With move to Olympia, Gilbert will move Sandpoint

I have spent 29 years in Sandpoint, providing pediatric care to many families. I wish to thank all the families who allowed me to be part of their lives.

We all grew up together. So many parents taught me how to listen to their concerns, how to care for their children, and how to love my job. I have clearly learned as much from every family I cared for as they have learned from me.

I have been blessed to become an integral member of this wonderful community.

From being present at the birth of many children, seeing them in the office for checkups and sick visits, making house calls when needed, staying up late nights with your sick child, and celebrating their accomplishments, I have completely enjoyed this adventure.

I am also grateful for the association I have had with all the physicians, nurses, therapists, school personnel — the list goes on! We have all become a team in caring for children in need, and I could not have become who I am today without the passion of everyone I have worked with.

My gratitude is the strongest for my partner, Dr. George DeLand, who loves children and loves medicine as much as I do, and who is also passionate about providing the very best care he can to every child he sees.

I believe that there is an ultimate plan for each of us, and feel that I am following my calling by moving to Olympia, Wash.. I will have the responsibility of being the medical director of the Sexual Assault Clinic and Child Maltreatment Center there. This will be a very challenging job with many opportunities to help children in need.

I will miss many things about Sandpoint, most especially all the parents and children who have allowed me to be a part of their lives. Thank you for trusting me with the privilege of caring for your children and allowing me to become a part of your family. I will miss you all!

DR. JOYCE GILBERT

Sandpoint