During this COVID-19 outbreak, it’s important for all of us to step back for a moment and recognize special days like National Doctors’ Day which is on March 30.
Doctors’ Day recognizes physicians from all over the world for the work they do for their patients and communities. It is their passion of caring for others that we recognize on this day.
It was Dr. Albert Schweitzer—a physician himself—who articulated the care process so well when he wrote, “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
Doctors’ Day was first observed on March 30, 1933, in Winder, Georgia, when Dr. Charles B. Almond’s wife, Eudora Brown Almond, wanted to have a day to honor physicians. On this first day in 1933, greeting cards were mailed and flowers placed on the graves of deceased doctors. The red carnation is commonly used as the symbolic flower for National Doctors’ Day.
Interestingly enough, the reason March 30 was chosen to celebrate Doctors’ Day is because on that date, ether anesthetic for surgery was first administered by Dr. Crawford W. Long in 1842. In 1991, National Doctors’ Day was proclaimed by President George Bush.
Today health care is more complex than ever. With more advancements, tools, and regulations in place as well as the COVID-19 virus, doctors have an overwhelming job to diagnose and treat their patients every day.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, and all the employees of Bristol Health, Happy Doctor’s Day to the members of our medical staff. Thank you for your commitment to caring for our patients and their families. My sincere appreciation for your support and collaboration during this unprecedented time.