This week, we celebrate the 6th annual National Physicians Week starting on March 25th through March 31st, 2021! This year’s theme is #ThisIsOurShot, which goes farther than the needed efforts to minimize the impact of COVID-19 and vaccinate our communities. This is also ‘our shot’ to continue to work together to improve the health care system and educate the public about the forces that continue to erode the central patient-physician relationship. It is ‘our shot’ to support the future generation of physicians and ensure there is a spot in residency training for every qualified medical student in the country. It is ‘our shot’ to support the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2021 and similar initiatives and legislation that prioritize physician-led care and fill physician gaps with physicians.
In the year of the pandemic, National Physicians Week provides an opportunity to show appreciation for the sacrifices physicians continue to make to care for people well. As this brief video shows, we are also leading by example in the fight against COVID-19!
National Physicians Week was launched in 2016 by my friend and colleague, family physician Dr. Kim Jackson, to “honor the healers dedicated to the art of medicine.” She also founded Physicians Working Together. Join us in celebrating this week by thanking your physician and thinking of ways to show your appreciation!
Joyfully,
