There is a tradition of American Presidents leaving a message on the Oval Office desk welcoming their successors to the highest office in the land. The convention is so strong that even Donald Trump left a gracious message for Joe Biden. While the transference of the Directorship of our laboratory isn’t quite as significant as assuming the Presidency, I still want to leave a message for Dr. Ken Beck, who will fill my place in the Square Office as I shut off my microscope for the last time.

Ken,

First and above all, I thank you for your dedicated, loyal service during the fifteen years we have worked together in this Little Lab by the Tollway. You have brought your professional expertise and some business insights as well. Your Information Technology knowledge has been invaluable to the laboratory and the organization as a whole. And I am still amazed by the quantum mechanics on your whiteboard.

You and Bev have five children. Over time, you will come to think of the laboratory as your sixth. As with your other children, it is important that you give the lab, and the people who work here, a sense of direction and a code of ethics to follow. I advocate a loose love–lead but don’t micromanage, delegate where you can to a dedicated staff who have proven they will come through when and where you need them.

You admire technology. Use it to move the lab into this decade where necessary; don’t use it for the sake of being the most up-to-date. I sense that you understand that.

Change is inevitable. Medicine changes and the business of medicine changes even faster. At times this can be overwhelming–or at least highly stressful. I hope that any changes that come bring opportunities as well as challenges. Make sure your voice is heard and that you and the lab make the most of those opportunities.

My phone will always be on for you — except when I am rambling over a tennis court, slicing a golf shot, learning the tricks of pickleball, cheering at a White Sox game, enjoying a Broadway show, or romping with the grandkids. Ok, I will be keeping busy, but I will always find time for you, Dr. Brown, and the lab staff.

May your years as Director be as long and as fulfilling as mine have been.

Best of luck and Happy New Year,

Les

The above are the opinions of the author and not UroPartners, LLC.