Menu
In a celebration of National Doctors Day, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, and several local elementary schools worked together to thank local doctors in the Northwest Florida area. This collaborative effort highlighted the profound impact doctors have on our communities.
RELATED: Okaloosa Schools Get $1.29 Million for Healthcare Academy
“Our physicians are the heartbeat of our hospitals, touching lives and shaping futures every day,” remarked Liz Eulberg, HCA’s public affairs representative. From addressing specialized health needs with advanced care to serving as trusted primary care providers, these physicians play a pivotal role in our healthcare journey.”
To express gratitude for their efforts, the hospitals partnered with the Okaloosa County School District and six local elementary schools for a particular project. The mission: create thank-you cards for these exceptional physicians. Young artists from Shalimar Elementary, Kenwood Elementary, Edge Elementary, Plew Elementary, and Lewis School eagerly embraced the task, showcasing their creativity and appreciation through colorful drawings and heartfelt messages.
The initiative had children produce cards that were meant to serve as a meaningful gesture of community support for local medical professionals.
RELATED: NWF Doctor Says This Devices Will Save Many From Cancer
National Doctor’s Day originated in 1933 in a small town outside Atlanta, Georgia. Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, a devoted family medicine physician, envisioned a day to recognize doctors for their work.
Almond’s initiative began in Winder to express their gratitude. Citizens sent heartfelt greeting cards to their physicians and adorned the graves of late doctors with flowers. Mrs. Almond chose March 30 as the day to celebrate doctors as a way to honor Dr. Crawford Long’s pioneering use of anesthesia during surgery in 1842, a significant milestone in medical history.
The movement gained momentum over the years, and on March 30, 1958, Congress officially recognized National Doctors Day, marking a historic acknowledgment of doctors’ contributions to society. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush proclaimed the day, emphasizing doctors’ vital role in healthcare.
HCA Healthcare bills itself as one of the nation’s leading healthcare services providers. The multinational healthcare conglomerate has 182 hospitals and 2,300+ care sites in 20 states and the United Kingdom.
The publicly-traded company employs almost 300,000 people worldwide and treats more than 37 million people annually.
We’ve never needed local news more than we have today. With newspapers going out of business and fewer reporters around to watchdog local government, cover events or sports, and make sure you know what’s going on in your community
Donate today to keep local, independent and accountable journalism in your community today!
Plus, we’ll give you some cool swag when you make your donation monthly.
Stop scrolling social media to find out what’s going on in Niceville. Sign up for our weekly newsletter for the info impacting your daily life!
