5 Ways to Honor Physicians on Doctor’s Day

The first Doctors’ Day celebration was organized in 1933 in Winder, Georgia. Since that time, March 30th has become an annual celebration to recognize doctors for their hard work and dedication. Here are 5 easy-to-implement ideas for celebrating National Doctor’s Day at the office.

1. Hand Written Notes.  Leave paper, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, and stickers out in the waiting room during the week leading up to March 30.  Encourage patients, staff, and faculty to write a note of gratitude for the physicians in your office and post them up for all to see. Otherwise,  grab a pack of notecards and write out personal notes to the physicians in your organization, thanking them for their support and camaraderie.  It feels good to be noticed, and a handwritten thank you can go a long way.
2. Host a Car Wash! Set up a mobile car wash station out in the parking lot and pass out the sponges.  Getting the whole office involved in scrubbing down physician’s cars is a great way to build team spirit and boost morale within the office while also putting a big smile on those doctor’s faces. Send them home shining and sparkling!
3. Give Flowers (Red carnations to be historically accurate.)  Whether a large bouquet to set out at the front desk, or boutonnieres or corsage for individuals, bring flowers to pass out and share with those physicians in your office. The red carnation has become a staple symbol of National Doctor’s Day, with its rooted meanings dating far back into biblical Greek and Roman times.  Courage, honor, bravery, charity, and admiration are associated with the light red carnation, and its spicy fragrance is apropos for its association to physicians, as it is used “to preserve the body of men, both in mind and spirit.”  This visual reminder is a historical and prominent way to make a statement that doctors are seen and appreciated.
4. Dr. Who Party! Set up a TV in the breakroom and play Dr. Who reruns all day.  He’s that goofy doctor/scientist with wit and common sense who heals all wounds and makes the world a better place.  It’s a way to break away from the norm and get a good chuckle in between patients.  Or better yet, host a casual party off-site where your docs can sit back and relax with friends and colleagues, celebrating in comfort.  Leave all that “timey-wimey-wibbly-wobbly” stuff at work and party with the pals after hours!
5. Say “Thank You.” This is probably the simplest, most effective gift you can give, yet is often difficult for many of us to actually execute.  Pull that doctor aside who does good work, who has been an exceptional mentor, who helps to keep your office running smoothly, who helped you heal your own ailments, look them in the eye, smile, and say, “Thank you for all that you do.  I appreciate you.”