St. Luke’s Hospital is celebrating National Doctors’ Day Friday by recognizing its dedicated group of physicians who are devoted to providing healthcare with access for residents and guests of Polk County.

Doctor’s Day is a national holiday that honors physicians for their commitment to patients, communities and society as a whole.

“All of our team at St. Luke’s Hospital is proud to work with and support the physicians and advanced care practitioners who make a difference in the lives of our patients every day. We are grateful to have doctors who go above and beyond the call of duty and are committed to excellent patient care, community health and wellness education, and helping us at St. Luke’s stay current in healthcare advancements,” said Jim Bross, CEO of St. Luke’s Hospital. “The professionalism and care of our doctors is a key driver of our reputation for providing exceptional, compassionate care close to home.”

National Doctors’ Day was initiated in 1935 by the Southern Medical Auxiliary. March 30 was the day Dr. Crawford Long, a renowned physician in Georgia, first used ether anesthesia in surgery.

The year was 1842, when Dr. Long administered sulfuric ether on a towel to a 21-year-old patient in order to remove a tumor on the back of his neck.

The patient, James Venable, inhaled the ether during the entire operation. Since he never experienced the slightest pain, Mr. Venable was doubtful the operation took place, until he saw the removed cyst.

-Submitted by St. Luke’s Hospital