National Doctors’ Day

On March 30, hospitals across the country will celebrate National Doctors’ Day, a time to celebrate the compassionate care our doctors give to patients. This year, the Upstate Foundation’s Grateful Patient and Family program will celebrate its 14th National Doctors’ Day. A letter was sent to patients informing them of National Doctors’ Day and offering them an opportunity to honor their health care provider with a note of thanks. The tributes are delivered to each doctor, nurse and other health care professionals along with a certificate of appreciation.

Eileen Pezzi, vice president for development at the Upstate Medical University noted, “This day is a special opportunity to thank the dedicated physicians who serve our community, and go above and beyond to make our health and wellness their top priority. We are grateful for the patients and their families who choose to acknowledge their doctor for the exceptional care they received in the past year.”

“I’m grateful!” tributes

This is an opportunity to say “I’m grateful” by sending a note of appreciation to any Upstate University Hospital health care provider who went above and beyond to make your experience the best it could possibly be. 

Click here for online tribute form

  • Email: FDN@upstate.edu
  • Mail: Upstate Foundation, 750 E. Adams St, Syracuse, NY 13421

Sample messages received

A message for Dr. Sherard Tatum: “Dr. Tatum has cared for our daughter from the moment she was born, actually before! Dr. Tatum is a caring, knowledgeable, calming, and amazing individual. From the moment we learned our baby would be born with a cleft, his caring demeanor and knowledge put us at ease and we knew we were in the best possible hands. He took time and answered our questions, we began our journey knowing that with his guidance everything was going to be fine – and we were right. It's not every day you meet someone and instantly have the level of trust that we had with him. We cannot thank him enough for just being him, our baby is 15 now and taking on the world thanks to the care we received over the years with Dr. Tatum and his team. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”

A message for Dr. Stephen Blakely: “Dr. Blakely is a kind and gentle spirit who cares about my well-being. When I see or speak to him I feel reassured that everything is ok and I have confidence that he will find answers to anything that might be unusual. Thanks Dr. Blakely. You are a great doctor.”

A message for Dr. Monica Morgan: “I am thankful for all the time you spent reviewing my long medical history and patiently explaining the HBO treatment recommended for me. Your kindness and clear explanations were done in such a way that my brother and I were able to easily understand the process. We took up a good deal of your time with my medical history review and questions but we left with a clear understanding of the treatment process and appreciation for your caring attitude towards me.”