NATIONAL DOCTORS' DAY
On March 30th each year, National Doctors' Day honors the professionals for their dedication and contributions to society and the community. Their dedication puts the patient first time and again. On National Doctors' Day, we say “thank you” to our physicians for all that they do for us and our loved ones.
Healthcare today is more complex than ever. With more advancements, tools, and information at their fingertips, doctors have an overwhelming job to diagnose and treat their patients every day. This is the day to honor the ones who see us 365 days a year. In every city and hospital, in our military, and in our rural communities, doctors pave the way to better healthcare for their patients.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DOCTORS DAY
Take the opportunity to thank your physician for responding to late-night phone calls, working long hours, and providing unswerving care. Today, more than ever, we know the sacrifices they make to put the health of their communities first.
Share your experiences being a doctor. Your story may inspire someone to medicine as a career path.
For our younger followers, we've created a coloring page and a word puzzle for the day. You can find more activities in the National Day Calendar Classroom.
NATIONAL DOCTORS' DAY HISTORY
Winder, Georgia, observed the first Doctors' Day on March 30, 1933. Dr. Charles B. Almond’s wife, Eudora Brown Almond, wanted to have a day to honor physicians. The community mailed greeting cards and placed flowers on the graves of deceased doctors on this first celebration in 1933. The red carnation is commonly used as the symbolic flower for National Doctors' Day.
The first ether anesthetic for surgery was administered by Crawford W. Long, M.D. on March 30, 1842, marking the date for Doctors' Day. On that day, before Dr. Long operated to remove a tumor from a man’s neck, he administered ether anesthesia. Following surgery, the man would swear that he felt nothing during the surgery and was not aware of anything until he awoke.
On February 21, 1991, President George H.W. Bush proclaimed National Doctors' Day to honor the Nation's physicians for their dedication and leadership. Today, hundreds of thousands of doctors lead the fight against disease and illness in the United States. They specialize and continue to seek advanced treatments and cures for debilitating conditions.