Dr. Patrice Whistler, known as “Dr. Patrice” by generations of patients and families, announced she is retiring at the end of April after more than three decades of dedicated service to children and families throughout Mesa County.

Whistler joined Western Colorado Pediatrics, 3150 N. 12th St., a division of Primary Care Partners, in 1993 and has been an integral part of the practice ever since.

Primary Care Partners CEO Jack Thompson said Whistler provided 33 years of “outstanding, compassionate quality care to kids throughout the Grand Junction community. Dr. Whistler has been a creative and innovative leader at Western Colorado Pediatrics and Primary Care Partners, including serving as the Medical Director of our vaccination program. She will be greatly missed, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter of retirement.”

Whistler said of her retirement, “It has been my privilege and joy to care for children, teens, young adults and their families, of all configurations, for so many years. I feel wonder every day at the lessons I have learned and celebrate the gift of those visits over the years. I greatly appreciate every single one of my coworkers at Western Colorado Pediatrics throughout the years, as well as everyone at Primary Care Partners. I thank all the varied organizations throughout Mesa County with which I have worked.”

Whistler’s retirement will be effective at the end of April. Western Colorado Pediatrics and Primary Care Partners said in a news release it is “committed to ensuring a smooth transition of care for her patients and families.”