Thank a TRICARE Doctor for National Doctors’ Day Published March 22, 2010 By Shari Lopatin TriWest Healthcare Alliance ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- They answered the higher calling to serve those who serve our Nation. They go above and beyond the Hippocratic Oath, just from their desire to fulfill a greater need. They are heroes serving heroes. They are our TRICARE doctors. March 30 is National Doctors' Day. A day the Ellsworth community uses to recognize and appreciate what TRICARE doctors do. Why they do it. And how they make a difference. Some wear a uniform and work on military installations, treating those on active duty. Others are civilian doctors, working in communities throughout the country, taking care of service members, retirees and family members. But regardless of where they work, or what specialty they practice, these TRICARE doctors share a common trait: their choice to take care of those who protect our Nation. As part of the Doctor's Day commemoration, TRICARE beneficiaries from across 21 western states have shared personal stories and expressions of gratitude for their TRICARE physicians. "I have never in my entire life met a provider that genuinely cares for his patients as much as [my doctor]," said one TRICARE patient. "He is so good about following up and making sure we have the best possible care we can get." Other stories touched on personal accounts of survival. "Since I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in October 2007, [my physician] has been there with and for me every step of the way, through the MRIs, CT and PT scans, weekly blood panels, surgery, chemotherapy and adjunctively with radiation." On this distinctive day, take the time to thank your TRICARE doctor. And hear what others had to say. Visit www.triwest.com/drday to see why these special doctors stand out from the crowd.