Friday, March 16, 2018

Staying Connected

The University of South Alabama College of Medicine helped Dr. Michael Hennigan achieve his career goals. Thirty five years later, the university is also helping him achieve his fitness goals.

Last week, the USA Physicians Group Facebook Page awarded Dr. Hennigan a Fitbit Charge 2 in a giveaway promoting health, fitness and wellness. “I was pleasantly surprised since I knew my odds were just under one percent,” he said.

As an endocrinologist with the Baptist Health Group in Pensacola, Fla., Dr. Hennigan plans to use his new Fitbit to achieve his fitness goals. “I tell my patients that I strive to keep hypocrisy to a minimum and personally benefit from tools to help maintain my personal motivation,” he said.

Dr. Hennigan’s late father-in-law, Dr. James Vacik, was among the inaugural faculty in the pharmacology department at the USA College of Medicine, and his late mother-in-law, Dr. Dorothy Vacik, also worked as a researcher for the USA College of Medicine. Dr. Hennigan said there was never a moment in his life when he did not want to pursue medicine.

A native of Pensacola, Fla., he chose to attend the USA College of Medicine, graduating with the class of 1982.

“Throughout my time at the USA College of Medicine I was able to see, experience and participate in so many different clinical situations that have continued to benefit me throughout my career,” Dr. Hennigan said.

“I continue to enjoy and be honored by the experience of the exam room and the delight in seeing patients often suffering for years being able to improve,” Dr. Hennigan said.

Dr. Hennigan enjoys keeping up with social media for the USA College of Medicine and the USA Physicians Group. Before he moved back to the Gulf Coast after years spent away last September, he said that it has been a small touch of home to see how the USA College of Medicine is growing and changing.

Dr. Hennigan plans to keep up with the USA College of Medicine through Facebook. “I have continued to keep a finger on the pulse and have greatly enjoyed the alumni events over the years, allowing me to keep in touch with many I trained with,” he said.

To view the USA College of Medicine Facebook page, click here.

To view the USA Physicians Group Facebook page, click here.