Goldsboro, NC — UNC Health Wayne will recognize the dedication and service of its physicians during National Doctors Day celebrations on Monday, March 30, highlighting the important role doctors play in caring for the community.
Gage Cavalier, Director of Physician Recruitment and Relations at UNC Health Wayne, said the annual observance provides an opportunity to thank physicians for their commitment and recognize their achievements.
“For those who don’t know, Monday, March 30 is National Doctors Day, and we do celebrate that here,” Cavalier said. “We appreciate all that our medical staff does and want to recognize them accordingly.”
As part of the celebration, UNC Health Wayne will host a special event honoring physicians with milestone service recognitions and peer-selected awards. The awards include the Exceptional Physician Award, Future of Wayne Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award.
“These awards are selected by their peers based on a subset of qualifications, and then we honor them accordingly,” Cavalier said.
This year’s honorees include:
- Future of Wayne Award: Dr. Justin Sargent
- Exceptional Physician Award: Dr. Kay Sari
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Paul Willman
In addition to award recipients, UNC Health Wayne will also recognize physicians for years of service in five-year increments. Some doctors being honored this year have served the community for as long as 45 years, while others will be recognized for 20, 25, and additional milestone years.
Cavalier noted that becoming a physician requires a significant commitment, often involving about a decade of additional education following college, along with ongoing learning throughout their careers.
“Medicine moves at a rapid pace, and these individuals are continually learning how best to care for their patients,” Cavalier said. “One day a year might not quite be enough to recognize everything they do.”
Cavalier, who joined UNC Health Wayne in April of last year, said the celebration is also an opportunity for the community to show appreciation.
“I think just demonstrating your appreciation when you go to a visit, or when your family members are there, is important,” he said. “They’re people just like the rest of us, and they appreciate hearing ‘thank you’ for the job they do and knowing they’re valued.”
National Doctors Day is observed annually to recognize the contributions of physicians and the positive impact they make on patients and communities.
