National Doctors’ Day

Learn about the history of Doctors' Day

Hallmark staff

The first Doctors’ Day observance was March 30, 1933, in Winder, Ga. The idea came from Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, and the date was the anniversary of the first use of general anesthetic in surgery. (On March 30, 1842, in Jefferson, Ga., Dr. Crawford Long used ether to remove a tumor from a patient’s neck.)

The Barrow County (Georgia) Medical Society Auxiliary proclaimed the day “Doctors’ Day,” which was celebrated by mailing cards to physicians and their wives and by placing flowers on the graves of deceased doctors, including Dr. Long’s.

The U.S. House of Representatives adopted a resolution commemorating Doctors’ Day on March 30, 1958. In 1990, the U.S. Congress overwhelmingly approved legislation establishing a National Doctors’ Day and then-President George H.W. Bush signed the resolution. The first National Doctors’ Day was celebrated on March 30, 1991.

Did you know?

National Doctors Day is always observed on March 30.
The date for National Doctors’ Day is the anniversary of the first use of general anesthetic in surgery.
Both patients and those who work for or with physicians may recognize, thank or show appreciation for them by giving cards, notes or other treats.
Nearly 700,000 people work as physicians and surgeons in the United States. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Because of the popularity of Hallmark’s cards for National Nurses Day (May 6), and due to consumer demand, Hallmark created its first cards for National Doctors’ Day in 2003.