PAH is proud to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of our doctors all year round, and National Doctors’ Day gives us a special, dedicated time to thank them for their devotion to the health and wellness of our local community, celebrate their innovative spirit and flexibility as healthcare continues to advance and evolve, and acknowledge their years of sacrifice and training in pursuit of this calling.
Doctors’ Day was first observed on March 30, 1933, in Winder, Georgia, by Eudora Brown Almond, the wife of Dr. Charles Almond. She chose March 30 as the date in honor of the anniversary of Dr. Crawford Long’s first use of ether as anesthesia during an 1842 surgery – a historic moment of modern medicine. (Fun fact: Long was actually an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine! He earned his MD in 1839.)
Almond wanted to formally recognize the tireless, compassionate, and often life-changing work of physicians by placing red carnations – the holiday’s official flower – on the graves of deceased doctors and sending ‘thank you’ cards to physicians and their families. The celebration continued to grow over the years, and in 1990, Doctors’ Day was designated a national holiday.
Though the official date fell over spring break, Medical Affairs, Administration, and Nursing joined forces to give PAH’s physicians a celebratory reception on April 10. Doctors were invited to enjoy a smorgasbord of omelets, pastries, and other breakfast treats in the Pine Building’s Great Court, and they were each given a red carnation and a gift as a token of appreciation for their years of service and their unwavering commitment to our patients, their families, and the Pennsy community.
“It’s great to be able to team up every year with the nurses and administrators to put together this event,” said Kathleen Sullivan, medical staff coordinator in Medical Affairs. “We love serving our doctors, just as they do their best to serve every patient and family that comes to our hospital. Our physicians are invaluable, and it’s so important to take a moment to pause and honor the work they do.”