March 30, 2017

Florida Department of Health Celebrates Doctors on National Doctor Day

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111

Tallahassee, Fla.—Today, the Florida Department of Health is pleased to recognize and celebrate Florida’s physicians on National Doctors Day. This day serves as a great reminder of the crucial role physicians play in protecting and improving the health of all Florida residents and visitors.

“Physicians are committed to providing high quality care and work tirelessly to move health forward in every community in our state,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary Dr. Celeste Philip. “On behalf of the entire department, I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to the more than 81,000 Florida physicians for the amazing work they do each and every day.”

Doctors play a critical role in protecting public health. In 2016, Florida was the first state in the continental United States to experience local transmission of Zika virus. The first cases of local transmission of Zika in Florida were identified by astute clinicians who recognized the symptoms, ordered testing and reported their suspicions to the department. The department worked closely with health care providers around the state to share information Zika and provide guidance on testing and care, especially as it relates to pregnant women. Without physicians diagnosing and reporting diseases that impact public health every day, the department and our doctors specializing in public health would not be able to prevent and contain disease outbreaks.

One of the department’s priorities for the next two years is to increase immunization rates among children. Doctors are an essential part of making sure that every clinical visit is an opportunity for children to get recommended vaccinations to prevent dangerous and often times deadly diseases.

In addition to treating illness, physicians also work with their patients to improve or maintain good health. Keeping people healthy reduces the chance for costly hospital visits and helps people live longer while enjoying a high quality of life.

On National Doctors Day, take the time to thank your physician and physicians across the state for all that they do to keep their patients and their communities healthy.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.