Sending Thank You’s for Physician Gifts
Gifting Physicians
Gifting physicians and their staff during the holidays isn’t unusual. Referring physician specialists often send a gift thanking other physicians for sending them patients. And patients will often gift a physician’s office with seasonal goodies or other items the physician and staff can share to express appreciation for their care. But regardless of who sent it or why, all gifts should be acknowledged with a note. (In this case, it’s not redundant to thank the giver for the thank you gift.)
Corporate Gift Giving
Many other business people send gifts to their clients at the holiday time to thank them for their business. These corporate gifts are optional and a generous gesture on the part of the giver. And again, should be acknowledged, especially if they are sent via mail or a delivery service. The sender needs to know the gift arrived.
Managing Holiday Gifts
In the physician’s office, keep a list of everything that comes in. If gifts are sent to the entire staff, designate one person or a few people, if the list is lengthy, to write the thank you notes. Take turns if this is a yearly thing. The notes don’t have to be long, but should identify the gift and let the giver know how much it is appreciated.
For Physicians Only
If the gift is for the physician only, it’s the physician’s job to write the note, not one of the staff members. For gifts going to the physician’s home that will be enjoyed by the family, a spouse could write the note as well.
In Person Thanks
You can say thank you in person if the opportunity presents itself, but if gifts are sent via mail or a delivery service a note letting the sender know you received their gift.
Phone or E-mail Thanks
A phone call would be another option or an email thank you. Email isn’t as personal, but it’s better than nothing.
Remember to be a gracious recipient this year by sending thank you’s for physician gifts.
