Recently, long-time and much-loved Caledon dentist Dr Richard Ehrlich, retired. A party at the pub next door, a hand-painted watercolour of Richard with Tobler (the first clinic dog) and a special surprise on his last day all played a part in a great send-off. With Richard’s permission we are sharing his farewell post and a few great pictures!
Well, that’s a wrap. After practising dentistry for 40 years, it’s time to pass the torch. I’ve had an amazing career.
Dentistry is a difficult, challenging, precise and potentially stressful profession. I’ve been very lucky to have been able to chart my own path since Barb and I founded the Elm Tree Dental Clinic in 1997, renovating a building from the 1890s into a comfortable but state of the art clinic.
I’ve worked with wonderful, caring, friendly staff, and have an amazing group of patients. We always booked appointments so we had a bit of time to chat and get to know one another.
We bought our house with the plan of being able to commute by foot, bike and ski on trails year round, and the dogs and I were kept fit and happy. I’ve loved being able to get great lunches from the Caledon Hills pub next door, and bring them over to our beautiful gazebo in our garden to eat outdoors with the team.
Having the dogs at work was the icing on the cake, both for me and for the patients.
This last couple of weeks has been bittersweet, as I say goodbye to my team and patients. I’m very happy to be handing them over to the great care of Dr Keerthana Reddy, who is wonderful – highly competent, caring and gentle.
Last week the whole team and many of my former staff surprised me with a retirement party at the pub!
On my very last day of work, my last patient turned out to be one I had first seen as a brand new grad in 1986 in my first week of practice. His dental problem was a fake – they’d asked him to come and bookend my career.
I’m leaving while still at the top of my game, but Barb Campbell and I have a lot of other pursuits we’d like to do before my knees are done. I’ve loved doing challenging procedures, and while I probably won’t miss the eye strain and sore neck, I will really miss the team and the patients.
I will be going in to cover when Dr Kee is away at the end of the summer so not fully gone yet.
Thanks everyone for a wonderful career!
