Dr. Denise Thigpen, now a breast radiologist at AdventHealth Avista, spent a decade serving in the United States Navy before joining the health care provider. During her military career, Dr. Thigpen was stationed at the National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, where she specialized in breast imaging and diagnostics.
“I took care of active-duty military members and their families, retired members, and high-level officials in the U.S. government,” Dr. Thigpen said. “It was truly an honor to serve such a broad range of patients and to meet and work with so many amazing people in the military community.”
Her decision to pursue medicine within the Navy was influenced by her father’s own service as a Navy physician. “My dad was a Navy doctor, and I liked the idea of always serving others and giving back to my country,” she explained.
Reflecting on her experience in the military, Dr. Thigpen noted that it helped shape her approach to teamwork and leadership: “Working in the military taught me a lot about teamwork and perseverance,” she said. “It can be hard to change systems in a large organization, but if you keep trying, you can make things better for those you work with and those you serve. It takes grit and that’s something I carry with me every day.”
At AdventHealth Avista, Dr. Thigpen continues to provide patient-centered breast care using skills developed during her years of service.
AdventHealth Orlando is located in Orlando, Florida, where it has operated since 1908 under current president Terry Shaw; it includes pediatric services and functions as a training hospital (https://www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-orlando).
This Veterans Day recognizes Dr. Denise Thigpen for her ongoing commitment to service both within the military community and at AdventHealth Avista.
