Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken

Thursday, October 12, 2017

We are deeply saddened to announce that Watson Clinic Bartow family medicine physician Dr. Thomas McMicken passed away on Wednesday, October 11.

Dr. Tom McMicken will be deeply missed here at Watson Clinic and in our greater community. Tom was one of our Clinic’s most beloved physicians.
The McMicken family will receive friends Friday, October 20, 2017 in the afternoon,2-4 pm, and in the evening, 6-8 pm, at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, 650 EastMain Street, Bartow, Florida. The funeral service will be held on Saturday,October 21, 2017 at 11 am at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 210 Poppell Drive,Lakeland, FL. Interment with military honors will follow at Wildwood Cemetery,Bartow, FL.
Memorials may be sent to:
Covenan Presbyterian, 210 Poppell Drive, Lakeland, 33813
Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, 1021 Lakeland Hills Boulevard, Lakeland, 33805
Bartow Church Service Center, 495 East Summerlin Street, Bartow, 33830
Lighthouse Ministries, Inc., 215 East Magnolia Street, Lakeland, 33801
Pleas join us in keeping the McMicken family in your prayers.

The following article was written earlier this year to commemorate Dr. McMicken's remarkable legacy of serving the healthcare needs of the community for five decades.

Few figures have had a longer or more profound impact on the Bartow community than Dr. Thomas McMicken.

He’s a Vietnam veteran, a former Mayor, and a board-certified family medicine specialist who has served the needs of patients from the Watson Clinic Bartow location since 1986. These distinctions only scratch the surface of his fascinating life story.

Dr. McMicken first recognized the importance of community eight decades ago in the small town of Salem, West Virginia. “We had a population of a little over 2,000 people,” he reflects.

Born on November 6, 1937, he recalls a childhood filled with the comforts of family and the camaraderie of close friends. Growing up with seven siblings – including three older brothers and four sisters – he characterized himself as a typical kid who loved sports.

“I followed one of my older brothers in my love of sports. We played a lot of sports together in high school,” he says. “At Salem College, I continued to play baseball, basketball and football.”

Though he enjoyed his time on the field, it was the medical profession that ultimately determined the course of his life.

He decided to follow another of his older brothers to Jefferson Medical College (now called Thomas Jefferson University) in Philadelphia, PA, the alma mater for some of the most influential medical innovators in American history. He graduated with his medical degree in 1963 and went on to perform an internship at Mount Park Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL, which is now Bayfront Health.

He was well on his way to advancing in his chosen career path when fate stepped in with other plans. The war in Vietnam was raging, and Dr. McMicken temporarily put a hold on his educational pursuits to answer the call of duty. He was drafted into the Army as a Battalion Surgeon, and trained at both Ft. Sam Houston in Texas and Ft. Benning in Georgia before his deployment to Vietnam in 1965. He ended his period of service as Captain of the 1^st Air Calvary. He would continue to indulge in his love of aviation throughout most of his life.

In the summer of 1965, following his one-year stint of proud patriotic service, Dr. McMicken returned to Bayfront Health to perform his general surgery residency.

“I was interested in many different aspects in medicine,” he says. “From cardiology to delivering babies to performing trauma surgery, I did it all.”

He moved to Bartow in 1967, and he’s remained there ever since. “I like small towns, and Bartow was a perfect place to raise my kids,” he says.

His first practice was a collaboration with fellow physician Dr. Clyde Gibson. In 1986, he was courted to join Watson Clinic as their first family practice specialist. He quickly set a standard of excellence to which the clinic strives in all of its departments and endeavors.

But his beloved medical practice is just one way he’s set a high standard for others to follow. For more than 50 years, his drive to serve the Bartow community has been a reassuring constant.

He was elected to the City Commission, as the Mayor of Bartow for one year, and as Vice Mayor for two years. He served on the Bartow Airport Authority for three years and as Chairman of the organization for one year. He’s a former President of the Polk County Medical Association, and was Chief of Staff at Bartow Regional Medical Center for six terms. He was a founding member of the group that implemented the Chamber’s Leadership Bartow program, and served as Chairman for the Health & Human Services Day for many years. A member of the Bartow Rotary Club since 1968, he has served on many local committees including the talent show, the Bartow Interact Club, scholarship committees, and singing groups. He even played Santa Claus for many years at the Bartow Rotary's Children’s Christmas Party.

He’s received many awards including the first Physician Community Service Award from Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, the Medal of Merit from the Bartow Rotary for services within his profession, the Republican National Committee Physician of the year in 2003, and the Spirit of Bartow Award recipient in 2014.

He is the medical board member for the American Cancer Society, Chairman of the Polk County Citizen Oversight Committee, President of the Homeowner’s Association of Square Lake, and he served on the Bartow Community Healthcare Foundation Board.

His many accomplishments, awards and appointments can be listed in detail, but his influence on the growth and wellbeing of the Bartow community is too vast to measure. You can see it in the warm reception he receives when he enters any venue in the city. You can feel it in the warmth and appreciation of generations of patients who have entrusted their care to him over the years.

