Hilarious Doctor Roller Skates Into Retirement

Dr. Phillip Masterson's retirement was anything but ordinary. After dedicating nearly four decades to the medical field, he didn't just bid farewell to his career; he literally roller-skated into retirement, capturing the hearts of millions online.

"I've always had a thought: 'You know, when I retire, I want to do something crazy,'" Phil Masterson told CNN. "They were flabbergasted."

Rolling Out in Style

On his last day at TotalCare Emergency Room in Denton, Texas, Masterson decided to ditch the traditional walk-out for something more exciting: Roller-skating through the office corridors. Captured by his daughter and shared on TikTok, the video of Masterson dancing and skating to Ray Charles' "Hit the Road Jack" quickly captivated millions.

"I wanted to do something fun for them and something they didn't know that I could do," Masterson explained on Good Morning America, highlighting his desire to leave a lasting, positive memory with his staff.

"It made me happy to see him happy," his daughter Nichole Masterson told CNN.

A Lifelong Passion for Skates

Roller-skating was not just a whimsical choice for Masterson. Having laced up his skates since his late teens, the activity became a significant stress reliever and source of joy throughout his demanding career. This passion for skating and his upcoming retirement came up in a poignant conversation with a close friend.

"After talking with her, the two of us decided, 'You know what, Phil? Why don't you roller-skate through here?'" Masterson remembered, reported by ABC. "I said yes."

Masterson made his retirement memorable – not just for him but for everyone who had been part of his professional journey.

The Next Chapter

Retirement for Masterson and his wife, Sherry, isn't about slowing down, but embracing new adventures. The couple plans to move to Spain, indulging in their love for travel, music, and art. Through his story, Masterson sends a powerful message about the importance of living life to the fullest and staying true to oneself.

ABC News reports that when asked what life advice he would give to others, Masterson said, "What I would share with people is to always be true to yourself and enjoy life as much as possible because life is so precious and fleeting."

References: Doctor turns heads by 'rolling' his way into retirement | ER doctor roller skates into retirement after 40 years