Physician, celebrate thyself: Ideas for recognizing yourself on National Doctors’ Day

Each year, we both celebrate and are celebrated on March 30 for National Doctors’ Day (NDD). While the gratitude expressed by others is meaningful, this occasion is also a powerful reminder for us to reflect inward by acknowledging our own sacrifices and commitment. Self-care and self-celebration are not indulgences—they are essential for sustained excellence in a demanding and noble profession. Physician, celebrate thyself.

As physicians, we comprise the spine of the healthcare system. We dedicate countless hours to diagnosing, treating and comforting those in need. Just when the day is over, there is one more call to return, one more post-op to check, one more lab result to review, one more patient to comfort. Even after entering practice, doctors face long shifts, on-call responsibilities and the emotional weight of making life-altering decisions.

Many of us are involved beyond patient care with our osteopathic specialty college, our state societies, our state licensing boards or with the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) or the AOA. We work at colleges of osteopathic medicine, in residency programs or as clinical rotation preceptors.

As DOs, we are members of a profession that still embodies the tradition of educating our successors to care for our patients: “See one, do one, teach one, heal many.” These efforts, quietly made day after day, save lives and improve the quality of health and well-being of entire communities. Luckily, we were made for this. Our cup of giving seems to runneth over.

How nice to have a day where we can be honored! As we are celebrated on NDD by our patients, our colleagues in nursing, PT/OT, administration and others, we typically talk about what someone can do or give to celebrate their DO—but what can you give to yourself? Below are some ideas.

Celebrating ourselves on NDD

1.   Reflect on your personal achievements: Take time to acknowledge the positive differences you have made in patients’ lives. Whether it’s a grateful note from a family, a successful complex case or a recently published manuscript, keeping a record of these moments can be a source of encouragement and pride. If you don’t keep these, start now. I have a folder of some notes from patients and families to remind me “What it’s all for.”

2.   Connect with colleagues: Build camaraderie by sharing experiences and celebrating milestones together. Connect with your former fellow residents and classmates. It is so easy now with online communities. In person, you could organize or attend small gatherings or join your state and regional osteopathic societies to foster a sense of community and mutual recognition among peers. These people get us because they are us (shout-out to PCOM Class of 1999).

3.   Prioritize self-care activities: Take the walk, hit the gym, do the yoga (goats optional) and schedule the physical or mammogram. Remember to take the advice you give.

4.   Get a hobby: Try a new hobby or activity outside of medicine, something you never thought you had time for. Learn a language or learn how to sew, restore furniture or bake. You could even follow in the footsteps of AOA President Robert G.G. Piccinini, DO, D.FACN, and become a grill master!  Time commitment can be variable; new hobbies can be learned over time bit by bit as your schedule allows. Your future self will thank you, and your present self will enjoy the diversion.

5.   Accept and express gratitude: Allow yourself to receive appreciation from patients, colleagues and loved ones. At the same time, express gratitude for those who support you—celebrate the network that enables you to serve others. I’m talkin’ ‘bout you, Advocates for the AOA!

6.   Write it out: Use journaling, meditation or other reflective practices to process both the challenges and triumphs of your work. You will recognize the growth and resilience you have developed over time.

Sustaining our ability to serve

On National Doctors’ Day and throughout the year, physicians deserve to celebrate not only the healing we provide, but also our own humanity. By practicing self-care and intentionally recognizing our own sacrifices and successes, we can sustain our ability to serve—and honor the calling that drew us to osteopathic medicine in the first place.

Thank you for all that you DO!

Related reading:

3 ways we can all promote DOs and the osteopathic medical profession

How do we rebuild a sense of community between DOs, and why should we?