Niagara Health is extending sincere appreciation and admiration to our more than 600 physicians and those practising in the community as we mark Doctors’ Day on May 1.

We are thankful for their commitment to the highest standards of care and for working tirelessly to keep our community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Hospital physicians and their colleagues in the community deserve a moment of recognition as we celebrate them on Doctors’ Day for a second straight year under the pressures of an unrelenting pandemic,” says Dr. Johan Viljoen, Niagara Health Chief of Staff and Executive Vice-President Medical. “I would like to thank every physician colleague for their unwavering service and care they provide. Please know that we see your work and understand your exhaustion. Your resilience is inspiring, in spite of everything coming your way. I would also like to recognize their families who support them and see the true extent of their sacrifices.”

“Niagara Health is extremely grateful for our caring and compassionate physicians for dedicating themselves each day to making a positive impact on our patients and their families,” says Niagara Health President and Interim CEO Lynn Guerriero. “COVID-19 has brought about massive upheaval to healthcare, and we have asked a lot of our physicians during this challenging time. They have answered the call of duty with professionalism and dedication, earning the admiration of our thankful community.”

Doctors’ Day is also an opportunity to welcome physicians who joined the Niagara Health team over the past year, and to salute doctors who retired and thank them for their service to our community.

Shining moments for Doctors’ Day

On May 1, Niagara Falls will be illuminated blue from 10 to 10:15 p.m. in honour of Doctors’ Day. You can view the illumination safely from your home here. At 9 p.m., the Ontario Medical Association is asking residents to “shine a light for all they do” in a show of appreciation for physicians. The association encourages people to turn on their phone flashlights and hold them high. Ontarians are also encouraged to write a message or post pictures and videos acknowledging doctors on social media using the hashtags #DoctorsDay and #ShineALightForThem.

About Doctors’ Day

Doctors’ Day is celebrated across Ontario each May 1 to recognize the province’s doctors and their commitment to improving the health of all patients. May 1 was chosen to mark the birthday of Dr. Emily Stowe, the first woman to practice medicine in Canada and a founder of the country’s women’s movement.