LAURINBURG — The stars are out this week in Scotland Memorial Hospital’s main lobby to recognize the physicians that fuel Scotland Health Care System all year long.

In keeping with Doctor’s Day, celebrated on Wednesday, each star carries a comment written by a staff member or a patient recognizing and complimenting a physician for his or her service.

Scattered among 27 medical specialties, 81 physicians fall under the health care system’s umbrella in Laurinburg, Maxton, Pembroke, Wagram, and Laurel Hill and in Bennettsville.

“I sincerely thank our physicians not only for what they do, but also for how they do it: providing high quality, compassionate medical care to our community, positively and professionally,” said Greg Wood, president and CEO of Scotland Health Care System. “There is not a finer group of physicians serving a health care system anywhere.”

A banner on the health care system’s front lawn this week carries a simple message: “Doctors’ Day – That’s Something to Believe In!”

Though Doctors’ Day is officially celebrated on March 30, members of the hospital’s departments and the individual practices comprising Scotland Health Care System have embraced a full week of physician appreciation by preparing and serving meals and presenting them with gifts. The Surgical Services staff are serving breakfast to the surgeons each morning and will hold a daily contest to recognize the “best smile, handwriting, and two skills that are performed in the OR.”

“It is our purpose through all of these events to let our physicians know how grateful we are for the level of care, support and commitment they give our community and health care system,” said Wood. “The quality of our physicians is often cited as a principal reason we live in such an attractive community. As health care challenges continue to grow, it is imperative that we continue to collaboratively work together to make sure all of our interests are met, never forgetting our commitment to our patients as our common mission.”

The celebration of Doctors’ Day is a national event. The first Doctors’ Day observance was held on March 30, 1933 by the Barrow County Alliance in Winder, Georgia. The date was chosen as the anniversary of the first administration of anaesthesia in 1842 by Dr. Crawford W. Long in Barrow County, Georgia.

March 30 was designated as National Doctors’ Day in 1990.

Scotland Health Care System encourages its patients to use the system’s Facebook page to thank their physicians for the care provided in medical practises and at Scotland Memorial Hospital.

Scotland Health Care celebrates physicians

Staff report