Good Samaritan celebrated National Doctors’ Day on Wednesday, March 30 by honoring its physicians with a
special breakfast and encouraged hospital staff to celebrate all doctors on this day of appreciation.

Doctors fulfill many roles each day as they care for their patients and their families. Whether in a hospital or outpatient clinic, doctors work tirelessly to make sure patients get the care they need. “We are very fortunate to have an amazing group of physicians that are dedicated to our mission and providing the best care to our patients,” stated Rob McLin, President and CEO. “I am honored to work with our group of more than 180 physicians and have tremendous respect for what they do every day.”

This year, a $3,000 donation was made to the Good Samaritan Foundation’s Caring Connection Fund in honor of all Good Samaritan physicians. This fund was initially organized by a group of committed Good Samaritan medical practitioners and employees who were moved by the plight of needy patients. These founding members noticed that while many patients were fortunate enough to gain access to medical care, items such as prescriptions and mobility devices could prove costly for families struggling to keep food on their table.

In 2015, the Caring Connection fund was able to assist more than 60 Good Samaritan patients. This includes a variety of needs ranging from prescriptions, nebulizers and Pedialyte, to durable medical equipment such as walkers, hip kits and sock aids. Caring Connection has also been able to aid patients in a number of unique instances. For example, in 2015, Caring Connection was able to connect with a needy patient with a life vest defibrillator. In another instance, the fund assisted a needy family who had experienced a traumatic medical emergency and were faced with the threat of eviction. Because of the donations given to the Caring Connection, the family was able to stay in their home after the cost of a utility was paid. With requests as small as $12, every donation makes a difference.

“Our physicians are a great group of individuals who not only care and treat patients every day, but who also want to give back to Good Samaritan because they truly believe we provide excellent health care and healing,” added Adam Thacker, Chief Operating Officer of Physician Network. “Their donation to the Caring Connection will help many of our patients receive the care they need.”

At the Doctors’ Day breakfast and check presentation, Dr. Scott Stine, Medical Director of Good Samaritan’s Physician Network, stated how, traditionally, Good Samaritan had recognized physicians with a gift. This year; however, Stine said the Physician Network board decided Doctors’ Day would best be recognized by a charitable donation made in their honor. “We became physicians because we wanted to help others and this is exactly what this donation will do for our patients,” stated Dr. Stine.

The first Doctors’ Day observance was held on March 30, 1933 and has been a long-standing tradition among health care facilities throughout the years. The House of Representatives made an official day of recognition in 1958 an
d President George H.W. Bush signed a resolution into law that proclaimed the observance of a day honoring our country’s physicians annually every March 30^th in 1991. Good Samaritan encourages the community to join in the celebration by offering kind words and congratulations to all doctors throughout the day.