His personal life has been every bit as gratifying as his professional one. He’s been happily married to his wife Kathleen for 52 years. They have two sons and one daughter, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

There’s little doubt that life has blessed Dr. McMicken. But Dr. McMicken has also blessed all of us – the entire Bartow family – with his life of dedicated service, compassionate outreach, and medical expertise.

“I’ve become more idealistic as I’ve gone along. I am a committed Christian and try to guide my life by the biblical admonition to do all things as if you do it unto the Lord,” he says. “Medicine is a service-oriented business – it really is friends taking care of friends. When I think about the friends I’ve made over the years, and the families I’ve been able to care for, I am deeply appreciative.”

10/12/2017

Comments:

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Susan Lightsey-Gillman says:

DR. McMicken was a well respected and Loved Dr. It was a pleasure working with him. I remember his smile and laugh that would light up the Emergency Room.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Gail Adams says:

Tom was a wonderful doctor and man. It didn't matter when day or night he was always there for his patients and friends. He will greatly be missed!!

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Nels & Laura Johnson says:

We were blessed to know Dr. McMicken and his example of such a godly man any Christian would love to be able to emulate.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Frank J Rouse says:

Tom is irreplaceable. A good man, a good doctor, and a community leader. The phrase "He will be missed", rings true.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Judy Summers Pizza says:

It was an honor and privilege to know Tom. Such a kind and caring person with a wicked sense of humor! I worked in the same office for another Dr. One day he walked up while we were having a conversation, put his arm around me and gave me a tetanus shot before I realized what he was up to! Typical Tom! He will be missed.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Sherry White says:

To the family so very sorry for your loss. Dr. Mac was an AWESOME doctor and person. I thank God for Blessing me to have known and worked with him. He truly practiced what he believed in all areas of his life. Family thank you for your willingness to share him. May you be comforted that he's Jesus and the Saints are having a welcome home feast. God Bless you all. Sincerely Sherry White RN

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Sue Cannon Harris says:

My mother, Melba Cannon Dodgen, and Dr. McMicken delivered many babies together and worked at Bartow Memorial for years. His wisdom , intelligence, and wit were always enjoyable. However his deep compassion and care for you as a patient was what set him apart. He took such good care of my mother until she passed at 90 years old. They would joke, reminisce, and there was no ache or pain she had that was too small for him to not come up with a solution for. His nurse Connie became such a friend as we went through mother's last days. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I believe we all know he is with the Lord and I pray God will comfort his family. What a legacy he left for this community.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Stephanie Geohagan says:

I am very sorry for your loss. He was a very good man and Doctor. Prayers sent for all.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Thursday, October 12, 2017
john brogdon says:

Not many if any in this small town of Bartow who were not touched in some kind of way by Tom, or if to address his importance of was, Dr McMicken . He made friends easy ,and rich or poor if he became a friend, it was on your level. Met him when he first came to Bartow as a young doctor. He loved sports as said, and was good at it. He came up one day and joined in our game of sand lot football and the respect from us young men was instant, because we knew he was a doctor doing just plan fun stuff of young. Later in life our paths crossed again when I coached his son Shawn in youth baseball. His down to earth walk in life made him just be a dad at the ball field, not a doctor of his importance to so many. He cared for my mother in her last day of life, and still remember him simplifying his not so simple profession. He said Johnny , you do know God does the healing, we just send out the bill. Never forgot that and it was so many years ago. Today of heard by the ones that loved him as a

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Sampson says:

Dr. McMicken was our family physician for several years in the 70s and 80s. It is indeed rare to find a physician with the knowledge and caring manner of Dr. McMicken. He always took the time necessary to be certain all your questions were answered in a way you could understand. I will never forget the kindness he always showed in his practice. Dr. McMicken assisted our son on a science fair project and even lent us an EKG machine for the project! Dr. Micken was a truly a great physician and a kind and generous individual. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Kathy Smothers Toro High says:

I so remember the very first time I met Dr M as I called him when I was a child I fell from a tree and broke my ankle and I needed a cast. I couldn't walk with crutches so he made it to where I could. And he said to my mom she can't climb for 6 to 8 weeks and then she will be fine... Lol he said I will be here waiting for her for her next one.. I will deeply miss seeing him and reminding him about my future cast he doesn't need to worry about that anymore.... May god bless his family and he will deeply be missed by the entire community and more....

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Nancy Poppell says:

To the most wonderful man and Dr. By far. I have never had another Dr. As special as Thomas McMicken. My condolences to his wife and the rest of his family may you rest in peace.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Lisa Freeman says:

Dr McMicken you were so loved. I heard so many amazing stories of your love, care and dedication to your patients through the years. We have been blessed to work with Sean. My prayers and love to your wife and family.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Adele Snead says:

Dr. McMicken is a wonderful man and an awesome doctor. He will be greatly missed. He is a great witness for our Lord.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Bissy Smith says:

The world lost a great and honorable man. He took care of many members of my family for years. You will be greatly missed Dr. Mac. Praying for his family in this time of loss. God bless you all

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Friday, October 13, 2017
Mattie Smith says:

He was always a pleasure to be around! He made work a fun place to be any day and every day ! He will be missed by Me and Polk County!

