If you see this guy around town, give him a high-five, a pat on the back, or maybe just a simple “Thank you.”

Dr. George Butterworth, the longest serving physician on Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s medical staff, will retire on May 31st, 2019 after more than 40 years of general practice and obstetrical care on the island.

“I would like to express my gratitude to all of my patients, current and past, with a particular thank you to all of you who have allowed me to participate in the birth of your children,” Dr. Butterworth said. “It has been an honor and a privilege.”

Dr. Butterworth moved to Nantucket with his wife Kathy in 1978, shortly after receiving his medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School and completing his family practice residency at Middlesex Memorial Hospital in Connecticut.

During his more than four decades practicing medicine at Nantucket Cottage Hospital, Dr. Butterworth has served as president of the NCH medical staff four times, delivered 1,037 babies, and provided care for countless patients at his primary care practice.

“Dr. Butterworth has touched the lives of so many of our patients and helped deliver a generation of Nantucket Natives at the hospital,” said Dr. Margot Hartmann, President and CEO of Nantucket Cottage Hospital. “He has had an incredible career as a family doctor on Nantucket and I know we are all grateful for the continuity of care and dedication he has provided to the island as a physician. On behalf of everyone here at NCH, we thank Dr. Butterworth for his commitment to his patients, the island community, and the hospital.”

Dr. Butterworth’s patients have been notified by mail of his pending retirement and have been provided options to select a new primary care physician within the Nantucket Cottage Medical Group. If you are a patient of Dr. Butterworth and would like to establish a primary care relationship with a new physician, please call 508-825-1000.