On March 30, 1933, the first observance of Doctors’ Day was held, and since then, physicians across the United States have been honored on this day for their dedication and care for their patients.
As we approach National Doctors’ Day, we want to share some interesting facts about doctors and what they mean to the U.S. medical community. If you happen to see one of the country’s 1,042,049 active physicians on March 30, be sure to thank them for how hard they work for their patients!
- There are 502,217 primary care physicians in the U.S.
- More than half — 54.2% of doctors — are women.
- Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman in the U.S. to officially earn a medical degree.
- California has the highest number of active physicians — 115,347. Wyoming has the fewest at 1,223.
- The medical practice with the most physicians? Internal medicine.
- The average age of a physician is 53.2 years old.
- The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) lists more than 135 medical specialties and subspecialties. The fastest growing one? Sports medicine.
- More than 80 percent of adults in the U.S. had a visit with a doctor or other healthcare professional in the past year. No wonder most physicians work between 40 and 60 hours per week!
- The patient-to-primary care physician ratio in rural areas is only 39.8 physicians per 100,000 people, compared to 53.3 physicians per 100,000 in urban areas.
- The earliest written record that mentions the practice of medicine is Hammurabi’s Code from the 18th century BC in Mesopotamia.
- Hippocrates (460–377 BC) is commonly called the “Father of Western Medicine.”
- Physicians started wearing white lab coats in the late 1800s to distinguish themselves from false healthcare practitioners.
- The 1918 flu pandemic and the rise of antiseptic theory led first to the use of surgical masks and rubber gloves.
- French physician Rene Laennec created the first version of the stethoscope by rolling up a paper tube and using it as a funnel.
Ways to Celebrate
To celebrate National Doctors’ Day and show appreciation for the dedication of physicians in your practice, there are many creative ways to express gratitude. Here are some unique ideas for celebrating National Doctors’ Day and recognizing the physicians in your practice.
- Organize a social media campaign: Create a special hashtag and encourage your patients and staff to share their experiences and stories about your doctors. You can share these posts on your own social media pages and also create a dedicated wall or display in your office to showcase these posts.
- Send personalized thank-you cards: Handwritten thank-you cards from the staff and patients can be a meaningful gesture to show your appreciation for the doctors. You can also include small tokens of appreciation such as gift cards, flowers, or other small gifts.
- Provide a special treat: Surprise your doctors with a special treat such as a catered lunch, dessert bar, or ice cream social. You can also give them a break from their usual duties and let them relax and enjoy the treat.
- Create a video: Gather video messages from your staff, patients, and community members thanking your doctors for their hard work and dedication. Edit the clips together into a heartwarming tribute video to share on social media and with your doctors.
- Decorate your office: Add some festive decorations to your office, such as balloons, streamers, or a banner thanking your doctors. You can also create a photo booth with props and encourage your staff and patients to take pictures and share them on social media.
- Give back to your community: Arrange a community service project in honor of your doctors. You can organize a volunteer event at a local charity or donate to a cause that is important to your doctors. Share the impact of your service project with your doctors and the wider community.
At RingRx, we’re dedicated to supporting the medical community and making the lives of medical professionals easier. We’re grateful for the many physicians who serve our community and those around the country. Contact us to find out more about what we do!