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Friday, October 13, 2017
Dan Collard says:

What a legacy Dr. McMicken leaves. He was the consummate medical professional and such a joy to listen to and learn from.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Friday, October 13, 2017
Ruth long rehberg says:

He did the honor to delivery my 3 wonderful children. Always remember him.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Friday, October 13, 2017
Sharon & Murray Williams says:

SO SADDENED TO HEAR OF DR.TOM'S PASSING,,WHAT A TRULY GREAT MAN AND PHYSICIAN. A PEOPLE PERSON AND COMPASSIOINATE HUMAN BEING. WE ARE ALL HONORED TO HAVE KNOWN HIM AND TO HAVE HAD HIM TREAT US AND OUR FAMILY FOR YEARS. OUR CONDOLENCES TO KATHY AND THE CHILDREN AND GRANDS...HE DEFINATELY LEFT HIS MARK ON THE WORLD AND HIS CITY OF BARTOW. WE ARE ALL BETTER PEOPLE FOR KNOWING HIM...

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Friday, October 13, 2017
Marie Wright says:

Beautiful...well-deserved words to which Dr. Tom McMicken would give all the GLORY to His Heavenly Father. Grateful to have worshipped weekly with this dear man and his precious family. I'm blessed!

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Friday, October 13, 2017
Annie Haynes RN says:

A true caring , compassionate, professional. Smart with a great sense of humor. He treated people all people like you wanted to be treated I have the upmost respect for this proud Physician. Well done my friend. RIP.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Friday, October 13, 2017
Rose laureti says:

Dr. McMicken I will never forget the Sunday at the old Bartow Memorial when after making rounds, an unually quiet day, we got into a conversation about singing. I was unaware of your wonderful voice which you quickly showed us. We were singing hymns right there on the 2 North nurses station. We even sang one of my favorites IN THE GARDEN. Thank you so much for being the physical you are. Your caring and professional manner will truly be missed. May God welcome you into his chrior of angels.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Friday, October 13, 2017
larry l. rehberg says:

this great man was not only my doctor but he was also my friend i will miss him very much god bless his family

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Friday, October 13, 2017
Diane fortner says:

I am so saddened to hear of Dr. McMickens passing! In my opinion he was one of the greatest and most compassionate physicians of all times! I will never forget him! My condolences to all his family! He was the best!

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Friday, October 13, 2017
Mike Cobb says:

So saddened to hear the news of Dr. McMicken's passing. He was my personal care physician for more than 35 years and took great care of me. It was always a joy to see him and visit with him, and he always had a joke or two to tell during our visits. A great, caring man. I'll certainly miss him.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Friday, October 13, 2017
Jeri Bruen says:

He delivered my first child I'll always remembering rest in peace. Rest in peace doctor McMicken

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Friday, October 13, 2017
Marcia Dolby says:

Even though I moved away from Bartow a couple years ago, every time I think of Bartow, Square Lake, and my family, I think of Tom’s positive, caring influence. Serve the Lord with all your heart, soul, and strength—that’s what Tom did. What an amazing man—with an impact that will live on and on and on. Thank you, Tom, from the bottom of my heart.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Virginia McCoy says:

Sean and family.....my deepest condolences. Your father welcomed me literally with open arms when I started my career at Bartow Memorial over 20 years ago. He was a Awesome physician and man. Please know that his work here was done....its time for his rewards. MY love yo you all.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Janice Selin says:

Dr. McMicken delivered me 48yrs ago this October 23rd and he has continued to take care of me since. I have so many memories in his office growing up. He has always treated me like one of his grandchildren, with so much love and compassion. I haven’t brought myself to find another Dr even though I’ve known for months that he wasn’t doing well because he cannot be replaced and it breaks my heart to not be able to walk into those Watson Clinic doors and have him hug me, kiss me on the cheek and leave there smelling like his cologne for the rest of the day. Watson Clinic will never be the same again, there will never be another Dr who can make me feel so loved and cared for. There is a whole in my heart and he will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace now Doc!

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Tina ( Bryan ) Mcguire says:

He was a great man and a treasure to the Bartow families . He has earned is wings and place in heaven. Thank you for allowing us to no you as a great person and a great doctor.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Dr. Peter Verrill says:

Dr. McMicken was one of the first family physicians I met in 1976. We served on a committee together then for a short time and I would have served with him again on the PCCOC. He is a member of medicine’s greatest generation.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Friday, October 20, 2017
Christine Ferguson says:

Dr. McMicken was one of the most amazing and honorable men I have ever known in my life. (He's even a close match to my father, and for those who know me that's saying everything!) Those of us who have been blessed to have known him, learned from him to live life to the absolute fullest and furthermore to always smile and keep a sense of humor! I always enjoyed when I would visit him at work because I could count on a great story, a life lesson, and a great joke to take home to tell my husband Mike. We will all carry with us a piece of Dr. McMicken because of the impact he made on our lives. To his family, I send all my love, my thoughts and prayers while you adjust during this time. Let God comfort you and please know that Dr. McMicken was truly loved by all who knew him.

Response to: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Thomas McMicken
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Sharon Mccall says: