“I believe strongly in the importance of primary care and preventive medicine. I feel that it is important to approach all patients in a holistic way so that their health issues and problems are seen in the context of the patient’s life situations and goals. To be able to see the entire picture and help patients navigate their way when specialist care is required.”

Board Certifications

  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Internal Medicine

Education

Internship and Residency

University of Vermont
Internal Medicine
Burlington, VT
1975 and 1977

Medical School

Case Western Reserve School of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine
Cleveland, OH
1974

Undergraduate School

Denison University
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Granville, OH
1970

Hospitals Affiliated With

Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
University of Virginia Medical Center

Professional Associations

American College of Physicians (ACP)
Member
1980 – Present

American Geriatric Society (AGS)
Member
1990 – Present

Academic Appointment

Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine in Primary Care
University of Virginia School of Medicine
1995 – Present

Personal Interests

Dr. Chesler enjoys spending time with family especially his five grandchildren. He loves gardening and bird watching. He is an avid tennis player and finds fly fishing to be his most relaxing hobby. He plays piano and guitar. Though he and his wife, Betsy, have danced ballroom for many years, their favorite dance is now Argentine tango which they have been teaching in the Charlottesville area for the past three years.

Biography

Dr. Chesler received his M.D. from Case Western Reserve University and completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Vermont. Dr. Chesler worked in public health for three years in Louisa, Virginia. He has been in practice at Charlottesville Family Medicine since 1980. He is Medical Director at Charlottesville Health and Rehab, as well as Albemarle Health and Rehab, and he also serves as medical director of Legacy Hospice.

He is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and has a board certification in geriatric medicine. Dr. Chesler serves as a delegate from Albemarle County to the Medical Society of Virginia. He also serves as Chairperson of the Credentials Committee of the Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital.

In addition, Dr. Chesler holds a position with the University of Virginia Health Care Center, teaching third-year medical students. Dr. Chesler has always emphasized the importance of continuity of care and enjoys following his patients into assisted living centers, nursing homes and rehab facilities when their life changes lead them in these directions.