Letter to Patients
I am writing this note to provide an important update about my own health as I was diagnosed with Stage 2a breast cancer in November. I have the breast cancer gene and am a 16 year survivor of the first breast cancer. Though serious, this cancer is being treated for a cure and has best outcomes with the course of treatment I am on: medical treatment first then surgery. Double mastectomy with reconstruction is coming up on March 5th. I will then have more medical treatment through November. I have necessarily had to cut back patient visit hours and will be away from patient care for 6 weeks to recover after surgery. Thankfully, not only has Dr. Zachary Nayak been seeing patients at the practice for the past couple of years; I was also able to find a great physician to share my practice for six months.
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Dr. Michael Brady. Dr. Brady is an experienced Hopkins-trained internist. Originally from North Carolina, Dr. Brady has always had an interest in science and is committed to clinical care. He previously worked in a community health center as the sole internal medicine doctor. He is going to move on to Hopkins for geriatrics fellowship starting in July. His arrival this month was just on time, and I am so grateful he is working with us at this time. All new patients will still be seen by Dr. Nayak.
Many have asked how you can help me. I am grateful for these offers and have had great support from my church, family and friends. How can my patients help?
- By staying healthy (get vaccinated for COVID at least once a year, twice if over 65 plus we can clarify for you which other vaccines are recommended by experts; get screened - for women mammograms yearly ages 40 to 75, for all people ages 45 to 75 - colonoscopy every 10 years or COLOGUARD every 3 years - call us for an order; eat healthy; stay active)
By calling us if you are unwell. We would rather set up a TeleVisit or see you in person than have you wait it out or go to Urgent Care. We want to stand with you at the center of your healthcare universe. We can help you get to the right test or the right specialist. You most likely do NOT need Lifeline screening. Ask us which screenings are recommended.
-By trusting the colleagues alongside me. Drs. Nayak and Brady are experts and great people. It is a tremendous blessing to be practicing medicine alongside two Hopkins-trained doctors. Those long years of solo practice were lonely and characterized by overwork to which I must never return. My humble aspiration is to grow the practice to a group of 3 to 5 doctors to expand our services to our patients and our community.
By favorable reviews. If you are pleased with the care you have received from our team, please drop a Google review for Green Spring Internal Medicine or for one of our doctors. If you think we could do better, please reply to this message with your suggestions.
On another topic, we are required to let Medicare beneficiaries know about our participation in an ACO. Please read more about this on our website: https://greenspringmed.com/posts/medicare-beneficiary-notice
As far as health updates, feel free to check for updates on my blog rather than calling the practice. The blog address is www.drhollydahlman.blogspot.com.
Stay safe and well during this season,
Dr. Holly Dahlman, your internist