Today is National Doctor’s Day. A day to celebrate the caring, die hard, and genius, physicians across our nation. Clink your stethoscopes to doctors, their work and their contributions to our community, and our world through medical innovation.
The day was first held on March 30, 1933 by the Barrow County Alliance in Winder, Georgia. Originally founded by Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles Almond, as a time to honor physicians. In 1958, the United State House of Representatives adopted a “Resolution Commemoration Doctor’s Day”. And in 1990, following approval by the Senate and the House, President George Bush signed a public law that designated March 30th as “National Doctor’s Day.”
In honor of the day, ask your doctor friend or family member what life in scrubs is like- ask about their worst day, the time they had to deliver the bad news, and their favorite story of medical breakthrough or patient impact.
Doctors spend their days saving lives when the rest of us are gathered around tables enjoying turkey, and toasts. Below are two of our favorite stories of practicing medicine from author Dr. John Shufeldt of the Outlier Series, and Dr. Robert Warren Cromer from chapter two of Outliers in Medicine. is a story from Dr. John Shufeldt on why he loves medicine and working in the Emergency Department. And a story from outlier and family physician Dr. Robert Warren Cromer.
2 Stories that Will Make You Appreciate Your Doctor
1) Resolutions and New Year’s Eve in the Emergency Department by Dr. John Shufeldt
If you think this is going to be about the folly that occurs in the ED, read on! First, a shout out to my brothers and sisters in law enforcement, EMS, healthcare,
the airlines and other service industries
(and literally to my sister who is an ED doc) who are committed to serving others – thank you for working when the rest of the world isn’t!
Like I did on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I find myself on New Year’s Eve working in the ED. Don’t feel sorry for me; although I am not one of God’s Chosen, I would much rather have Thanksgiving off than Christmas, so thanks to our scheduling guru, I got the exact schedule I requested – so all good… READ MORE
2) “The Christmas Eve House Call,” as told by a family physician by Dr. Robert Warren Cromer
It was Christmas Eve and my wife and I with our small children were opening family presents. The presents from Santa would be opened in the morning. The Christmas tree was resplendent with colored lights and fancy ornaments. It was cozy and warm inside while outside the snow was falling harder and harder. It was a sort of magical moment when the children still believed in Santa and were filled with wonder and expectation. Opening the few presents now was a prelude the the morrow. It was one of those moments that you wish would last. And then the phone rang… READ MORE
Interested in a Career in Medicine?
If you are interested in a career in medicine, download this free chapter for premedical students.
Or, if you are currently a medical student and trying to decide which field of medicine is the right fit, check out this helpful list.
Outliers in Medicine is the perfect book to read if you are applying to medical school, attending, or already a seasoned physician. Celebrate the day and other’s in the medical field.
Sometimes Life in Scrubs isn’t What You’d Expect…
Tell us about your atypical doctor duties by commenting below. We would love to hear from some physicians on National Doctor Day!
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