March 30th marks Doctors' Day, celebrated on the anniversary of Dr. Crawford W. Long’s first surgery performed under anesthesia in Jefferson, Georgia. His work reflected a remarkable balance of the science and art of medicine and led to one of the most significant advances in patient care. Yet, Dr. Long did not publish his results for seven years. In the meantime, Horace Wells and William Morton used ether at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and for many years, they were credited with this breakthrough. It is fitting that Doctors’ Day commemorates someone whose profound contribution to medicine was underrecognized in its time.
With ongoing advances in research, new tools, and easier access to information, physicians today have an unprecedented amount of data to support diagnosis and treatment. However, it is the art of medicine that patients value most—and that drives many of our greatest contributions to society and our communities. Our physicians at Duke Orthopaedics exemplify this balance every day, working tirelessly to care for patients while advancing the field and serving the broader community.
Their collective dedication to delivering the best care, treatments, and solutions for our patients and their loved ones is a true mark of excellence. Taking a little extra time with a patient to discuss a condition, continually refining techniques and treatment approaches, and remaining committed to finding the best possible solutions are efforts that are recognized and appreciated daily.
Please join me in thanking our doctors for their commitment to the health and well-being of our community, our patients, our loved ones, and ourselves. In the spirit of Dr. Long, it’s the daily actions that help our patients that truly matter, not how they are publicized.
All the best,
Ben