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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.”

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

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“Looks like we have mentioned you in 4 separate stories before. https://www.getthecoast.com/okaloosa-county-honors-women-veterans-with-ceremony-unveils-two-new-bronze-statues/ https://www.getthecoast.com/two-new-statues-to-be-unveiled-at-third-annual-women-veterans-day-ceremony-on-okaloosa-island/ https://www.getthecoast.com/okaloosa-county-to-honor-four-more-women-veterans-with-bronze-statues-at-veterans-park/ https://www.getthecoast.com/okaloosa-approves-1-65-million-expansion-of-veterans-park-adding-4-new-women-statues/ Sorry about this one, but great job on the statues...as always.”
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“Great job Travis very indept information”
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“Great job Travis very in dept information”
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“As always! You never mentioned the name of the sculptor!”
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“Unfortunately for the people before him, Santa Rosa County”
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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: November 12, 2025
“2 min 45 sec”
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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: November 11, 2025
“2 min 30 sec”
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michelle stoflet commented on WordroW: November 10, 2025
“2 flat Y'all! AWW WELL, BOUT TIME!?!!”
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“Worst appointment ever- zero experience with children and families and completely ignorant and unwilling to work with pro se representatives to keep families together.”
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