National Doctors’ Day, also known as National Physicians’ Day, is observed annually on March 30 in the United States to honor the dedication, compassion, and lifesaving work of physicians.
The observance began in 1933 in Winder, Georgia, when Eudora Brown Almond created it to recognize her husband, Dr. Charles B. Almond, and fellow doctors. The chosen date marks March 30, 1842, when Dr. Crawford W. Long first used ether anesthesia in surgery, a milestone in medical history.
When is National Doctors’ Day?
National Doctors’ Day is observed on March 30 every year in the United States. The date was chosen to honor Dr. Crawford W. Long’s first use of anesthesia in 1842. Below is a table showing the observance through 2030:
| Year | Day of the Week & Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Sunday, March 30 |
| 2026 | Monday, March 30 |
| 2027 | Tuesday, March 30 |
| 2028 | Thursday, March 30 |
| 2029 | Friday, March 30 |
| 2030 | Saturday, March 30 |
History and Origins
The first Doctors’ Day celebration in 1933 included sending cards, placing flowers on the graves of physicians, and expressing gratitude for the contributions of doctors to community health. The tradition grew in hospitals and medical institutions across the country, and in 1991, President George H.W. Bush signed a proclamation making National Doctors’ Day an official U.S. observance.
The red carnation became the traditional flower of the day, symbolizing love, charity, sacrifice, bravery, and courage—qualities closely associated with the medical profession.
Meaning and Significance
National Doctors’ Day highlights the profound role of physicians in safeguarding public health, advancing medical research, and providing care in moments of both crisis and routine. While the observance is often organized by healthcare organizations, patients and families are also encouraged to use the day to thank doctors for their service.
Though March 30 is the official date in the United States, similar observances are held worldwide on different dates, reflecting local medical milestones. For example, Canada celebrates National Physicians’ Day on May 1, honoring Dr. Emily Stowe, the first female physician to practice in Canada.
How to Observe National Doctors’ Day
- Send a thank-you card, email, or message to your physician.
- Share stories of how doctors have made a difference in your life.
- Support physician wellness programs or organizations addressing burnout.
- Place flowers on the graves of deceased physicians to honor their legacy.
- Use the hashtag #NationalDoctorsDay to spread awareness online.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
