Doctors’ Day a Time to Thank, Recognize Our Caregivers

3/30/2023

Nick Arledge, CEO
Carlsbad Medical Center

March 30 is Doctors’ Day, one day out of the year to recognize the physicians who take care of us every day of the year. Physicians have many roles in their career – they are a confidante, a detective, a source of comfort and a healer. And they are here for us 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Physicians are often with us during the most memorable moments of our lives – when new life comes into the world, during a difficult diagnosis, healing an illness and the heartbreaking reality of saying goodbye to a loved one. At these times, it can be easy to forget that doctors are human, that they are part of our journey, sharing our joy, our triumph and our grief.

During the global pandemic doctors were on the front lines risking their lives to help those in need. Their heroic efforts were a reminder of the vital role they have in our communities.

We recognize that being a physician requires time, sacrifice and a willingness to put others above themselves. Whether it’s in the emergency room, an urgent, primary or specialty care clinic, doctors are here to help us along the way by providing quality, personalized care each and every day.

Looking Back

The history of Doctors’ Day goes back to 1933 in Winder, Ga., where a physician’s wife decided to set aside a day to honor all doctors. The first observance included mailing greeting cards and placing flowers on the graves of deceased doctors. The red carnation is used as the symbolic flower for Doctors’ Day.

In 1958, the House of Representatives made a resolution commemorating Doctors’ Day. Then in 1990, legislation was introduced in the House and Senate to establish a national day for doctors. Following overwhelming approval, the Senate and House designated March 30 as National Doctors’ Day.

On this Doctor’s Day, March 30, 2023, please join us in reaching out to the physicians you know to say thank you as we acknowledge their contributions, sacrifices, skills and compassion for their patients.

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