MyMichigan WellSport Founder Dr. Jack T. Pinney Retires

Jack Pinney, M.D.

Primary Care Sports Medicine Specialist Jack T. Pinney, M.D., is retiring from MyMichigan Health on July 5, 2026, after 40 years of dedicated service. Certified in both family medicine and sports medicine, Dr. Pinney has made a positive impact on families and athletes throughout mid-Michigan over the course of his career. In fact, he was instrumental in launching MyMichigan’s WellSport Program, the region’s only comprehensive, medically-directed sports medicine program, which now has offices in Alma, Alpena, Bay City, Clare, Midland, Mt. Pleasant, West Branch and Saginaw. This unique primary care sports medicine program continues to grow and evolve, advancing his vision of exercise as medicine to optimize overall health.

Dr. Pinney attended medical school at Wayne State University and then entered the Family Medicine Residency Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland. In his early career, he and his mentor, long-time MyMichigan Family Physician William Dery, M.D., studied non-operative treatment methods, and discussed their passion for physical activity and the positive effects athletics at any level has on health and wellbeing. In the early 1990’s when sports medicine became officially recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties as a subspecialty under family medicine, Dr. Pinney became certified and began teaching sports medicine to residents.

“I have always been active and know firsthand that exercise cannot only heal injuries but be used proactively to avoid chronic health conditions,” he said. “Wouldn’t you take medicine that could give you wonderful benefits, with few or no side effects? Exercise is that medicine. It helps preserve health, and it is one of our most powerful remedies for an entire range of medical conditions.”

MyMichigan’s WellSport Program offers a comprehensive and collaborative approach to treating injuries, utilizing board certified, primary care sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, athletic trainers, and personal trainers to keep patients active and help athletes return to sports in the best and safest ways possible.

“It is my hope that MyMichigan Health will continue building upon what we’ve established and take coordinated care in sports medicine to the highest levels,” Dr. Pinney said.

MyMichigan’s sports medicine program already has a presence in 20 local Michigan high schools, as well as partnerships with Central Michigan University, Northwood University, Lake Superior State University, Alma College, and Mid Michigan College. They also provide evaluation and care to athletes of the Great Lakes Loons, the Dow Championship, and the Dow Tennis Classic.

“I know the musculoskeletal, orthopedic, rehabilitation, mental health and nutrition teams, among others, will keep striving to expand and optimize overall health to patients across Michigan through orthopedics and sports medicine,” Dr. Pinney said.

In retirement, Dr. Pinney will continue resistance training, biking, running, and traveling with wife, Lydia. He is also excited about having more time to spend with his family and grandchildren.

Those who would like additional information about MyMichigan’s WellSport Program may visit www.mymichigan.org/wellsport.