National Doctor's Day 2021

Every year National Doctor's Day is held on March 30th, and although it's been observed in the United States since 1933, the celebration may be more relevant now than ever before. Over the past year, doctors and other medical staff have been working intense hours under significant threat of infection to cure an ever-increasing number of COVID-19 patients. National Doctor's Day is a time to show appreciation for the vitally important contributions doctors make to our society.

So how can you show your appreciation? We've got some tips:

1. Send your doctor an eCard or a digital gift card.

This can also come in the form of physical items like flowers or greeting cards, but not everyone may be in a situation where they can safely or easily go to the store or deliver a gift right now. But even a simple email of thanks can brighten someone's day. If you're particularly close to a doctor or have been seeing one for a long time, you may even want to send a gift card for a streaming service or online retailer! You can buy digital ones online and send them through email.

2. Leave flowers for a deceased doctor

We spend years seeing a primary physical or even certain specialists, and in that time we share so much of our lives and our struggles with them. It's not uncommon for people to leave flowers at the grave of their longtime health care provider. (It's also not uncommon to send those flowers to the doctor's family in a more normal year.)

3. Donate to a health organization or charity

Many of us can't give our time right now, but financial help is always valuable. Consider a donation to Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, or the World Health Organization's COVID-19 Response Fund.

4. Share your story

If a doctor has made a difference in your life, share your story on social media! Many people have trouble accessing quality health care, and doctors who go out of their way to provide it and remove barriers to it deserve recognition. If you have a story about how a health center provided you with quality, necessary care, post it online with the hashtag #NationalDoctorsDay! (And don't forget to tag your doctor if possible.)

5. Follow COVID-19 recommendations

Health organizations around the world have given their recommendations on how to stop the spread of COVID-19, and it's important to listen to them right now. Even though many people have received the vaccine and many more are in the process of obtaining it, . The best way you can show your appreciation to doctors right now is by reducing their massive workload and threat of infection.