Doctor roller-skates into retirement

Phil Masterson had been roller-skating since he was a teen, but few people realized he continued the practice well into the later years of his life.

So, when it was time for the 70-year-old to end a 40-year medical career, the soon-to-be-retired emergency room physician opted to surprise his patients and coworkers by roller-skating around the facility.

As he donned a sash bearing the word “RETIRED” given to him by the staff, Phil zipped through the Denton, Texas, facility with the dexterity of a teenager.

His daughter, Nichole, recorded a video of Phil on his skates and posted it to TikTok where it amassed 1.7 million views. Apparently, people found it unusual that a doctor could have any fun in the midst of pain, suffering and illness.

Good Morning America noted Phil considered roller-skating as a way to de-stress from his high-pressure job.

“Roller-skating became a very strong source of a stress reliever for me, as well as exercise. And it was always a lot of fun for me,” he explained.

All I know is if I attempted to do something like that at my age, I’d wind up in an emergency room. It was a common comment made by people who viewed the video.

Now that he is retired, Phil and his wife are planning to move to Spain for a year where he wants to study music and art.

As he was about to start a new chapter in his life, the good doctor had some wise advice for other seasoned citizens, whether or not they are retired.

“I would share with people to always be true to yourself and enjoy life as much as possible because life is so precious and fleeting,” said Phil.

Another version of the story can be found at Faithpot.com.