A mural featuring a sun-dappled lake, crimson and azure birds, lush flowers, and palm trees adorns one waiting room wall. In another, a comfy couch beckons; a cheery blaze crackles in the fireplace, and the aroma of hot coffee wafts from an adjacent kitchenette.

"My wife says the only time she realizes I'm retired is on payday," said James E. Cimino, MD, one recent morning, glancing down at his Mickey Mouse watch to make sure he was on schedule. Although he officially retired from his position as director of the Palliative Care Institute at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx in 2003, Dr. Cimino, 78, is lively, engaged, and continues to meet regularly with medical students and work on special projects.