Hattiesburg cardiologist Ben Carmichael began phasing into retirement in 2004, when he gave up night call and weekend duty, and devoted most of his working hours to the nuclear cardiology program at the Hattiesburg Clinic that he developed, and occasionally traveling to the satellite clinic in Picayune.

 

When he officially retired on July 31, 2008, Carmichael was approaching mandatory retirement age of 70.

 

"A bunch a new young partners out of training joined the practice," he said. "I could've applied for an exemption, which required a physical exam. Other than enjoying Kathy's food a little too much, I'm in fine health. But I'd had enough. I wanted to travel, have more free time, spend some time at our house in Lamar County on the lake, and enjoy freedom from a pager."

 

Carmichael's retirement has not been idle. He serves as board vice president of the AIDS Services Coalition, which had been established by a patient, Bruce Van Nostrand, who sadly died from smoke inhalation after falling from a tree to escape a fire.

 

"When Bruce died, several of us wanted to see his good work carry on, so we raised money to help with the 1-2-1 Haven House for HIV-positive homeless men transitioning to work and/or school," he said. "Usually, these men are there because they've lost their home, their way, or their family threw them out – though fortunately we see less (ostracizing situations) these days."

 

Carmichael has given back to the community in many other ways. He was given the Hub Award in 1986 for his volunteerism, and Friend of Southern Miss award in 2001. He chairs the board development committee for the Greater Pine Belt Community Foundation, teaches classes for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Southern Miss, and has devoted countless hours to Southern Miss since founding Partners for the Arts in 1977. He's served as president of the Southern Miss Foundation, served on search committees, and worked in various other capacities.

 

Carmichael is passionately involved in Trinity Episcopal Church, where he's helped with the ministry from substituting for the organist to serving as senior warden (head of the vestry).

 

"Now I'm back peddling," said Carmichael, about taking on a full-time schedule. "I'm slowly learning to say no."