The celebration of Doctors’ Day has a long history which dates back to March 30, 1933 by the Barrow County Alliance, in Winder, Georgia. The idea was conceived by Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond and the event took a year to plan. Invitations were mailed to physicians and their wives, flowers placed on the graves of deceased doctors and a formal dinner was held in the home of Dr. and Mrs. William T. Randolph.
The first Doctors’ Day event took place to commemorate the first anniversary of the discovery of anesthesia by Dr. Crawford W. Long, in Jefferson, Georgia. Dr. Long is known as the as the pioneer of surgical anesthesia. The day celebrates the birth of anesthesia and claimed anesthesia as “the conqueror of human pain” which is certainly true.
The official Doctors’ Day Proclamation was signed by President George H.W. Bush almost 60 years later. The purpose of the Proclamation was to enable the citizens of the United States to publicly show appreciation for the role of physicians in caring for the sick, advancing medical knowledge and promoting good health.
At Baptist Health South Florida, we celebrate our doctors and their good work everyday, but this day is special. On this day, we honor them for their dedication to our community as they keep all of us healthy and well.
Happy Doctors’ Day!
(Even though we love you every day)
The red carnation has been used as the symbol of Doctors’ Day. Think about your Doctors – who would you like to send a red carnation? Please share with us.