A message from Dr. Stabelfeldt
January 13, 2023
Dear Patients, Families, Neighbors, and Friends,
Hello everyone, it’s Dr. Stabelfeldt here, with some big news to share. But before I do, I ask that you please take the time to read this letter in its entirety.
I am writing to inform you that after much long, honest, thoughtful, and intentional consideration, I have decided to stop practicing medicine, and step away from my role at Tosa Pediatrics. My last day seeing patients will be Thursday, June 29, 2023. For some of you this may come as a shock, and for others, it may not be a surprise at all. My journey practicing medicine at Tosa Pediatrics these last 13.5 years has been incredible; truly a gift to who I am as a person, a mother, and a pediatrician. Being part of an independent practice has allowed me to provide the type of care I value most: personal, authentic, honest, and collaborative, and to learn so much while doing so. Children are my greatest passion. Parents and guardians, you are their world; the roots of who they will grow to be, their support, their protector, their teacher, their ally, their role model, their often irrational and worried over-protectors, and their biggest and most unconditionally loving supporters. And I, as your pediatrician, have been given the great gift of a window into that world; into your challenges, your successes, your fears, your hopes and ideas. A window that made me more aware, humbled me, helped me understand, and believe I could do my job that much better.
THANK YOU. Thank you for trusting me, challenging me, teaching me, and allowing me the opportunity to be a small part of your world. My hope is that I have provided the care and guidance you expected, needed, and wanted, along with some honest relatability, creative ideas, and a good laugh, cry, or joke here and there. I have always said, being a mother makes me a better pediatrician, and without a doubt, being your pediatrician has made me a better (yet far from perfect) mother. And so, after all I have learned, cherished, and only come to appreciate more and more, I have decided to follow my heart, listen to my inner voice, and turn my attention in a greater, less divided way, to where I am needed most . . . home, with my own children and family.
But before all that happens, let me reassure you of how this transition at Tosa Pediatrics might look and feel for you. I will return to seeing patients in the office 4 days a week for the remainder of my time practicing, which will open up a large number of appointments should you like to see me before June 29th. However, you will also want to begin to think ahead, as to whom you may want to transition your child’s care. We have been working very hard to ensure that you and your child will remain in the very best hands and care, without having to think about going anywhere else.
And so comes an exciting second announcement . . . We are thrilled to share that we have hired an incredible, compassionate, experienced, pediatrician who aligns with our vision to provide THE VERY BEST care possible, and are in final negotiations with a second, equally as remarkable. One, and hopefully both, will be joining our practice in early June, and will have open availability to meet your needs. Stay tuned for more details on these fantastic physicians coming soon . . .
The future??? I will remain in a consulting role at Tosa Pediatrics, and continue to support my fellow providers, our incredible staff, and all that makes Tosa Pediatrics the one of a kind place that it is. While I no longer live in Wauwatosa, you’ll still find me hanging around the neighborhood, as I will forever be deeply connected to the community in which I spent the first 40 years of my life. And who knows, down the road, you might find me pop up wearing some other type of hat. I know that I am meant to advocate for children, and find it hard to imagine not sharing all I have learned thus far on my journey in a way that betters their lives. I’ll keep you posted on that one . . .
Until then, and until I officially step away from my current role, I hope, and believe in my heart, that you all know how much I cherish each and every one of you. I will forever be grateful for the relationships built, the moments shared, and the countless memories I will carry with me into this next chapter of life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Respectfully yours,
