Does your Doc Rock? Say thanks to your Doctor today

TORONTO, May 1, 2015 /CNW/ - Every day, more than 320,000 patients across Ontario are treated and cared for by a doctor. Whether it's in a hospital, a long-term care home, a clinic or at home, Ontario's doctors are making a positive difference in the lives of patients by providing high-quality care when it's needed most.

To recognize Ontario's 28,000 physicians, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is launching its annual Doctors' Day campaign today. During the month of May, patients and their families are invited to celebrate Doctors' Day by submitting a personalized thank-you message to their doctor and sharing their stories through OntariosDoctors.com or by tweeting using #docsrock. For every patient submission, Ontario's doctors will donate $1 to the Canadian Red Cross Society.

Stouffville mom of four Eileen Rogers-Coughlin wants to thank the doctor who helped save her life after a tumour was found in her spinal cord.

"On this Doctors' Day, I want to give my heartfelt thanks for the treatment and care that neurosurgeon Dr. Eric Massicotte of Toronto Western Hospital gave to me. After receiving my diagnosis I met with a few different doctors who lead me to this amazingly knowledgeable and skilled surgeon," she said. "If it wasn't for Dr. Massicotte and his miraculous work I would not have had the astonishing outcome and recovery that I did. My family and I are so very grateful to this man."

"As doctors practicing in Ontario, we have a proud history of advocating for the health of Ontarians and are dedicated to improvement of the overall health of our patients," said Dr. Mike Toth, OMA president-elect and a family physician in Aylmer. "This year, on May 1st, Ontario's doctors want to take time to thank you – our patients, and express what a privilege and honour it is for us to care for the more than 320,000 patients we see each and every day."

May 1st was recognized by the provincial government in 2011 as the official day of appreciation for Ontario's medical profession. The date was chosen to mark the birthday of Canada's first female physician, Dr. Emily Stowe.

To celebrate Doctors' Day, hospitals, health clinics and other community organizations are invited to recognize doctors who are transforming care in their organization and in their community.

Fast Facts about Ontario Doctors

• Number of practicing physicians in Ontario: approximately 28,000
• Number of specialists: 15,000
• Number of general practitioners: 13,000
• Ontario's doctors treat approximately 320,000 patients each day and approximately 5.9 million in the emergency department each year.
• Average hours of work by a doctor: 55 hours/week
• Number of first year students enrolled in medical school in Ontario: 1,000
• Average number of years to complete medical education: 8-12 years, plus ongoing, mandatory continuing professional development courses
• Each physician's office (through overhead) contributes the equivalent of 4 full-time jobs in their community, generates $205,000 in GDP and generates $50,000 in tax revenue for the municipal, provincial and federal governments.

SOURCE Ontario Medical Association

about Doctors' Day, please contact OMA Media Relations at: 416.340.2862 or toll-free at 1.800.268.7215, ext. 2862 or [email protected]