Troy faces the loss of team physician Dr. Mickey DiChiara

Troy University is mourning the loss of a long-time friend, and the heart of student health services, Dr. Mickey DiChiara.

“On a personal level, Dr. DiChiara was loved by my family and by me,” said Troy Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. in an interview with TroyToday. “Not only was he our family physician, he was our friend.

“He will be missed by the community and by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

DiChiara had served as the university physician in the Student Health Center since 1990. In 2007, he was named primary team physician by the Athletics Department. He grew to become an integral part of the Troy community.

On Aug. 12, DiChiara succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was 73 years old. He leaves behind a brother, sister, three children and seven grandchildren.

"Our hearts and our prayers go out to his family, friends and the countless others whose lives were impacted for the better by Dr. DiChiara," said Troy Director of Athletics Brent Jones, in an article posted by Troy Athletics Communications.

DiChiara was a Bessemer, Alabama, native who graduated from the University of Alabama. After serving in the United States Army, he went to physician’s assistant school in Birmingham, Alabama.

After graduating from University of South Alabama Medical School in 1985, DiChiara returned to Troy, where he and his wife established Pike Internal Medicine.

“He impacted the lives of so many students over his decades of service,” said Dean of Student Services Herbert Reeves, in an interview with Troy.Today. “He has been a true Trojan and has served our students and student athletes not out of a motivation for profit, but out of a genuine desire to have a positive impact in their lives.

“Mickey DiChiara will be missed by our entire University family.”

DiChiara died surrounded by family and loved ones.