Special to the Chronicle

One of our most important relationships — other than family and friends — is with our doctor. In addition to providing preventive care and disease management, doctors serve as educators, researchers and advocates for healthy lifestyles. Chesterfield General Hospital will honor members of its medical staff in celebration of National Doctors’ Day on March 30.

National Doctors’ Day annually recognizes the contributions of doctors around the country for their role in healing, patient safety, medical research and advances, and respect for human life and individual dignity.

Chesterfield General Hospital has 40 affiliated physicians in more than 13 specialty areas.

“One of the key factors in a strong and vibrant community is quality medical care,” said Jeff Reece, Chesterfield General Hospital CEO. “Chesterfield General Hospital’s physicians represent a broad range of medical expertise, right here, in the Cheraw community.”

National Doctors’ Day was first observed on March 30, 1933, spearheaded by Eudora Brown Almond, a physician’s wife who wished to set aside a day to honor her husband and other physicians. March 30 is also significant among the medical community because it marks the anniversary of the first surgery using anesthesia, performed by Crawford Long, M.D., a Jefferson, Ga., physician.

Later, in 1958, Congress adopted a resolution commemorating National Doctors’ Day, and in 1990, official legislation establishing March 30 as National Doctors’ Day was passed and signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. He declared, “There is no greater reward than being entrusted with the care of others.”

If you’re looking for a new doctor or a specialist, or simply interested in learning more about the skilled professionals at Chesterfield General Hospital visit www.ChesterfieldGeneral.com. Click on the “Find a Physician” link, where you can search for a doctor by last name, gender, specialty, and location.