Naval Medical Center San Diego celebrates Doctor’s Day Mar. 29, 2024 in the NMCSD Auditorium.

National Doctor’s Day began Mar. 30, 1933 in Windor, Ga.,and celebrates the physicians who serve their patients and community.

On this Doctor’s Day, NMCSD team members had the opportunity to hear from retired Rear Adm. Bruce Gillingham, a San Diego native, graduate from NMCSD’s Orthopedic Residency program, prior Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command commanding officer, and the 39th Surgeon General of the United States Navy.

“Being able to hear from Gillingham about how Navy medicine differs from civilian medicine made me appreciate even more just what kind of special community naval physicians comprise,” said Lieutenant Alexander Williams. “Our flexibility and willingness to be sent into harm's way while providing the highest quality healthcare to our warfighters sets us apart, and Gillingham really cemented that belief in my mind when he spoke about this.”

Gillingham shared his experience as an orthopedic surgeon in the Navy working with deployed teams and shared with the attendees insight on his influential work as an esteemed leader in military medicine.

“I am constantly inspired by the quality of the physicians I serve with, and Gillingham's words only reinforced this for me,” said Williams. “I am honored to have heard him speak as a distinguished member of our community.”

NMCSD continuously seeks professional civilian talent, not just limited to health care providers and administrative support. For anyone seeking a federal job, visit USAJobs at usajobs.gov - the Federal Government's official employment site.

The mission of NMCSD is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality health care services, and shape the future of military medicine through education, training, and research. NMCSD employs more than 5,000 active-duty military personnel, civilians and contractors in southern California to provide patients with world-class care. Anchored in Excellence, Committed to Health! (U.S. Navy story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Celia Martin)

Story originally posted on DVIDS: NMCSD Celebrates Doctor’s Day