Dear Patients,

I have a habit of placing quotes that resonate deep within me as truth, often without understanding why, on the wall in front of my desk at my home office. One such quote is, "How you get there is where you arrive." I have known intuitively what it means, but only as I worked through the decision-making process this year, of what the next chapter of my life looks like, do I understand why this quote resonated with me. After a fulfilling journey of serving as your primary care physician and a general internist for 30 years, much of which at Premier Primary Care Physicians as a founding partner, I have decided that it is time for me to retire from my current practice and pursue other interests and passions that have found their way into my life in the last few years. My last day at PPCP will be January 31, 2026.

This has been a difficult decision, knowing that I am leaving behind many of you who have trusted me to care for you and your health over the years, and leaving you with the burden of "starting all over again" with another provider. Of course, I will also miss building on the experiences we have shared and continuing with you on your health journeys as your guide, advisor, and a friend. Yet, I know that I have made the right decision and am excited to see where I will arrive next. I have learned so much from each of you, as you navigate the challenges of acute and chronic illnesses, as well as the changes that happen to us as we age. I have learned much about patience, acceptance, self-control, hope, grief, kindness, caring, and so much more over the years. I am humbled at the way you have shared yourselves with me through your personal challenges as well as collective challenges like the recent pandemic. Just as graduation is seen as a commencement, I hope you will cheer me on as I graduate from this chapter of life and commence onto the next with all I have learned over the years.

I am confident that PPCP can provide you with smooth transition of your care. You can transfer your care within our practice to Dr. Joshua Wong, Dr. Hilary Lawless, and Dr. Elizabeth Gebremariam. Our excellent Physician Assistants, Nicole Sibley and Mary Houston are also available.

Your medical records will remain secure with the practice so there will be a seamless transition. If you choose to transfer to a different practice within Privia your medical record will be available to any Privia provider. If you have any concerns or need assistance during this transition, please do not hesitate to reach out to the office.

I am learning to hold together the sadness of leaving and the anticipation of what is ahead.

Wishing you all the best in health and happiness.

Best Regards,
Hey-Jin Kong, MD