"A doctor, like anyone else who has to deal with human beings, each of them unique, cannot be a scientist; he is either, like the surgeon, a craftsman, or, like the physician and the psychologist, an artist. This means that in order to be a good doctor a man must also have a good character, that is to say, whatever weaknesses and foibles he may have, he must love his fellow human beings in the concrete and desire their good before his own."
- Auden, W. H.

Today is national Doctor's Day. While it's not one of those national holidays everyone gets to celebrate by taking time off, it is significant because with all of the modern technology that is learned and used by doctors, the everyday miracles they perform are in most cases just taken for granted.

First, to become a doctor today is not only an expensive proposition, it also, as the quote states above, involves having character and the compassion assist other people. In other words, not only does it take tremendous dedication, it also takes someone who truly cares about other people.

There are many people walking around today being productive and enjoying life, especially from the Baby Boomer generation, because of the skill that a doctor performed to enhance their lives.

We have some great doctors in our community. Many are involved in non-profit groups. Many more are involved in non-profit volunteerism while many others are involved in our local churches.

We are grateful today for the medical expertise we have in this country and we are particularly grateful to the doctors and their staffs who serve our community.