In every profession, it’s important to pause from time to time to reflect on the meaningful ways its members contribute to society. These moments of recognition not only celebrate achievements but also remind us why the work matters in the first place.

For those of us in health care, National Doctors Day offers just such an opportunity. Observed each year on March 30, the day honors the “dedication, skill and unwavering commitment of physicians in providing high-quality health care to individuals and communities worldwide,” according to the American Medical Association. It is a chance to acknowledge not only clinical expertise, but also the compassion, resilience, and leadership physicians bring to their communities every day.

The tradition dates back to 1933, when Dr. Charles B. Almond first organized a celebration in Winder, Georgia. What began as a local gesture of appreciation has grown into a nationwide observance embraced by hospitals, training programs, and health systems that recognize the vital role physicians play in our communities.

At The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, we take great pride in honoring the extraordinary work our physicians demonstrate day in and day out. Since our founding in 1976 as the Scranton-Temple Residency Program, we have remained committed to delivering high-quality, comprehensive, whole-person primary and preventive health services to individuals of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Today, our more than 1,100 alumni physicians carry forward our twofold mission to improve the health and welfare of our communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, we have expanded our reach to 13 community-based locations across Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, complemented by our Driving Better Health mobile medical and dental unit. Through these efforts, we serve tens of thousands of patients each year, ensuring access to care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. This work would not be possible without physicians whose commitment extends far beyond the exam room.

In the spirit of Doctors Day, I’m pleased to highlight a few recent milestones that reflect the dedication of our medical staff. Earlier this year, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) Office earned accreditation through February 2028 following a review by the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s CME Advisory Panel. Established in 2025, the office enables us to offer continuing education credits for faculty development and internal programming – an important investment in ensuring our physicians remain at the forefront of evolving clinical knowledge and best practices.

Our doctors also bring creativity and community engagement to their work in inspiring ways. On Friday, March 27 at 6 p.m., the “Louder Than Cancer!” community concert will take place at the Theater at North in Scranton, 1539 N. Main Ave. Organized by Drs. Vikas Khurana, Reese Hofstrand, and Peter Iskander of our Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, the event is held in recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and aims to raise awareness about the lifesaving importance of preventive screenings.

The concert will feature Rocdoc and the Healers, a band composed of medical professionals and musicians who use music as a platform to spark conversations about health. In addition to the performance, attendees will have access to educational information tables connecting them with regional providers and resources focused on prevention and whole-person care.

Admission is free through Eventbrite, and guests will be invited to complete a brief colon-health survey and consider a voluntary donation. Proceeds from sponsorships and contributions will benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. Visit here for more information.

Events like this underscore the many ways physicians extend their impact beyond clinical settings – educating, advocating, and meeting people where they are to promote healthier communities. It’s a powerful reminder that medicine is not only a science, but also a deeply human endeavor grounded in service.

As we observe National Doctors Day, we celebrate the expertise, compassion, and deep commitment of physicians everywhere. Their work improves individual lives, strengthens families, and builds healthier communities – today and for generations to come.

Douglas Klamp, M.D., is senior vice president, chief medical education officer, and physician chair of resident and fellow talent acquisition at The Wright Center. He is also the program director of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Klamp is accepting patients 18 and older at community health centers in Clarks Summit and Scranton. Visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019 to make an appointment.Bottom of Form