Doctors’ Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

The 30th of March is Doctors’ Day, an annual celebration honouring the physicians who help save our lives worldwide. Dr. Crawford W. Long’s first use of ether anaesthesia was commemorated on March 30, 1933, in Winder, Georgia. Since then, the holiday has been celebrated annually on March 30, which is also the first anniversary of the use of ether anaesthesia. Today, we continue to celebrate medical advancements such as these and extend our gratitude to all doctors who have devoted so much time and effort to mastering their discipline.

The background of Doctors’ Day

Eudora Brown Almond, the wife of a physician in Georgia, believed that her husband and other physicians merited greater recognition for their efforts and set out to make this a reality. Doctors’ Day was first celebrated on March 30, 1933, exactly 91 years after Dr. Long’s groundbreaking discovery.

She also placed flowers on the graves of deceased physicians, including Dr. Long. The flowers were red carnations, which would later become the national holiday’s emblematic floral. Several other local physicians’ wives even assisted Almond in preparing a celebratory luncheon to recognise their husbands’ contributions to healthcare.

The custom of sending greeting cards to physicians, both living and deceased, has persisted over the years and is still a popular method to observe this holiday today. The crimson carnation is also commonly used to express gratitude to physicians for their work in medicine.

Doctors’ Day was celebrated unofficially for many years before it was declared a legal holiday. The U.S. House of Representatives adopted a resolution commemorating Doctors’ Day on March 30, 1958, and George W. Bush signed the legislation on October 30, 1990, following Senate approval.

However, other nations commemorate their physicians on a different day than we do, typically to honour a notable physician from their nation. On December 3, Spain, Cuba, and Argentina observe the birthday of Dr. Carlos Juan Finlay, who famously identified mosquitoes as the cause of yellow fever. India commemorates on July 1 the birthday of Dr. B. C. Roy, who tragically passed away on that date.

DOCTORS’ DAY ACTIVITIES

Thank the physicians in your life.

Every day, it is essential to recognise the effort and commitment that physicians demonstrate in our hospitals and communities. Send a thank-you note or email to your physician, make a donation to your local medical center, or even nominate your physician for an award. With nearly 700,000 physicians and surgeons employed in the United States, your doctor would be ecstatic to learn that their efforts have benefited your health.

Schedule that necessary examination

Regular doctor visits can help detect problems before they manifest and improve your chances of treatment and recovery. Instead of avoiding your doctor and other healthcare providers, schedule regular visits to ensure you’re on the path to improved health.

Maintain your vitality

While physicians enjoy diagnosing and treating their patients’ ailments, they also want them to remain healthy. Continue your daily healthful routines of hydration, exercise, and balanced eating. Your physician (and your health) will be extremely grateful to you!

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT DOCTORS

Due to the prevalence of the holiday, Hallmark offers official Doctors’ Day greeting cards.

In 2018, nearly half (47%) of medical school graduates were female.

It is common for physicians to marry other physicians or other medical professionals.

Over sixty percent of all clinicians reported working extra hours or close to sixty hours per week.

The word “doctor” is derived from the Latin root “docere,” which means “to teach.”

DOCTORS’ DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	March 30	Thursday
2024	March 30	Saturday
2025	March 30	Sunday
2026	March 30	Monday
2027	March 30	Tuesday