Author: katiestephens

On March 30 this year, we observe National Doctors’ Day. This year’s theme – Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers? – serves to remind us of physicians’ dedication to their jobs, patients, families, and their need for emotional support and care.

Each day, physicians put their patients first, often at the expense of their own physical and emotional well-being. Society expects them to be supermen and superwomen, but they’re just as vulnerable to life’s stresses, often more so because people’s lives depend on them every day.

National Doctors’ Day is observed annually on March 30 to honor physicians in America and to recognize their contributions to Americans’ healthcare. It was first celebrated in 1933 and was officially recognized by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. And the significance of March 30? It was on that date that in 1842 that Dr. Crawford W. Long first used general anesthesia in surgery.

Physicians in Virginia deliver expert care, support patients through tough moments, and drive innovations like telehealth, which expands access to remote communities. These advancements not only enhance access to care but also improve outcomes by ensuring patients receive the most effective treatments possible.

It’s not easy being a physician. Not only do physicians spend long years training to be doctors – eight years in college and medical school followed by years in residency and post-residency training – but there’s also constant continuing education to stay on top of their fields of expertise.

Physicians are there 24/7 for their patients and their families, for both the good and the bad moments in life. They celebrate with their patients when they notch a victory against an illness, as well as serving as a support system when outcomes aren’t so great. But they’re humans with feelings, and they need our support and caring, too.

National Doctors’ Day is not just a celebration but a moment to reflect on the positive difference these physicians make in the lives of patients and their families.

American Medical Association Resources for National Doctors’ Day

• Reducing burnout and mental health stigma for physicians
• On National Doctors’ Day, saying thanks is just the start

When most people think about tuberculosis (TB), they think of an ancient illness. They think it is no longer a concern. Actually, TB is still found across the world. It is a leading cause of death among infectious diseases worldwide.

TB is caused by a bacterium (germ).  It spreads through the air when a person with active TB breathes out germs as they cough, talk, or even sing. The germs float through the air on tiny particles.  The germs can be inhaled by people nearby, where they enter the lungs and cause infection. Many people never know they are infected.  Their body can contain the germs and stop them from causing illness. Others are not as lucky.  They develop active TB disease with common symptoms such as:

• extensive coughing
• fatigue
• weight loss
• night sweats

Thankfully, antibiotics can be used to treat active TB disease or asymptomatic TB infection.

About the TB Program

VDH’s TB Program is staffed by a small, but mighty crew.  It is made up of nurse consultants, epidemiologists, and administrative and program staff. Together, the team coordinates statewide surveillance and case management of TB cases.  They do this together with internal and external partners.

Crucial program partners are the clinicians, nurses, and outreach workers across the state.  Staff working in the field ensure TB cases are properly reported.  They provide expert case management with patients.  Case management ensures each patient with TB receives necessary, life-saving treatment.

Another important partner is VDH’s Division of Pharmacy Services (DPS).  DPS procures and distributes medicines used to treat TB.  The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) also works closely with the TB program.  DCLS tests thousands of specimens each year for tuberculosis.  In addition to local and state VDH offices, the TB program also partners with many other organizations.  These include:                               Graphic for TB Program Spotlight

• hospitals
• community medical providers
• academic researchers
• federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The VDH TB Program doesn’t just focus on patients with active TB disease.  Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is another key priority for the program. Screening, testing, and treatment of those at increased risk for infection can prevent LTBI from developing into active TB disease and reduce the number of active TB cases.

Learn More About the TB Program

Join us Monday, March 24 from 2-4 p.m. for our World TB Day webinar.

Attendees can register online: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/xYYIbVnYQ1mj_RVJZcJ1hA#/registration.