History of Doctor’s Day

The need to acknowledge the contributions made by doctors was first felt by Eudora Brown Almond. She was the wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond and hailed from Georgia, USA. It was observed on March 30th 1930 for the first time in USA. At the time apart from mailing greeting cads to physicians and doctors flowers were also laid in the graves of deceased doctors. There was a reason behind the adoption of March 30th as the suitable date to celebrate as Doctor’s Day. On this day the famous doctor from Georgia, Dr. Crawford W. Long had used ether anesthesia in surgery for the first time. This day was therefore found appropriate to honor members of this profession.

Doctor’s Day celebrations – Doctor’s Day celebrations do not signify celebrations of revelry or social extravaganzas. It is celebrated in a very solemn and quiet manner. Stressing more on the need for acknowledgment of the significant contribution made by doctors in our lives they are greeted with cards. There are common forums arranged where groups from the medical profession are invited to share their experiences. Following this they are honored for their specific contributions to the growth of medical science and patient recovery.

Doctor’s Day celebrations in India

Doctor’s Day is celebrated in India on the 1st of July every year. This day has been chosen as a mark of respect to the contributions made by Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who left an indelible mark in the history of medical profession in India. July 1st was his birthday as well as his death anniversary in the year 1882 and 1962 respectively. There are several ways that this ay is observed.

Doctors can be greeted by their patients with greeting cards. Flower arrangements can be made to be delivered personally or to their chambers. Special meeting can be convened to commemorate the day and honor doctors for their performances. Commemorative dinners can also be arranged by hospitals or other organizations to felicitate the medical fraternity

Significance of Doctor’s Day celebrations

There may be several reasons that can be attributed to the significance of a Doctor’s day being celebrated in India.There may be several reasons that can be attributed to the significance of a Doctor’s day being celebrated in India.

• The large population of India depends on the efficiency and responsibility of doctors to a large extent at all times
• Doctors in India over the years have shown remarkable improvements and made definite progress in medical treatments that need to be acknowledged
• It may also be seen as an encouragement and an eye opener to all such doctors who have been struck by a flailing career owing to a lack of commitment
• There have been instances of public violence and protests against doctors when they have failed to perform. Doctor’s Day could be seen as an approach by the same people as a mark of respect for all those doctors who have relentlessly made efforts to sustain the life of their patients against all odds