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Long-time Fort Walton Beach pediatrician, Dr. Douglas Rigby, set to retire after 42 years

For over 40 years, Dr. Douglas Rigby has been caring for Fort Walton Beach area children and helping their parents navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. The special bond that […]

WWMC

For over 40 years, Dr. Douglas Rigby has been caring for Fort Walton Beach area children and helping their parents navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. The special bond that he has with families is truly unique and spans three generations. 

In celebration of that bond and Dr. Rigby’s service to the community, White-Wilson Medical Center is inviting all to join them for a Retirement Celebration on Wednesday, May 31. 

  • The family-friendly celebration will take place at White-Wilson’s Fort Walton Beach campus, 1005 Mar Walt Drive from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The celebration will feature light refreshments, as well as the opportunity for community members including patients of all ages, families, colleagues and friends to personally express their appreciation to Dr. Rigby. All are welcome to stop by to thank him and wish him well in his retirement.

“Dr. Rigby has been a prominent and influential presence since he started his medical career here at White-Wilson,” said the medical group’s CEO Alan Gieseman. “His exceptional clinical ability, compassion and his outgoing personality are unmatched and something so many physicians who have followed in his footsteps strive to achieve. His retirement will be a great loss for us, but we are excited to have the opportunity to bring our community together to express our gratitude.”

Dr. Rigby began working at White-Wilson in 1981 and has since established himself as a renowned pediatrician and leader. He served as President of the White-Wilson Board of Directors for 20 years and has been named “Best Pediatric Practice on the Emerald Coast” and “Best Pediatrician in Destin.” 

  • “He has certainly made a lasting impact on our organization and community,” Gieseman continued. “He is more than just a colleague; he is a mentor and friend to me and so many others. He is going to be missed, but I can’t think of anyone more deserving of a fulfilling retirement.”
PROMOTION

4 Responses

  1. At one time I was privileged to work for Dr. Rigby. He was a solid friend to and for his patients and their families. He was kind and compassionate to his employees.

  2. Dr Rigby was my children’s and the my grandchildren’s pediatrician. He’s irreplaceable and will be missed!
    Congrats on your retirement Dr Rigby, enjoy your well deserved retirement!

  3. Dr Rigby delivered my son together with dr Arthur Lester 1983. He also took care of my son born in 1982. He and his wife Valerie were good friends.

  4. Dr. Rigby was an amazing Pediatrician who never faltered in going the extra mile for his patients!
    It was a privilege in my opinion to have Dr. Rigby care for my children from infancy thru adulthood!
    Thank you Dr. Rigby for the exceptional care given to my family!
    We love you and wish you the very best retirement has to offer! You truly deserve it!

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Community Comments

keoms commented on WordroW: June 12, 2026
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“What a milestone! The Kiwanis Club of Niceville-Valparaiso will always honor you for starting our club over 50 years ago. Your help over the years with AKtion Club is also...”
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“Congratulations Paul, on this milestone event! Your dedication to and support of the Chamber and new businesses are unparalleled.”
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“Paul Between the Chamber and the FWB Kiwanis club, your impact our community is beyond measure. I want to thank you for your dedicated support for the Kiwanis sponsored Aktion...”
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“Congratulations Paul for a well deserved recognition! You deserve it! Bob Pinard”
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“Thank you, Paul, for ALL that you do for our Chamber members and our community! Your dedication to helping others has made a huge impact on so many of us....”
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“Got a feeling it's a lot of money they don't want to give up.”
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“I don't blame him for not trusting the watch group. They have proven themselves to be untrustworthy and have wasted so much tax money with their lawsuits to pursue their...”
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