HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital are celebrating National Doctors’ Day on March 30, recognizing the physicians who provide round-the-clock care to residents across Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties.
- The observance dates to 1933, when the day was first established to honor physician dedication and medical breakthroughs. Congress designated it a national day of recognition in 1990.
“Our physicians are the backbone of our mission, which is the care and improvement of human life,” said KC Donahey, CEO of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. “Whether they are performing life-saving surgery, mentoring the next generation of resident physicians or providing a comforting word to a patient in crisis, their impact is immeasurable.”
The hospitals’ celebration draws from voices across the full spectrum of medical education and experience, from veteran specialists to physicians still in training.
Dr. Brian DeFade, a urologist at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, said being a provider means showing up with competence and compassion when patients need it most.
- “It is about earning trust and using my skills to improve not just health, but quality of life for those in my care,” DeFade said.
Dr. Katie Artz, an emergency room physician at HCA Florida DeFuniak Springs Emergency, echoed that sense of purpose, calling the day a meaningful reminder of medicine’s calling. “It is a celebration of the shared dedication of my colleagues and the quiet victories of healing that make this lifelong commitment so rewarding,” she said.
The celebration also recognized physicians earlier in their careers who are training at the Fort Walton-Destin hospital through HCA Florida’s graduate medical education program.
Dr. Breanne Kothe, a second-year internal medicine resident, said serving the community means providing compassionate, evidence-based care while learning alongside experienced mentors.
- “Celebrating my second Doctors’ Day is a moment to honor the patients who teach me every day and reflect on the professional growth and resilience gained over the past year,” Kothe said.
Olivia Culp, a medical student at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn completing clinical training at Fort Walton-Destin, said the experience has been one of the most rewarding steps in her medical school journey.
“The lifelong mentorship I’ve received here has challenged me and influenced the physician and person I desire to become,” Culp said.
