National Doctors' Day - March 30, 2023
Doctors are the unsung heroes of our society.
They’re the ones who diagnose our everyday illnesses, sure—but they also address our fears and loneliness, and they offer valuable advice to help not only us physically but mentally too. By listening to them, they help us survive and thrive.
Today is National Doctors’ Day, a day to celebrate the hard work and devotion that physicians bring to their communities and their patients. we take this opportunity to recognize the sacrifices that doctors make for us every day. From the hours spent in training to the years spent working in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, our physicians ensure that we are healthy. Let’s take a moment to remember all that they do for us every day of their lives.
By the Numbers
On this National Doctor’s Day, let’s discuss some facts about the life of medical professionals in the United States.
- The US has over 700,000 doctors, and that number is expected to grow every year.
- It takes more than 11 years to become a doctor. An aspirant requires a bachelor’s degree in medicine, followed by four years of medical school and 3-8 years of residency, depending on the specialty the physician chooses to pursue.
- In 2019, the United States of America spent 3.8 trillion dollars— which equates to $11,582 per person— on health care. That’s a 4.6% increase from the previous year.
- The past two years have been incredibly difficult for the doctors, as they have been racing against time to treat Covid-19 infected patients. More than 3000 healthcare workers have died during the pandemic; they have been there for the patients when even their loved ones weren’t able to be with them because of the risk of virus contraction.
History of National Doctors' Day
This holiday can be traced back to March 30, 1933, when Doctors’ Day was first observed in Winder, Georgia. Started by Eudora Brown Almond, the wife of a prominent Georgian doctor Charles B. Almond, the day was meant to recognize and honor doctors for their service. She decided the best way to do that was to mail greeting cards to all the doctors she knew and to place flowers on the graves of deceased doctors. She used red carnations- a flower still used to this day for National Doctors’ Day celebrations.
Why did Eudora Brown Almond choose March 30th as the date for Doctors’ Day? Because that is the day in 1842 that Dr. Crawford W. Long used an ether anesthetic for the first time. Doctors’ Day would remain an unofficial holiday for the next 58 years.
It would not become an actual National holiday until Congress passed Proclamation 6253 in 1991.
Per Jean Hill, AMA Alliance President 1989-90, the photo to the right is a significant piece of history: “It was a donation to the Living Bank to honor Physicians on the 50th Anniversary of Doctors’ Day.”
In 1990, President George Bush proclaimed March 30 as “National Doctors’ Day.” “We are standing in front of the statue of Doctor Crawford W. Long of Georgia, who first used ether anesthesia on March 30, 1842.”
Observing National Doctors' Day
There is no right way to celebrate Doctors’ Day, and luckily, you have many traditions to choose from. You can host a celebratory luncheon or recognition ceremony if you like to go big or simply give your local physicians a treat or “thank you” note. Buy your doctor an appreciation gift, such as flowers, a greeting card, or tasty treats to thank them. However, you can also thank the physicians in your life without spending money by thanking them personally and encouraging those around you to do so as well.
Give thanks to the doctors in your life
It's always important to recognize the hard work and dedication that physicians demonstrate in our hospitals and communities each day. Send your doctor an appreciation card or email, donate to your local medical center, or even nominate your doctor for an award. With nearly 700,000 people working as physicians and surgeons across the United States, your doctor would be thrilled to know that their hard work has been valuable to your health.
Schedule that much-needed check-up
Regular visits to your doctor can help find problems before they start and help you have a better chance of treatment and cure. Instead of avoiding your doctor and healthcare provider, take the initiative in scheduling regular visits to ensure you're on the right track to better health.
Stay healthy
While doctors love to diagnose and help alleviate your problems, they also want you to stay healthy too. Continue practicing daily healthy routines—hydrate, exercise, and fuel up on balanced meals. Your doctor (and your health) will be sure to thank you!
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