I received a postcard in the mail from my urticaria doctor’s office saying:

This is to notify you that Allen Kaplan, MD will be retiring as of December 31, 2007. Please contact your local physician for further recommendations. Dr. Kaplan extends to you his best regards.

This is a major blow to everyone who has urticaria and hasn’t already seen him. Kaplan is The Man when it comes to urticaria. I first saw him in April 2002 and I saw him again in July 2007. When I was there the last time, there was a girl there from Turkey - that’s how good this guy is, people come from all over the world to see him, and I’ve heard that he travels all over the world to see patients, too.

But now he’s retiring. I can certainly see why, he has had a long and distinguished career, and he’s probably well past the age that most people retire. But a doctor can only serve for so long, they have to retire too. When I was there in July there was a med student observing him, but as far as I know there is no replacement. It’s a shame, because I’ve recommended Dr. Kaplan many times over the years, and I know many urticaria sufferers who need his services. I hope they will be able to find relief with their local physicians.

Enjoy your retirement Dr. Kaplan - it is WELL deserved but you will be missed!