Dr. Anlage Retirement Letter

To My Patients: 

On January 15th, 1991, I saw my first patient at Primary Pediatrics – then called Modlin and Padow. On September 24th, 2025, I said good-bye to my last patient. And so begins my next chapter, as a retired Pediatrician. 

What an amazing ride this has been! It was such a blast watching your children grow from helpless newborns to confident young adults. I feel so privileged to have been a part of your lives. 

There are several groups who I feel deserve a special shout-out. 

To the families of my special needs patients – I am in awe of the love, care, and advocacy you provide to your children every day so that they may reach their full potential. You taught me so much that I never could have learned in med school. 

To my immigrant families – I loved learning about your cultures, native foods, and traditions. Thank you for trusting me to help guide your children in this new and often confusing country. I am glad you are here. 

To my Hispanic families – Thank you for humoring me when I tried to say a few words to your children in Spanish. I promise to keep working on my language skills during my retirement. Eres muy especial para mí. 

Finally, to my second generation families – these are the individuals I cared for as they were growing up, who then brought their babies to see me when they became parents. Bless you -- what a tremendous honor it has been to care for your precious children. 

As I head off on new adventures, I leave you in the excellent care of my Laurel colleagues, Dr. Perdue, Dr. Lu, Dr. Baron, and NP Palmer (who returns from her leave in November). Depending on where you live, you may want to visit our Silver Spring office where you’ll find Dr. Anderson, Dr. Elias-Bachrach, Dr. Weeks, and Dr. Berg or check out our beautiful new Bowie office (opening Ocober 6th!) where you will be in the good hands of Dr. Brown, Dr. Skoda-Mount, and NP Chung. 

Wishing you health, happiness, and all the good things in life, 

Dr. Valorie Anlage