All About Doctors’ Day

National Doctors Day falls on March 30 every year. This year, March 30 will be on a Thursday. Doctors’ day is important because it honors health professionals for their dedication and contributions to the community. 

Why Do We Celebrate Doctors’ Day?

We celebrate doctor’s day to say thank you to the professionals who have dedicated their lives to helping patients. Doctors go through years of schooling and training to help others. Not only have they committed years of their lives (and often sacrificing time with their loved ones), doctors have to keep up with the constant changing in technology and advancements in the medical community. Doctors Day was created to help show appreciation for doctors and all they do, the holiday first started in 1933 in Winder, Georgia. In 1990, the House of Representatives and the United States Senate passed S.J. RES #366, which President Bush signed to make doctors’ day a national holiday. Since then, doctors’ day has been celebrated every year on March 30. 

Who Celebrates Doctors’ Day?

Anyone from hospital administration, staff, nurses, and patients can celebrate doctors’ day. Doctors’ day can be observed in many different ways, from having a special meal to writing a thank you card. 

How To Celebrate Doctors’ Day?

It is likely you know a few doctors in your life (whether it be in a professional or personal way). There are many ways we can celebrate the doctors we love in our lives; here are five ideas to start showing your appreciation. 

From Hospital Administration

1. Host an appreciation meal for doctors. Who doesn’t love food? An appreciation meal for doctors is a perfect way to let them know they are appreciated and their hard work is noticed. Remember, doctors often have hectic schedules, so try to find a meal that they can get throughout the day instead of a specified time. 
2. Make a Kudoboard for the doctors in your department. Making a Kudoboard is a wonderful way to show appreciation for the doctors in your department. Have all the nurses and staff contribute to the board with pictures, gifs, memes, and text to celebrate the doctors for their hard work. 
3. Gift a personalized pen. Doctors could always use a new pen; getting them a personalized pen is a thoughtful and valuable gift. 

From Patients

1. Send a family photo and thank you card. Many of us have had a doctor that has made a difference in our lives, whether it be your family doctor, OBGYN, pediatrician, or any other doctor that has impacted your life. Sending them a thank you note and a picture is a great way to let them know that they make a difference. 
2. Send a plant or flowers to the office. Another simple way patients can show their appreciation for doctors is by sending a plant or flowers to the office. A plant or vase of flowers will brighten their day and let the doctors know they have made a difference in a patient’s life. A red carnation is typically given for doctors’ day as it symbolizes sacrifice, charity, courage, bravery, and love

Don’t Forget Doctors’ Day

Remember, Doctors’ Day is coming up fast! Remember to celebrate the doctors’ in your life and let them know how appreciated they are, and that their hard work and dedication to patients and medicine is noticed.