Today is Doctor's Day is India, a day in which physicians are honored, that marks both the birth and the death of Dr. B.C. Roy, physician, educator, social reformer, freedom fighter, leader of the Indian National Congress and later chief minister of West Bengal.
July 1 also marks the day, five years ago, when PhRMA issued new codes of ethics ("Code of Interactions for Healthcare Professionals") for drug company sales reps, banning reps from paying physicians for entertainment and perks and capping dinner fees.
Which raises a question: How are drug companies observing National Doctor's Day, here in the U.S. (and in India?).
The U.S. celebrates its physicians on March 30, which was officially designated National Doctors' Day . Hallmark* issued its first card in the U.S. to celebrate this date a few years ago.
* Aside - we've heard that some of Hallmark's top writers have recently experienced severe writers' block, resulting in a number of unusual messages, which experienced record sales before they were recalled. For more, scroll down to the very bottom of this page to read
Below some Doctor's Day 2007 Hallmark cards designed for patients:
Cover: You're a doctor who truly cares - someone who always takes the time to listen. Inside: That means as much as all the medicine in the world. Happy Doctors' Day. ______________________ Cover: The genuine concern you show as a doctor... is appreciated more than words can say. Inside: Thank you for the thoughtful care you give. Happy Doctors' Day.______________________
But how about pharma companies that want to send their favorite doctors a special greeting? Since no cards that have yet been developed for this niche need, this blog is sponsoring a contest for the best Doctor's Day greeting card messages from pharmaceutical companies. Here's the first (rather lame) entry:
Cover: Happy Doctors' Day - Because You Are So Much More Than a "Bucket of Money" to Me Inside: Your ADD lectures are the talk of the town; your clinical trials have no peer. So we send you our heart-felt good wishes, and wish you a day full of cheer Those trips to Barbados are over; we hope you'll explain to your kin But our next CNS series is coming, we hear that St. Barts is now "in." Please send in doggerel and/or PhotoShop greeting cards and we'll publish them (PG-13 and above only please). AMS And now, Greeting Card Messages Gone Wrong 1. My tire was thumping. I thought it was flat When I looked at the tire... I noticed your cat. Sorry! 2. Heard your wife left you, How upset you must be. But don't fret about it... She moved in with me. 3. Looking back over the years that we've been together, I can't help but wonder... "What the hell was I thinking?" 4.Congratulations on your wedding day! Too bad no one likes your husband. 5. How could two people as beautiful as you Have such an ugly baby? 6. I've always wanted to have someone to hold, someone to love. After having met you .. I've changed my mind. 7 I must admit, you brought Religion into my life. I never believed in Hell until I met you. 8. As the days go by, I think of how lucky I am... That you're not here to ruin it for me. 9. Congratulations on your promotion. Before you go... Would you like to take this knife out of my back? You'll probably need it again. 10. Happy Birthday, Uncle Dad! (Available only in
