General Surgeon Retires After 42 Years

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Watson Clinic recently celebrated the contributions of a treasured physician as he marked his retirement after many decades of service.

General Surgeon Dr. Jack B. Thigpen, Jr. started at Watson Clinic on September 11, 1981. His retirement party was held 42 years later on that exact date.

"The reason I joined Watson Clinic was to be a part of a nationally recognized group of physicians under one roof," he shared. "I knew that I could relate to and provide the best care for my patients."

After his retirement announcement was posted on social media, several former patients expressed gratitude for the difference Dr. Thigpen made in their lives. "You saved my life and were so kind," wrote one. "You have been a blessing to so many people," expressed another.

Those patients and others will always hold a special place in Dr. Thigpen’s heart. "I will greatly miss taking care of my patients," he said. "I was very fortunate to have a great working relationship with the staff at LRH, which as a surgeon is vitally important. Also I could never have accomplished any of those goals without a strong working relationship with my colleagues."

In his retirement, Dr. Thigpen plans to "spend more time with my family, travel and in some capacity give back."

Watson Clinic congratulates Dr. Thigpen on his extraordinary career accomplishments, and we thank him for his decades of devoted service to our patients!

9/26/2023

Comments:

Response to: General Surgeon Retires After 42 Years
Friday, October 6, 2023
Linda Hendricks says:

Thank you Dr Thigpen you performed surgery on my thyroid that greatly improved my life!

Response to: General Surgeon Retires After 42 Years
Friday, October 6, 2023
Dan and Lesley Rife says:

Jack and Brenda were our quasi-next door neighbors. We never needed his medical services, but I came into the hospital daily to plan discharges. It was clear to me that staff admired and respected Jack. They knew he was the cream of the crop in his field. He is the surgeon they would choose. That’s a high compliment. We knew them as a couple and parents to 3 super boys. We laughed a lot, spent time on the lake and shared an adult beverage now and then. Great people, amazing family. WC will miss this skilled surgeon. Our hope for them is a healthy retirement spent loving their family, seeing amazing places and doing God’s work along the way.a

Response to: General Surgeon Retires After 42 Years
Friday, October 6, 2023
Susan Sargeant says:

Thank you Dr. Thigpen, you were my surgeon several times and I am grateful. We will miss you!

Response to: General Surgeon Retires After 42 Years
Friday, October 6, 2023
Theresa Proudfoot says:

I worked with Dr. Thigpen in surgery .It was a pleasure to work with him. He was helpful and kind.

Response to: General Surgeon Retires After 42 Years
Friday, October 6, 2023
Ursula Dubose says:

Congratulations! As Coding Manager I enjoyed working for you and with you. Enjoy retirement.

Response to: General Surgeon Retires After 42 Years
Friday, October 6, 2023
Janice Lovering says:

He was the best. Everyone that needed surgery wanted Dr. Thigpen as their surgeon. He will be greatly missed!

Response to: General Surgeon Retires After 42 Years
Friday, October 6, 2023
Charles Irwin says:

I worked with Dr Thigpen at Lakeland Regional Hospital in the Main OR. I was an RN there for 17 years. I wish him the best in retirement.

Response to: General Surgeon Retires After 42 Years
Friday, October 6, 2023
John Cox says:

Jack, Enjoy your retirement my friend.. You saved my life 20 years ago, and I Thank You every day !!! Enjoy your family and friends. Thank You, John

Response to: General Surgeon Retires After 42 Years
Friday, October 6, 2023
Darlene Herbert says:

Dr.Thigpen, I enjoyed working with you on the same day surgery.I know you will be greatly missed. You were awesome when I had surgery,I was so glad you were my surgeon. Best wishes, Darlene Herbert

Response to: General Surgeon Retires After 42 Years
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Allen Cleveland says:

Thank you, Dr. Thigpen, for both your professionalism and your kindness as a surgeon. It was a privilege to teach your sons at LHS, and I was blessed to have your skills several times when I needed your surgical skills. I hope you will find your retirement years happy and restful. I can't imagine that you will do nothing, but you'll have that choice now. Thank you for your contributions to the Lakeland community, and to me personally. Allen Cleveland

Response to: General Surgeon Retires After 42 Years
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Frances E. Sarcone says:

Thank you, Dr. Thigpen, for being the best surgeon a patient could ever have. Retirement is the gift we receive after a long and successful career. Enjoy!

Response to: General Surgeon Retires After 42 Years
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Ann Walls says: