Dear Clients and Friends,
We have some bittersweet news to share with you today: After 17 years with our hospital, and over 25 years of being a veterinary internal medicine specialist, Dr. Alan Stewart has announced he is retiring from his veterinary practice on August 1, 2014.
We know this was a difficult decision for Dr. Stewart, and he will be immensely missed around here!
But on to the “sweet” part of the bittersweet announcement: We are so excited for Dr. Stewart as he looks to begin this new chapter of his life, which we’re told will include spending more time with his husband, Frank, playwriting, traveling (and helping animals in various capacities), taking classes and more.
We thank Dr. Stewart for his dedication and passion; for gently and deftly providing expert care to our animal friends over all these years; for his caring and thoughtful communications with clients; for being such a significant part of our hospital’s success and legacy; and for being a friend and mentor to many SFVS team members.
A Few Words From Dr. Stewart
“I became a veterinarian in 1987. Working with animals, clients and veterinary colleagues has been such a significant and fulfilling part of my life for so long. But this retirement decision is one that makes sense for me at this time.
“As the founder of this hospital, I have seen SFVS grow from a small group of doctors in a small space to the large, thriving practice it is today, always adding new resources and improvements to continue the legacy we set out to do of providing the best, compassionate, high-quality veterinary care.
“I will miss everyone – staff, clients, primary care veterinarians I’ve been fortunate to work with, and especially my dear patients (my kids).”
Transition Plan in the Works
Please know that even though Dr. Stewart isn’t retiring until August, we are already working on a transition plan for his patients and clients, and for the primary care veterinarians he works with. Our priority is to ensure a seamless continuation of patient care, client service and communication with referring veterinarians. We will be in touch soon regarding updates on that transition.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. Thank you for your time and for joining us in wishing Dr. Stewart all the best!
– Craig Maretzki, Medical Director, and Judith Goodman, Hospital Manager, on Behalf of the Entire VCA SFVS Team, (415) 401-9200
Dr. Stewart was a part of my life and the lives of my “kidz” for 14 years, taking extraordinary care of Bengals Nikita and Simone. While I’ll miss his fabulous competence and “bed-side manner” should my current kidz ever need an internist, I’m delighted that he’s going to take more time for himself and his family, since I know what sort of hours he’s been working :). Thank you Alan for being there when we needed you, for your tireless dedication to your patients and their owners, and for the compassionate expertise you brought to your practice. Life Long And Prosper!
–gary and Gustav and Cupcake
Bittersweet indeed! Dr. Stewart has cared for two of our kitties and he is the best of the best. I have always been very impressed by his knowledge and skill as a veterinary internist, *and* his kindness and compassion for his patients and their parents. He wil be deeply missed and I wish him a wonderful and satisfying retirement. Thank you Dr. Stewart for taking such excellent care of Chai and Sugar *and* Bill and me. All the best to you!