When it comes to medical questions and emergencies, who is that we turn to for answers? Who is it that we turn to for the reassurance we so desperately need that everything is going to be okay? Doctors. Doctors are the ones on the frontlines when it comes to protecting us from and educating us about illnesses and various medical conditions. With the outbreak of the Coronavirus last year, several have had their lives upended. From having businesses close, to people losing their jobs, to tragically losing loved ones, COVID-19 has certainly made life more challenging. Thankfully, we’ve had doctors to help those who have fallen ill. Today is Doctors’ Day, a day where we show our appreciation for physicians all across the country who help save lives every day.
Little was known about this particular virus for a long time. A rush to find effective vaccines to combat the virus were implemented almost immediately. Thanks to the courageous efforts of scientists, researchers, and doctors, vaccines were and still are being distributed to people all over the country.
Doctors’ Day was first observed all the way back in 1933, in Winder, Georgia. It was originally meant to honor the efforts of Dr. Crawford W. Long, the first doctor to use ether anesthesia on a patient.
Doctors’ Day has been observed every year on March 30th, dating back to 1933. It was celebrated for many years before it became a legal holiday on March 30, 1958, when the U.S. House of Representatives adopted a resolution that commemorates Doctors’ Day and on October 30, 1990, President Bush signed the legislature after it was approved by both the House and the Senate.
Other countries around the world have been celebrating the achievements of medical professionals and advancements in medical technology, science, and care for a long time. For example, Spain, Cuba, and Argentina all celebrate on December 3rd in order to pay respects to Dr. Carlos Juan Finlay, who was responsible for identifying mosquitos as the root cause of yellow fever.
We are extremely thankful for all of the doctors, surgeons, nurses, and physicians who work tirelessly every day to keep all of us safe!