I have lived in West Tisbury for 70 years, being cared for by only two family doctors: Dr. Robert Nevin (30 years) and Dr. Stuart Kendall (40 years). Now I am 91 and unable to get an appointment with any doctor in the near future. It’s not pleasant to be without a doctor at this age. Dr. Kendall’s temporary replacement, Dr. Chansky, is completely booked until her departure date next month. No other doctor on Martha’s Vineyard is taking new patients. Is anybody doing anything about getting more doctors for our growing population, especially for our growing older population? Maybe a geriatric doctor?

Many of the Vineyard doctors look about the same age as my granddaughters — what do they know about old age? This stage of life is very different from being young, or even middle aged. Symptoms of diseases are different as well as reactions to certain medications. I do not need emergency care, just an occasional checkup for minor problems. What to do?

Shirley W. Mayhew
West Tisbury