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Losing our doctors

Dear Editor:We thank Dr. Madeline Simonet for her gifted, caring and tireless contributions to the children and families of the Roaring Fork Valley. The pediatric care that she has provided has been exceptional – especially with the diagnosis and treatment of complex medical cases. She always made time for her patients and engaged in lengthy conversations with nervous parents 24/7. Dr. Simonet’s recent departure from Aspen Valley Pediatrics is a significant and noteworthy loss. The opportunities she has with major hospitals and other practices are a testament to her qualifications. We wish her the best and we know that our loss is their gain. Dr. Maddie, we miss you and thank you.Dr. Simonet’s departure is the third such departure within the last nine months from Aspen Valley Pediatrics, the only pediatric group serving the mid and upper valley. Dr. Liz Gremillion left the practice early in 2004 and Dr. Claudia Nelson followed that summer. This situation leaves unanswered questions:1. How will Aspen Valley Pediatrics (and their employer Aspen Valley Hospital) continue to meet the medical needs of our kids – especially those of the midvalley – now that three of the five doctors in the practice group have departed?2. How will this medical group stem the tide of caring, immensely qualified doctors leaving their practice?As former patients of Dr. Simonet, Dr. Nelson and Dr. Gremillion, we appreciate how these doctors came to know our families and treat our kids. We sincerely hope that AVH and Aspen Valley Pediatrics will share with us their plan to meet our continued medical needs.Michele and Bill LueckJenny and Simon ElliotSusan and Chris TouchetteLisa and Brad BluntSarah Babb MazurTanja and David KellyElizabeth and Todd Slossberg