May 1 marks Doctors' Day

Ontario's doctors treat more than 400,000 patients every day and these interactions between patients and doctors are the foundation of the health-care system, according to the Ontario Medical Association.

That's why May 1 has been proclaimed Doctors' Day in Ontario. The OMA is encouraging patients across the province to celebrate by sharing a positive experience they have had with their doctor.

An interactive campaign, which begins May 1 and runs through to June 12, allows patients with a Facebook profile to visit the Ontario doctor's page and will be connected to “Thanks Doc!”

Once there, patients from across the province can post and read short stories about the positive interactions and experiences patients have had with their doctor. As a thank you, all participants who submit an entry will be eligible to enter a draw for a chance to win a new bicycle, the perfect ingredient for staying fit and active this summer, according to the OMA.

There are a number of events scheduled to raise awareness about Doctors' Day. OMA teams were to greet commuters at Queen's Park and Wellesley subway stations and distribute hand-sanitizers. As well, over the lunch hour, a number of doctors are visiting Queen's Park for an event with MPPs.

Ontario's Doctors Day was first recognized last year after the Ontario Legislature unanimously passed a motion introduced by Richmond Hill MPP, Reza Moridi.

For more information about Doctors' Day, or to share stories, visit the Facebook page.

Posted by Arron Pickard