On March 30, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital will join the nation in celebrating National Doctors’ Day, a time-honored tradition dedicated to recognizing the physicians who work tirelessly to care for the Emerald Coast community.
National Doctors’ Day traces its roots back to 1933, when the day was first observed to honor the dedication and the life-saving breakthroughs of physicians. In 1990, it was officially designated as a national day of recognition to acknowledge the contributions of doctors in advancing medical care. For our local HCA Florida Healthcare facilities, this day is an opportunity to celebrate the specialized expertise and compassionate care our colleagues provide 24/7 across Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties.
"Our physicians are the backbone of our mission, which is the care and improvement of human life," said KC Donahey, CEO of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. "Whether they are performing life-saving surgery, mentoring the next generation of resident physicians, completing a medical residency in a much-needed specialty field, or providing a comforting word to a patient in crisis, their impact is immeasurable. Today, we pause to say, ‘thank you’ for the healing they bring to our patients every single day.”
The hospitals' celebration honors the full spectrum of medical education and experience, featuring voices from seasoned experts to those just beginning their journey in medicine:
• "Being a provider means showing up with both competence and compassion when people need it most," said Dr. Brian DeFade, urologist at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. "It is about earning trust and using my skills to improve not just health, but quality of life for those in my care. As a urologist at HCA Florida Healthcare, I strive to meet patients with dignity, clarity, and respect in a timely manner."
• "Doctor’s Day is a meaningful reminder of the sacred calling to serve and the profound privilege of being trusted with a patient’s life," said Dr. Katie Artz, emergency room physician at HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency. "It is a celebration of the shared dedication of my colleagues and the quiet victories of healing that make this lifelong commitment so rewarding."
• "Being a resident physician at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital means serving our community with compassionate, evidence-based care while learning and growing alongside experienced mentors in a collaborative clinical environment," said Dr. Breanne Kothe, a second-year internal medicine resident. "Celebrating my second Doctors’ Day is a moment to honor the patients who teach me every day, thank the colleagues and mentors who support my training and reflect on the professional growth and resilience gained over the past year."
• "Training at Fort Walton has been one of the most rewarding steps in my medical school journey," said Olivia Culp, medical student at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn. "It has provided me with invaluable hands-on opportunities, strengthened my clinical skills and allowed me to truly understand the responsibility of caring for our community. The lifelong mentorship I’ve received here has challenged me and influenced the physician and person I desire to become. I am immensely grateful for the past two years of learning here and to have called Fort Walton home."
Members of the community are encouraged to take a moment today to thank their personal physicians for the vital role they play in keeping our families healthy and our community strong.
