MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On March 21, Gov. Kay Ivey signed a proclamation declaring March 30, 2018, the Third Annual Doctors’ Day in Alabama. Doctors’ Day in Alabama formally recognizes Alabama’s nearly 17,000 licensed physicians serving millions of residents through private practice, in hospitals, in research, and in other health care facilities while performing their roles as military service members, parents, volunteers, and community activists.

Doctors’ Day in Alabama, a project sponsored by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Hospital Association will be held in conjunction with the 85th Anniversary of National Doctors’ Day to celebrate physicians of all specialties serving in our communities.

“The practice of medicine is a special calling,” said Mark Jackson, executive director of the Medical Association. “Physicians study and train for many years, work long and unpredictable hours, and cope with often conflicting demands of work and family life to serve the needs of their communities.”

While first contributing to the overall health of their patients through healing, Alabama’s physicians also contribute to the overall health of the state through economic factors. According to a study by the American Medical Association, each Alabama physician supports an average of 11.7 jobs – contributing to 101,770 jobs statewide – for an average of $1.9 million in positive economic input and a total of $16.7 billion in economic impact statewide.

“Physicians, whether practicing in the community or employed by hospitals, are essential for providing high-quality care to the residents of our state,” said Donald E. Williamson, M.D., president of the Alabama Hospital Association. “They provide critical services to diagnose and treat hospitalized patients, interpret imaging and lab reports, put patients to sleep for surgery and work in the emergency department. Hospitals all over the state will be celebrating this important partnership on March 30.”

Jackson agreed with Dr. Williamson.

“Physicians often lead patients and families through some of life’s most challenging moments,” Jackson said. “While they deserve appreciation every day, we wanted to have one day to show deep gratitude to our physicians for the work they do each day to make the health of our residents and our state better.”