Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

In my 26 years of summer visits to the Vineyard, the same memories seem to stick with me all year long: eating a steamed lobster from Betsy Larsen’s fish market, the breathtaking beaches in Chilmark, strolling the streets of Edgartown, maybe even a cup of coffee from Back Alley’s in West Tisbury. Visiting the emergency room at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital is something I never thought I’d add to that list. But on my trip this summer, I found myself in the ER on the first day of my family vacation. Being from a big city, I was afraid that would undoubtedly mean an hours-long wait to see a hurried and hassled doctor or nurse. That couldn’t have been further from the case. Anthony Piland was my attending P.A. and he couldn’t have been more professional, attentive and generous with his time. He demonstrated a calm, confident and compassionate demeanor as he treated my condition. And it didn’t end there. Anthony followed up by phone that night — calling to check up on me. He even invited me back to see him the next day for a follow-up visit. Imagine that. My memories of the Vineyard are rich indeed, and now, despite the most unpleasant nature of the condition that brought me there, they include a surprisingly pleasant trip to the ER at Martha’s Vineyard hospital. Thank you, Anthony.

Tom Haynes

Atlanta, Ga.