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 30th in 1991. Good Samaritan encourages the community to join in the celebration
by offering kind words and congratulations to all doctors throughout the day.