect on the financial aspects of the evening, I realize that there were few deductible expenses for me. I was the benefactor of my colleagues’ love, kindness, and generosity—gifts that, thankfully, aren’t taxable. But for our host, who took on the responsibility of organizing the event, there were some business-related deductions that applied. The cost of the food, cake, and drinks could be considered deductible since it was a professional gathering of colleagues. And because the event was hosted in his home, there were no additional venue costs. In true rural fashion, everything was managed simply and efficiently, with no need for extravagant displays or hired help—just the genuine warmth of friendship and professional respect.

A Call to Action for Physicians

As I move into this new phase of my career, I can’t help but think about the future of medicine and the opportunities that exist for physicians to take control of their professional lives. If you’re a physician who’s feeling disconnected from your medical community, or if you’re looking for ways to take more control of your career, I encourage you to join SimpliMD as a member. For just $99, you’ll gain access to business products and resources valued at $2,500, including practical tools to help you navigate the complexities of running a micro-corporation medical practice.

I also invite you to check out my course, “Creating A Practice Without Walls,” where I’ll guide you through the process of establishing your own micro-corporation. You’ll learn how to create a practice that provides you with the agency and flexibility to thrive in today’s rapidly changing healthcare marketplace. Don’t wait for someone else to dictate how you practice medicine—take control of your career and your future.