Dear Patients,
I am delighted to tell all of you that I am expecting my second child at the start of the New Year and plan on beginning a maternity leave at the Christmas holiday. It has been fun and exciting to share this news with you individually during appointments over the past several months, and I really appreciate the well wishes and words of support that I have received. I also wanted to be sure that everyone is updated and knows what to expect in the coming months.
Covering for me during my maternity leave will be Dr. Vera Singleton. Dr. Singleton will begin seeing patients in both the Lafayette and Oakland locations starting in November and she will be in the office during my traditional office hours while I am gone. Dr. Singleton is a graduate of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and focuses her practice on family medicine, including well woman and pediatric care. Dr. Singleton has been practicing in Oakland for the past two years and is committed as we are to creating a healthier East Bay! We are delighted that she will be joining our practice full-time in January, and she will be accepting new patients in both Oakland and Lafayette starting in November.
Tara Natural Medicine will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE for patients to meet Dr. Singleton, as well visit with myself and all the other doctors and providers in the office, on Thursday November 14 from 5-7 pm. Please come by, sip some bubbly water or wine and enjoy some snacks while chatting with our providers and learning more about the various services we offer. Dr. Drouin, Dr. Schwaiger, Dr. Large, Dr. Singleton, and I will all be available, and we plan a few talks as well. We will post an update with a schedule on the website shortly.
I also know there are lots of questions about this whole pregnancy thing, so in true web-style I put together a short FAQ about my pregnancy and leave:
Q: When are you due? A: New Year’s! Give or take a few days.
Q: Boy or Girl? A: A Baby! We like surprises.
Q: How long will you be in the office? A: I plan on seeing patients through December 20th. I will have my regular office hours through November, and slightly reduced hours in December.
Q: Can I meet Dr. Singleton before you leave? A: Yes!! Dr. Singleton and I will be seeing patients together on specific dates during the rest of October, and she will also be in the office during November and December. If you wish to see us together, please let the office staff know when scheduling, and they will be sure to schedule you appropriately. We will also be hosting an OPEN HOUSE to introduce Dr. Singleton to the community on Thursday, November 14.
Q: How long will you be gone? A: I plan on take a four month leave, returning to patient care in the spring.
Q: Will you be available to answer questions during your leave? A: No! I’m hoping to take a real break from practice and focus on Mommying for a few months. Dr. Singleton will be responsible for answering e-mails and questions from my patients, and Drs. Large, Drouin, and Schwaiger will also all be available.
Again, I really appreciate all of the kindness and support that many of you have given. I thank each of you for allowing me to assist you with your healthcare, and I look forward to continuing to work with you up until the years end and again when I return in the spring.
In health,
Tara Levy, ND