Unfortunately, most do not know the history behind doctor’s day.
Doctors’ Day has a special connection to anesthesiology, as it first honored the efforts of Crawford W. Long, M.D.
On March 30, 1842, Dr. Long administered the first ether anesthetic for surgery and operated to remove a tumor from a patient’s neck. After the surgery, the patient revealed that he felt nothing and was not aware the surgery was over until he awoke. Doctors’ Day celebrates Dr. Long’s historic achievement, as well as the continued efforts of all physicians to alleviate human suffering and improve patient safety.