Since its inception in 1933, National Doctors' Day has served as a poignant reminder of the profound impact physicians have on our lives, our communities, and our collective wellbeing. For surgeons especially, March 30 holds special significance as it commemorates the pioneering use of ether as an anesthetic.
The story of Dr. Crawford W. Long, whose inaugural surgery under anesthesia was successfully performed on March 30, 1842, pales in comparison to that of Dr. William T. G. Morton — whose demonstration in the Ether Dome, albeit several years later than Long’s, is heralded in the annals of medical history as the birth of modern surgery.
To this day, Dr. Long’s name is rarely referenced in the context of the national holiday —appropriately so, perhaps. The essence of National Doctors' Day lies not in who gets the loudest applause, but in the collective dedication of physicians to heal, to bring comfort to those who are uncomfortable, and to do their best work even in the absence of accolades.
It's about the quiet moments of care, the steadfast commitment to patients' wellbeing, and the humble acts of healing that often go unnoticed. National Doctors' Day serves as a poignant reminder of the countless individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes, their efforts shaping the course of medical history and changing lives in ways both big and small.
In a profession where success is measured not only by medical breakthroughs but also by the lives touched and the suffering alleviated, this day celebrates the profound impact of each and every doctor.
So, as we observe National Doctors' Day, let us honor not only the pioneers and trailblazers but also the countless doctors whose selfless dedication, unwavering compassion, and tireless pursuit of healing define the noble calling of medicine.
Happy National Doctors' Day to all of you.
Submitted by Elisabeth Reitman on March 27, 2024