Dr. David Hilburn, a longtime local physician who became the medical director of Del Puerto Health Center six months ago, submitted his resignation letter Friday, Sept. 7.

Anne Stokman, the president of the Del Puerto Health Care District, which runs the center, said the doctor’s resignation was unexpected.

“Dr. Hilburn surprised us with his wishes to resign and move on,” Stokman said Tuesday, Sept. 11.

Hilburn, 57, began his family practice in Patterson more than 25 years ago and treated patients through Sutter Gould Medical Foundation during most of that time.

He started working for the Del Puerto clinic in March, replacing Dr. Ali Wahid, who left in January after 20 months as medical director.

Hilburn said Tuesday that his resignation was effective Sept. 23. He said it was a tough decision to make.

He gave no specific reason for his resignation, except to say he needed to “move in a different direction.”

“A long list of good things are happening at the Del Puerto Health Care District, and I hope I’ve been a part of a few of those things,” Hilburn said. “Unfortunately, I’ve come to the conclusion I need to move in a different direction. I know it is the district’s job to serve the health needs of the people of the West Side, and they are doing their best to fulfill that function. I really wish them well.”

Hilburn, who moved to Patterson in the mid-1980s and raised his family here, said he would not leave the community where he had put down roots.

“I like living here,” Hilburn said. “I’ve lived in Patterson since 1986, and I have no plans to leave. I’m also not retiring, and I don’t know what I am going to do yet.”

Del Puerto Health Care District, which replaced the Del Puerto Hospital District in 1998, provides local health care services through Patterson Ambulance and the Del Puerto Health Center.

Contact Maddy Houk at 892-6187, ext. 22, or maddy@pattersonirrigator.com.