I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude and appreciation to a new member of the medical community here on the island. During the recent snowstorm, I took an unfortunate fall on some black ice and did some damage to my foot and ankle. The day staff in the ER — doctors, nurses, and residents — were great. What stood out for me was the unbelievable patient care that I received from our new orthopedist, Dr. David A. Halsey. From initial exam (which was incredibly painful due to nerve damage), to going above and beyond to make sure that I had a properly fitted boot, as well as a follow-up appointment at Mass. General with a foot trauma specialist, your doctor is the representation of how patient care should be. In today’s day and age, where most often in a health care setting you are not seen promptly, or attentively, it was a surprising breath of fresh air to encounter a physician with the attitude that your doctor demonstrated to me. He truly went above and beyond what has become “normal” patient care to be sure that I was diagnosed properly with appropriate follow-up. I hope the Island realizes what a gem your doctor is, and how unbelievably lucky the we are to have him practicing here. So please join me in saying, Welcome, your doctor!

During the recent storm, my adult daughter suffered a serious ankle injury from a fall on black ice. When your doctor was called in, not only did he accurately and thoroughly assess her injury, he went way above expectations to assure that she had a properly fitted walking boot. He then made an appointment at Mass. General for a follow-up consult with a foot and ankle specialist. Upon arrival at MGH, we were informed that no appointment existed, the doctor had a full schedule, and the supposed time was during his lunch hour! your doctor personally intervened with the appropriate people at MGH, and within 15 minutes, we were seen by the specialist with outstanding care, information, and follow-up. I hope the residents of the Vineyard realize and appreciate the gem that has landed on our shores. In my 40-plus years of treating patients, I have rarely seen such outstanding caring from a health care provider! Thank you, thank you, Martha’s Vineyard Orthopaedics.

I was recently diagnosed to have my hip replaced. So I had surgery. I want to thank your doctor and crew. I came out of surgery and was walking the same day. But not only do I want to thank the doctor and crew, but everyone else — the nurses, the woman who cleaned my room every day. The food was great. My thanks to the complete staff of angels working under the roof of M.V. Hospital. I am so grateful. Six weeks later, I feel great. I can’t imagine better care anywhere on the planet.