Doctors’ Day: Physicians get a dose of appreciation amid calls for ‘real, sustainable change’

Receiving thanks is no cure for what ails today’s healthcare system, but a little gratitude might temporarily ease the day-to-day pains of physicians working in a stretched and strained system. At least that’s the hope of medical associations, leaders and individual Canadians expressing gratitude from across the country today for Doctors’ Day (also called Physicians’ Day).“Thank you to Canada’s physicians for being present with your patients and for speaking up for a healthier future for all,” said Dr. Kathleen Ross, President, of the Canadian Medical Association, in a statement. “On this National Physicians’ Day, let me take the opportunity to sincerely thank every Canadian doctor for their hard work and dedication to patient care. Your work and dedication truly matter."Among the social media campaigns of provincial medical associations, in Ontario, landmarks will light up in blue today in honour of Doctors’ Day, including Niagara Falls and Toronto's CN Tower. City halls across the province will raise Doctors’ Day flags. “I’m incredibly proud of my physician colleagues,” said OMA President Dr. Andrew Park, in a release. “Every day, Ontario’s doctors treat and care for more than 340,000 patients. Today we honour them for their service and commitment.” A dose of realityDr. Ross recognized the huge role physicians are making not just in patient care, but in advocacy for a better system.“This past year, I’ve been fortunate to meet doctors from everywhere in the country and I’ve witnessed your strong desire to improve the way we deliver health and wellness in Canada,” she said. “As we’ve seen in recent developments on physician mobility and health funding, your voice matters and doctors’ advocacy truly makes a difference. The CMA will continue to elevate your voice, inform healthcare leaders, and hold decision-makers accountable for real, sustainable change.”Doctors Nova Scotia President Colin Audin wrote to members: "With growing numbers of Nova Scotians struggling to access primary care, the celebration may feel bittersweet. There’s no doubt that it’s a stressful time to be practising medicine in our province. I want to recognize the positive difference you are making to your patients and their families. Every day, you and your colleagues step up to provide patient care in new ways, working harder and longer than ever before to fill gaps in your communities."The OMA stressed in their release that while Doctors' Day is traditionally a day of celebration and thanks, there is a need for action to ensure the sustainability of the system, "including addressing the family medicine crisis in Ontario. Everyone deserves access to a family doctor, but 2.3 million people in Ontario don’t have one. The OMA is advocating for system-level solutions to tackle this growing issue.”Significance of May 1Doctors’ Day in Canada has taken place on May 1 every year since 2011. It coincides with National Physicians' Day, which the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) implemented in 2017 as part of its 150th anniversary. May 1 was the chosen day because it’s the birthday of Dr. Emily Stowe. Born in 1831, she became the first female physician to practice in Canadian.Read: The Medical Post Awards are now accepting nominations for 2024Doctors' Day initiativesDoctors Nova Scotia launched a robust campaign to thank their members, showcase selected physicians and to gather shoutouts from patients. Shoutouts have numbered more than 750. In addition, every member received a postcard in the mail with words of thanks from patients and today, personalized emails will go out to physicians sharing the stories gathered from their patients. Doctors Nova Scotia is also having a draw for four getaway packages. See the physician profiles here and the patient shoutouts here.Similarly, New Brunswick Medical Society set up a bilingual Kudoboard for patients to tell stories and give shoutouts to their doctors for caring for them in challenging times.In Ontario, in addition to flags and lit-up landmarks, the OMA asked Ontarians to take part in a social media campaign to thank doctors for their expertise and dedication. Thousands of people have shared messages ranging from, “Thanks for listening to my concerns” to “Thanks for always being there” and “Thanks for saving my life.” Ontarians are participating in the campaign by using #DoctorsDay and tagging @OntariosDoctors or sharing messages through the OMA’s website. Doctors Manitoba created a video for social media, highlighting the hard work of doctors and reminding patients to give thanks to their MDs.Meanwhile, in B.C., May marks Doctors of BC’s annual Awards Month, dedicated to showcasing and recognizing physicians who have made extraordinary contributions to medicine and/or their community; who have dedicated their career to improving the welfare of British Columbians; and who inspire those around them.

Doctors’ Day: Physicians get a dose of appreciation amid calls for ‘real, sustainable change’

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