Dermatologist Dr. Michael Bigby is retiring after 35 years of providing care on the Island. On Friday, family, friends and colleagues gathered at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital to celebrate his years of service.
Starting as a solo practitioner who made monthly visits to the Island, Dr. Bigby eventually grew the dermatology department to where it is today.
“Not only did Dr. Bigby make the department, but his mentorship of colleagues and students has created a lasting legacy of skilled professionals,” said Claire Seguin, chief nurse and vice president of operations at the hospital. “Our current medical staff and team members are fortunate to be among the many that he trained.”
Colleague and dermatologist Dr. Paula Karol began working with Dr. Bigby in 2008.
“Dr. Bigby was an excellent teacher,” she said. “I was in awe of how much he knew. We would be in and out of the patient room before I even had a chance to formulate the history, never mind the differential diagnosis.”
Dr. Karol noted Dr. Bigby’s conciseness, confidence and expertise.
“When patients asked for my opinion of Dr. Bigby, which they often did, I would tell them that he is the best in this field, that I depend on him, and if I needed care, he would be my first choice,” she said, wiping away a tear.
Dr. Bigby spent thanked his colleagues and family, and the Island for welcoming him.
“I used to look forward to getting down [to the Portuguese American Club] on time on Thursdays to be able to have fish fry and then work a hard day on Friday,” he said. “I got to know and interact with a lot of local people who work on the Island, many of whom work here at the hospitals.”
At the retirement ceremony, a portrait of Dr. Bigby created by Vineyard artist Elizabeth Whalen was unveiled.
“It’s been a labor of love for me,” Dr. Bigby said. “I did enjoy every moment of it and I’ll really miss it.”
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