Today, March 30, is National Doctors Day which promotes the skill, talent and dedication that doctors provide to those in need of care year-round. It’s a holiday that highlights what they do for their patients, communities, organizations and the aspiring physicians that they teach and train.
On this day, we recognize the doctors who are at the frontlines of this care and thank them for their devotion to their patients and recognize the tenacity and compassion they bring to their role as a physician.
Being a doctor means different things to different doctors. Also, why a doctor chose to pursue this career path varies, so it’s always interesting to learn why he or she became a doctor, and what a career in medicine means to them. Today at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, we asked a few of our doctors these questions. Here are their responses.
“I love being a doctor because I have the opportunity to improve my patients’ quality of life. I’m deeply honored that they trust me with their care and comfort. I get an enormous amount of satisfaction and pride when a patient is able to recover from an injury, or get relief from any kind of foot or ankle ailment they have that prompted them to come and see me. I chose to be a podiatrist because, if people aren’t able to move around like they used to, that affects their entire body and outlook on life. I love being able to help people get back on their feet again!”
- Dr. Rebecca Stack
“I became a doctor because I really wanted to help fix people's medical problems. I have the inherent nature to help people and I felt this was the best way to do so. I enjoy being a doctor because I like connecting with my patients. If you really listen to them, you can discover what is actually causing them pain. I love the ‘a-ha’ moment where the patient really understands their condition. Every day at the office is exciting for me. I love the bond I have with my patients and truly enjoy our interactions.”
- Dr. Patrick McEneaney
“I was inspired to become a doctor after visiting one as a patient! When I was in college, I came home for the weekend as I had an appointment to see a neighborhood podiatrist. My toe was killing me. I walked in hurting and I walked out ‘walking on a cloud.’ I thought to myself ‘what a wonderful job, making people feel better every day!’ As I was leaving the office, I took one of the Careers in Podiatry pamphlets. I returned to college, switched my major to Pre-Med. The rest is history.”
- Dr. Walter Alm
“I became a doctor because my father was diabetic and had several foot problems. After other doctors had said they could not help him and likely would lose his leg, a podiatrist said that he could help and he prevented my father from having any amputation. As a result I became interested in helping others when they have not been offered any other solutions.”
- Dr. Michael G. Lacey
The history of National Doctors Day goes back 90 years. According to DoctorsDay.org, the first Doctor's Day observance was March 30, 1933 in Winder, Georgia. Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, decided to set aside a day to honor physicians. This first observance included the mailing greeting cards and placing flowers on graves of deceased doctors. On March 30, 1958, a Resolution Commemorating Doctors' Day was adopted by the United States House of Representatives. In 1990, legislation was introduced in the House and Senate to establish a national Doctor's Day. Following overwhelming approval by the United States Senate and the House of Representatives, on October 30, 1990, President George Bush signed S.J. RES. #366 (which became Public Law 101-473) designating March 30th as 'National Doctor's Day.'
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