To our valued patients,

Your well-being has always been at the heart of our practice. We practice medicine because of you and nothing else.

On March 8, we wrote via email to inform you that Family Practice Ravena will close May 17, 2024. This letter contains that information previously sent, as well as new information as to where each provider will be going and what you must do next. Please read this letter in full.

Recently, our practice has encountered numerous challenges beyond our control. These include persistently low reimbursements that fail to keep pace with rising costs and the ongoing struggle to recruit new providers. Recruitment has been particularly challenging over the last four years as we’ve prepared for retirements within our office, with Dr. Goddard being the most recent departure last year. We have been unable to attract candidates to our rural location. Additionally, our office no longer qualifies as underserved, rendering us ineligible for loan forgiveness programs for newly graduating providers. Consequently, many candidates prefer opportunities elsewhere.

Regrettably, we anticipate minimal improvement in these areas, and these realities have compelled our providers to consider the future of our practice and their careers.

Despite our best efforts, with a heavy heart, we announce the closure of Family Practice Ravena effective May 17, 2024.

This decision was not made lightly but was necessary to ensure the stability and continuity of your care. We truly feel this is in the best interest of our patients and staff. We can’t continue to struggle indefinitely, and we can’t leave our patients unsure of the future of their medical home. You will not go without care.

Some of our providers from Family Practice Ravena will continue offering primary care, and you can follow them to their new location. If you are unable to follow your provider, we have Community Care Physicians (CCP) practices nearby that are accepting new patients where you can establish care.

• Dr. Bryan Dworsky will relocate to Albany Family Medicine of Community Care Physicians, 391 Myrtle Avenue, Albany. Call (518) 207-2273 to establish care with Dr. Dworsky.
• Dr. Theresa A. Sirico will be leaving primary care to focus exclusively on natural care. Patients of Dr. Sirico, please see her personal letter enclosed.
• Elizabeth Valk, FNP-C will transfer to a CCP OB/GYN practice, Capital Region Women’s Care, and will no longer provide primary care to patients.
• Sebastian (Vince) Martorana, PA-C will be leaving CCP and practicing at Columbia Memorial Health Prime Medical – Catskill.
• Dari Cook-McGibbon, ANP, AGPCNP-BC will be leaving CCP to practice primary care at Hudson Medical Care, 71 Prospect Avenue, Medical Office Suite 130, Hudson, NY 12534. Call: (518) 697-3540

Below are other CCP practices nearby that are accepting new patients and ready to see you. They share an electronic health record system with Family Practice Ravena and have access to your complete medical record. You will not need to transfer records.

• Delmar Internal Medicine (care for adults, ~12 miles from our office): 250 Delaware Avenue, Delmar (518) 439-8077
• Albany Family Medicine (where Dr. Dworsky will practice, care for all ages, ~14 miles), 391 Myrtle Avenue, Albany (518) 207-2273
• Office of Dr. Lev Barats (care for adults, ~14 miles): 14 Vista Boulevard, Slingerlands (518) 459-5273
• Family Practice Slingerlands (care for all ages, ~17 miles): 1882 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands (518) 439-2460

What we need you to do:

• If you have an upcoming appointment after May 17, we will be in touch with you to reschedule with another CCP office or cancel your appointment.
• All patients should contact Family Practice Ravena before May 17 to sign a release form so we know your intent to stay within CCP or go elsewhere. Once you sign the form, you can call the office of your choice to schedule an appointment when needed.
• You will be discharged from CapitalCare Family Practice Ravena effective May 17, 2024

We understand the concerns and uncertainties this decision may bring. We share your sadness and disappointment, but we sincerely feel this is the best decision for you and our team. Please know that we are committed to supporting you through this transition and assisting in finding alternative care arrangements.

Thank you for trusting us with your care all these years.

Warmly,
Family Practice Ravena