Happy National Doctors' Day

When you have a chronic illness it's almost a guarantee that you are going to see a lot of doctors. I went from maybe going to the doctor once a year to going a couple times a month. Some months I feel like I see my doctors more than I see my friends.

Today is national doctors' day and this doctors' day I am feeling especially grateful for my amazing team of doctors. This letter is to them and all the doctors who go above and beyond for their patients.

Dear Doctor,

Today is national doctors' day. A day where the world stops and acknowledges the hard work you do. I know the acknowledgement only touches the surface of the sacrifice you make each and every day for your patients. There is so much you do that often goes unseen. So today I want to say I see you and appreciate you. I see you staying late calling your patients and charting every last detail. I see you checking your patient messages late at night and waking up early to start again. I see you double or even triple booking your appointments so every patient who needs to be seen can be seen. I see you apologizing for the wait even though it was out of your control and you likely just had a really difficult conversation. I see you fighting insurance so your patient gets the med/treatment they need. I see your frustration when you want to just fix it for your patient but you can't. I see you sitting in the painful circumstances with a patient then putting on a smile and celebrating the breakthroughs with your next patient. I see you having to miss out on major events with your own family, because you were caring for someone else's family member. I see you continuing to care for, encourage, guide, and teach even when the world fights against your advice. Thank you for the sacrifices you make each and everyday to care for others. While it may not be said enough, know you are appreciated. Words will never fully express how grateful I am for the sacrifices you make to care for me and your other patients.

Thank you,

Christy