Mind Body Institute to Close

And, just like that, everything changed.

Rich Panico recently told his patients and staff at the Mind Body Institute that he is retiring from in January and that the institute will close after more than a decade of service.

"It has provided a great alternative to standard medical practices and also has given a lot of hope to people who have needed followup after severe illnesses," said Athens resident Gene Weeks. "It has provided a great support system for many many people."

Trained as both an emergency room physician and a psychiatrist, Panico has been the director and was the founder of the institute. It offered integrative medical services that included visioning, meditation, yoga, tai chi and acupuncture, as well as counseling for a variety of conditions and problems.

In a letter that Panico sent to patients, he said he decided after a year of reflection to retire from the institute. He also said he had been diagnosed with cancer in January 2011 and that the treatment has been successful, with no recurrence.

The letter says that some of the institute's clinical functions will be absorbed into the Athens Regional Health System. Robin Johnson will continue to coordinate the yoga, mindfulness and tai chi, Panico says. Officials with the institute said this will continue at least through January.

"Athens Regional has reiterated its commitment to continue integrative medicine and I will be involved in this transition as a part time medical director," Panico wrote.

It isn't known whether the new administration at Athens Regional will simply let the Mind Body Institute fade away or whether there will be a search for a replacement director.