National Doctors Day
National Doctors Day honors the professionals for their service and contributions to society and the community on March 30th each year. Patients are welcomed for the first time and again by their dedication. We say thank you to our doctors for all that they do for us and our families on National Doctors Day.
Healthcare today is more complicated than ever. Doctors have an overwhelming job to diagnose and treat their patients every day, with more advancements, devices, and information at their fingertips. This is the day to honor those who see us 365 days a year. Doctors in every city and hospital, as well as in our rural areas, lead the way to improved healthcare for their patients.
How to celebrate #nationaldoctorsday
- Take the opportunity to thank your physician for responding to late-night phone calls, working long hours, and providing unswerving care. We now know the sacrifices they make to ensure the wellbeing of their families' communities come first
- Describe your experiences as a doctor. Your story may lead to someone's interest in medicine as a career choice
- On social media, use the hashtag #NationalDoctorsDay to post
The day in history of the national doctor's day has been documented in the past
On March 30, 1933, Winder, Georgia, the first Doctors Day, 1933, was celebrated. Eudora Brown Almond, Dr. Charles B. Almond's wife, wanted to celebrate physicians on a day to honor physicians. On this first anniversary in 1933, the community sent greeting cards and laid flowers on the graves of deceased doctors' graves. The red carnation is often used as the national doctor's Day symbol.
Crawford W. Long, M.D., the first ether anesthetic for surgery, was administered by W. Long, M.D. on March 30, 1842, the date for Doctors Day. He administered ether anesthesia on the day, before Dr. Long operated to remove a tumor from a man's neck. Following surgery, the man would say he felt nothing during the procedure and was unaware of anything until he awakened.
President George H.W. Bush declared National Doctors Day on February 21, 1991 to honor the Nation's physicians for their service and leadership. Hundreds of thousands of doctors lead the fight against disease and illness in the United States today. They specialize and continue to look for innovative treatments and cures for debilitating disorders.
Doctor's FAQ
Q. How many doctors are there in the United States?
A. According to the 2018 FSMB Census of Licensed Physicians in the United States, 985,026 doctors were licensed to practice medicine in the United States.
Is there a doctor shortage in the United States? Q. Is there a doctor shortage?
A. Yes. Yes. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the physician shortage could rise to between 37,800 and 124,000 by 2034.
