March 30 is Doctors' Day, one day out of the year to recognize the physicians who take care of us every day of the year.
A physician has many roles in his career -- a confidant, a detective, a source of comfort, and a healer. And physicians are here for us 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Physicians are often with us during the most memorable moments of our lives -- when new life comes into the world, during a difficult diagnosis, healing an illness, and the heartbreaking reality of saying goodbye to a loved one. In these moments, it can be easy to forget that doctors are human, that they are part of our journey, sharing our joy, our triumph, and our grief.
During the global pandemic, doctors were on the front lines, risking their lives to help those in need. Their heroic efforts were a reminder of the vital role they have in our communities.
We recognize that being a physician requires time, sacrifice, and a willingness to put others above themselves. Whether it's in the emergency room, an urgent-, primary- or specialty-care clinic, doctors are here to help us along the way by providing quality, personalized care each and every day.
Looking Back
The history of Doctors' Day goes back to 1933 in Winder, Ga., where a physician's wife decided to set aside a day to honor all doctors. The first observance included mailing greeting cards and placing flowers on the graves of deceased doctors. The red carnation is used as the symbolic flower for Doctors' Day.
In 1958, the House of Representatives made a resolution commemorating Doctors' Day. Then, in 1990, legislation was introduced in the House and Senate to establish a national day for doctors. Following overwhelming approval, the Senate and House designated March 30 as National Doctors' Day.
On this Doctors' Day, please join us in reaching out to the physicians you know to say thank you as we acknowledge their contributions, sacrifices, skills, and compassion for their patients.
About Northwest Health
Northwest Health is the largest health system in Northwest Arkansas with five hospitals: Northwest Medical Center-Bentonville, Northwest Medical Center-Springdale, Northwest Medical Center-Willow Creek Women's Hospital, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital, and Northwest Health Physicians' Specialty Hospital. The system has 487 beds, a combined medical staff of more than 900 physicians, and more than 2,400 employees working together to provide quality healthcare for the region. The system also includes two 24/7 standalone emergency departments, Northwest Health Emergency Department Fayetteville and Northwest Health Emergency Department Bentonville. For more information, visit NorthwestHealth.com.