As part of a national observance, March 30, 2016, has been proclaimed Doctors’ Day in Alabama. Doctors’ Day in Alabama formally recognizes the state’s more than 11,000 licensed physicians serving millions of residents through private practice, hospitals, skilled nursing care centers, research, and other health care facilities.
Doctors’ Day in Alabama is sponsored by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama and the Alabama Department of Public Health. It is held in conjunction with National Doctors’ Day to celebrate physicians of all specialties serving in our communities.
“The practice of medicine is a special calling,” said Mark Jackson, executive director of the Medical Association. “Physicians study and train for many years, work long and unpredictable hours, and cope with often conflicting demands of work and family life to serve the needs of their communities.”
Although they are healers first, Alabama’s physicians not only contribute to patient health but also the state’s economy. According to a study by the American Medical Association, each Alabama physician supports an average of 10 jobs – contributing to 83,095 jobs statewide – for an average of $1.3 million in positive economic input and a total of $11.2 billion in economic impact statewide.
In addition, physicians serve as medical directors in each of Alabama’s skilled nursing care centers. The medical director regularly performs on-site assessments of the residents and patients. The physician works with the nursing staff to develop a care plan to meet each individual’s medical needs. In addition, the Alabama Nursing Home Association (ANHA) is an active participate in the Alabama Medical Directors Association, a speciality society of the Medical Association. The organizations meet several times each year to discuss skilled nursing care center practices and how to improve quality outcomes.
“Physicians often lead patients and families through some of life’s most challenging moments,” Jackson said. “We wanted to have one day to thank our physicians for the work they do each day to make the health of our residents and our state better. If you see your physician on March 30, help us celebrate Doctors’ Day in Alabama by telling your doctor how much he or she means to you.”
Governor Robert Bentley issued a proclamation to officially designate March 30, 2016, as Doctors’ Day in Alabama.
Editor’s Note: This article was edited and republished with permission from the Medical Association of the State of Alabama and AlabamaMedicine.org.
