Mercy Celebrates National Doctors' Day On March 30th

March 30th is “Doctors’ Day,” a national annual holiday honoring doctors for the work they do for their patients and their communities, and for society as a whole. According to Sister Helen Amos, RSM, Executive Chair, Mercy Board of Trustees, Mercy Medical Center will celebrate by thanking Mercy’s physicians for their lifelong commitment to serve the sick, and inviting patients and others to make gifts in their honor.

“Our doctors, who are renowned, respected, and beloved, play a leading role in Mercy’s mission of excellence and compassionate care. This year, as we all cope with a global pandemic, we celebrate the tireless commitment of our doctors and clinicians,” Sister Helen said.

Since 2007, Mercy patients and their families have honored their doctors on Doctors’ Day with gifts to the Mercy Health Foundation.

“Philanthropic gifts are vital to supporting Mercy’s mission of providing excellent, compassionate care to all who come to our doors for help,” said Chief Philanthropy Officer Caroline Senatore. Patients and their families who wish to honor a doctor can make an online gift at mercydoctorsday.com.

“As president and CEO of Mercy Health Services, and as a physician myself, I take great pride in recognizing the accomplishments and dedication of our clinical staff. We so very much appreciate all those who support us in carrying out the Mercy mission, through their expressions of gratitude and giving,” said Dr. David Maine.

National Doctors’ Day recognizes the day Crawford W. Long, MD, first administered ether as a surgical anesthetic. The celebratory occasion was first observed by Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, in 1933 in honor of the lifesaving efforts of doctors everywhere. Mrs. Almond would mail greeting cards to practicing doctors and place red carnations on the graves of all deceased doctors. The red carnation is still used today as the symbolic flower to celebrate National Doctors’ Day. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush formally designating March 30 as National Doctors’ Day.