National Doctors’ Day was first observed on March 30, 1991. It was only last year that I learned its full history. In past years, I knew it only as a day the hospital did kind things for us. Small presents, special snacks and chair massages often showed up if we had the time to enjoy them.

Last year I proudly sent my parents a copy of the memo I received from my hospital corporation’s headquarters concerning Doctors’ Day and it was returned to me with a few corrections.It seemed a few facts regarding dates and geography need d clearing up. Since then, I have looked into the history myself and found an interesting story.

Many know the local history that March 30, 1842 was the first use of anesthetic for surgery by Dr. Crawford Long in nearby Jefferson in Jackson County. His patient had a neck tumor removed without pain and no memory of the procedure. This achievement was certainly a big step forward in the physician’s ability to relieve suffering.

I learned the movement to create the observance of Doctors’ Day began in the north Georgia town of Winder, where my family roots are. Even more exciting was the fact I had relatives involved. A sharp-minded centenarian, Evelyn Randolph, filled me in. She is also my grandfather’s double first cousin, as I always knew we were distantly related. On visits to Winder, I would attend First Baptist Church where my family has been members for generations. Evelyn Randolph has been a lifelong member there and still attends. She married the widowed Dr. W.T. Randolph in 1928 and worked with him in his medical practice. She and the other physicians’ wives formed the Barrow County Alliance.

Setting aside a day to honor physicians was the idea of Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond. The local medical society hosted a meeting with their wives. It was there the idea began, led by Mrs. Almond, to honor all doctors on the anniversary of Dr. Crawford Long’s accomplishment.

The Barrow County Alliance adopted the following resolution:

"WHEREAS the Alliance to the Barrow County Medical Society wishes to pay lasting tribute to the Doctors, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Alliance to the Barrow County Medical that March 30, the day that famous Georgian Dr. Crawford W. Long first used ether anesthesia in surgery, be adopted as ‘Doctors Day,’ the object to be the well-being and honor of the profession, its observance demanding some act of kindness, gift or tribute in remembrance of the Doctors."

The first observance was held on March 30, 1933 by the Barrow County Alliance. This included cards sent to physicians and their wives, flowers on the graves of deceased doctors and a formal dinner. This dinner was held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. William T. Randolph. Thanks to Evelyn Randolph, I was able to gain insight into this occasion as if I were there. There were about 12 guests representing physicians from Winder and neighboring Jackson County. These included Drs. Almond, Ross, Randolph, Harris, Pittman and Adams with their spouses. The menu included ham, turkey, dressing and angel cake. It seems a favorite item on the menu were Mrs. Almond’s fresh rolls.

The plan to widen the observance was presented to the Georgia State Medical Alliance in 1933 by Mrs. E.R. Harris, then president of the Barrow County Alliance. On May 10, 1934 this resolution was adopted at the state meeting in Augusta. The resolution then made its way to the Women’s Alliance of the Southern Medical Association, where it was first observed in 1936. The SMA Alliance honored Mrs. Almond with a bronze marker at the Barrow County Court House on August 1, 1989. This seemed lost, as no one could find it on the courthouse grounds. It was recently found in storage still in good shape. This year, on March 28, there will be a re-dedication ceremony.

In 1990, legislation was introduced into the House and S enate to establish a national Doctors’ Day. With overwhelming approval, President George H.W. Bush signed Senate Joint Resolution #336 designating March 30 as National Doctors’ Day. The Resolution states:

WHEREAS society owes a debt of gratitude to physicians for the contributions of physicians in enlarging the reservoir of scientific knowledge increasing the number of scientific tools, and expanding the ability of health professionals to use the knowledge and tools effectively in the never ending fight against disease and

WHEREAS society owes a debt of gratitude to physicians for the sympathy and compassion of physicians in ministering to the sick and in alleviating human suffering: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That-

1. March 30, 1991, is designated as "National Doctors’ Day"; and

2. The President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.

The first national observance occurred in 1991. The red carnation has become the symbol of Doctors’ Day for the qualities of love, charity, sacrifice, bravery and courage.

I am grateful to Evelyn Randolph for being a part of history, taking the time to tell me the story and being part of the family. All of this has been especially interesting to me as I am a practicing OB-GYN physician. The observance began during my first year in practice, though little did I know the unique ties I had to its history. Better yet, Dr. Crawford Long and I are both Georgia Bulldogs!

By Pamela Settle Miles MD, FACOG

Assistant Professor, OUHSC

University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center