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Editor: Neil B. Gailmard, OD, MBA, FAAO
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Farewell...Sort Of
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November 15, 2017
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I have decided that it is time for me to retire from writing the Optometric Management Tip of the Week. This January would mark 16 years of writing an article per week. I really loved doing it and I am very grateful for the warm reception all of you, my colleagues, have given me over the years.
When I brought up the topic of retirement to the executives and editors at PentaVision (publisher of Optometric Management and OMTOTW), everyone was very gracious. They were quite flattering as they reviewed the success the newsletter series has enjoyed. It truly connected with independent optometrists and eye care providers all over the world. A couple of people asked me if I might make my last article a big round number like Tip #1,000. But, that would take me three and a half more years, so I declined. 814 seems just right to me.
New authors; new ideas
I pointed out to the folks at PentaVision that in spite of the nice response my articles have received, there is a very positive aspect to bringing on some new authors with new ideas! We brainstormed about who might continue to write the OMTOTW, and we came up with the thought that we would invite a team of authors. Further, we decided that I would remain on board as Editor of the publication, and I will work with the authors as needed to be sure the popular features of the franchise remain intact. I will even contribute an article on occasion, when a great idea hits me.
After lengthy discussion, we came up with the following authors, who have all indicated they would be pleased to participate: Dr. Steve Vargo, Susan Daly, Dr. Gina Wesley, Nathan Hayes, Dr. Eric White and Maddie Langston. You may know many or all of these people already, but you will get to know them even better in the weeks ahead. They are all experts in various aspects of optometric practice management and accomplished writers, speakers and consultants. I am very confident that the Tip series is in good hands with this team and we are quite open to adding new authors in the future.
What will I do?
While I am retiring from writing the tip articles, I’m not retiring from my career just yet. I still own and operate my practice, in partnership with my wife, Susan, who is also an OD. Gailmard Eye Center is a very large, busy practice that employs 35 people, including three full-time associate optometrists. I am also Chief Optometric Officer at IDOC, a national alliance for independent ODs. But, family is the most important thing to me. I have two sons, two daughters-in-law and six young grandchildren who bring a lot of joy to my life.
I’ll still be active in the profession and industry for a long time to come. I hope to see you at a conference in the near future. Thanks for reading.
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