Michael Landau, MD
Retired January 2013
Bellflower Medical Offices
Downey Medical Center
After 34 years working in Psychiatry at the Bellflower Medical Offices and the Downey Medical Center, I decided to retire and open my own small boutique practice in Los Alamitos. At 63, I still needed to work. I felt it would be unhealthy to just stop practicing medicine after doing so for 37 years. Medicine is interesting -- it always gave me a thrill to see someone smile and get healthier after meeting with me. Also, generally someone like me is “defined” by his work. Although I still have relationships and friends and am a parent, I still want to be a “doctor.” I thought a small practice using telepsychiatry and an office, along with my hobbies, would allow me to maintain good physical and mental health. I come and go as I please -- it’s better than working 8-5 in the ED!
My new practice includes the burgeoning telemedicine field using Skype and Facetime to connect with patients. Using this new technology gives patients the option of not having to drive in for appointments and I am able to see patients from every corner of our state. I have a small practice, and now about 20% of it involves the use of Skype and Facetime to see my patients. I began using Skype myself to follow my children who lived in Russia and other parts of the country, and learned firsthand how effective it could be. It’s fantastic -- after a couple of minutes you completely forget you are not in the office with the patient and it’s quite comfortable for everyone.
My hobbies include a lot of different sports and the gym, but because of back issues I’ve had to develop a love for the pool. This has helped a great deal. To help fill the void that developed after retirement, I also participate in activities such as Speed Scrabble, following my favorite sports teams, biking, and seeing more of my friends and children.
My goal now in retirement is to perform both work and play, which will hopefully allow more time to spend in a healthful manner with my loved ones.
I’m happier than I’ve ever been and am happy to talk to old friends or fellow retired partners about my experience and new practice. I can be reached through my website at www.michaellandaumd.com.