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Doctors' Day is a holiday dedicated to honoring physicians, but the date for this celebration varies by country. Today, through Medicine.net, we will explore the significance and history of Doctors' Days across different nations.

World Family Doctor Day

Origin: World Family Doctor Day was established by the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) in Cancun, Mexico, in 2010. It is celebrated every year on May 19.

Significance: Each year, this day gains global attention through various activities, conferences, and celebrations. It recognizes the contributions of family doctors, raises awareness about their importance, and highlights the challenges they face in supporting global healthcare efforts.

China’s Doctors’Day

Origin: On August 19, 2016, China held its first National Health and Wellness Conference of the New Century, where President Xi Jinping delivered a significant speech. This event marked a major step forward in China's healthcare development. In 2017, the Chinese government approved the establishment of Doctors' Day, setting it on August 19, the anniversary of the conference.

Significance: China’s Doctors’Day is a recognition of the country's 11 million healthcare workers. It reflects the Chinese government's and the Communist Party’s care and appreciation for healthcare professionals. The holiday plays an important role in improving medical ethics, strengthening professional conduct, and fostering better relationships between doctors and patients.

United States Doctors’Day

Origin: On March 30, 1842, Dr. Crawford W. Long performed the first successful surgery using ether anesthesia to remove a tumor from a patient’s neck. In 1933, a doctor’s wife in Georgia suggested making this day a Doctors' Day in honor of the profession. After being endorsed by local committees, state legislatures, and medical associations, the proposal was officially recognized by President George H. W. Bush in 2010, making March 30 National Doctors' Day in the U.S.

Significance: The invention of anesthesia marked a major advancement in human health and societal progress. On this day, various medical institutions and organizations publicly express their gratitude to doctors, while many people send thank-you cards to their physicians.

Iran’s Doctors’Day

Origin: Avicenna, a prominent Persian physician, was born on August 23, 980. As an Islamic scholar, his medical encyclopedia, The Canon of Medicine, became a major medical text across Europe and Asia for centuries. In honor of his influence, Iran celebrates his birthday as Doctors' Day.

Significance: This day reflects the Iranian government’s care for healthcare professionals and serves as a reminder of the country’s rich history and contributions to civilization.

Brazil’s Doctors’Day

Origin: Saint Luke, a Christian missionary, is honored in Brazil for his dual role as a healer and preacher. Since Brazil is a predominantly Christian nation, October 18, Saint Luke’s birthday, has been chosen as the country’s Doctors' Day.

Significance: As a Christian nation, Brazil finds it easier to relate to a missionary doctor as a symbol of the profession. This day also raises awareness of healthcare workers and their vital contributions.

Cuba’s Doctors’Day

Origin: Carlos J. Finlay, born on December 3, 1833, was a Cuban epidemiologist who theorized that yellow fever was spread by mosquitoes. After his death, Cuba designated his birthday as its national Doctors' Day.

Significance: As a tropical country plagued by yellow fever, Cuba commemorates this doctor who made significant contributions to its public health. This day not only honors healthcare workers but also reminds Cubans of the dangers of yellow fever.

India’s Doctors’Day

Origin: Bidhan Chandra Roy was a distinguished Indian physician and politician, with expertise in treating tropical diseases. He helped establish the Indian Medical Association and the Medical Council of India, and founded the first postgraduate medical school in Kolkata. As a renowned leader and doctor, his birthday, July 1, has been designated as India's Doctors' Day.

Significance: As a nation that gained independence from British colonial rule, India honors a medical professional who contributed to its independence and national development. This day serves as an inspiration to healthcare workers to follow in the footsteps of this doctor, who was awarded India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna.

Vietnam’s Doctors’Day

Origin: On February 27, 1955, President Ho Chi Minh sent a letter to a medical conference expressing his care and guidance for healthcare workers. As a result, the Vietnamese government designated this day as the country’s Doctors' Day.

Significance: Vietnam’s Doctors' Day not only acknowledges the hard work of doctors but also celebrates the achievements of the healthcare system.

Not every country has an official Doctors' Day. In some places, such as Turkey, it is only celebrated in certain regions, while in others, like Malaysia, private medical associations organize smaller-scale events. Doctors who have a national holiday in their honor are fortunate, and we wish that every physician worldwide will someday have their own special day.