March 30, 1842 is the day that Dr. Crawford W. Long first used ether anesthesia. Exactly 91 years after his remarkable discovery, the first observed Doctors’ Day was in 1933.

On that day, Eudora Brown Almond, the wife of a doctor in Georgia, mailed greeting cards to all the local physicians and their wives. She also put red carnations on the graves of all the deceased doctors. The red flower is now commonly associated with Doctors’ Day.

In 1990, Doctors’ Day became a national affair when President George Bush proclaimed March 30 to be National Doctors’ Day; a way to celebrate the providers caring for our communities.

Memorial Regional Health recognizes this celebration every year, as we are proud to have such a strong team of physicians and providers to care for our community. This year, rather than generally talking about our providers, we thought we’d share what our patients are saying and showcase through their eyes how our physicians have prioritized their healthcare experiences.

While we wish we had enough room in this article for all of our providers, today we are highlighting three that we’ve received thoughtful testimonials for — Dr. Stephen Mayer from oncology, Dr. Michael Sisk in the orthopaedics department and Dr. Laurie Good in dermatology!

Dr. Stephen Mayer, Oncology

Dr. Stephen Mayer

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, have an established oncologist and treatment plan and currently are receiving chemotherapy treatments outside of Craig, you may have the ability to receive chemotherapy treatments more conveniently at Memorial Regional Health.

MRH is so excited to welcome Dr. Stephen Mayer to our oncology team from the Valley View Calaway•Young Cancer Center. He is board-certified in medical oncology and internal medicine. This is his second career following 15 years as a molecular biologist. Dr. Mayer’s areas of practice include but are not limited to gastrointestinal, prostate, gynecologic, lung, hematologic malignancies and benign hematology.

Dr. Mayer’s patients in the Craig area are also elated for his expertise to be closer to home.

Jackie Camp is one of his patients who lives in Craig and had been commuting to Glenwood Springs to receive care from him at the Valley View Calaway•Young Cancer Center.

Here’s what she had to say!

Jackie ringing the bell that signified her radiation treatment was over.

I met Dr. Mayer two years ago when I was going through cancer treatment. It was a totally welcoming and informational experience. He is a very knowledgeable, down to earth and just a really cool guy. I was so glad to hear that he will be joining the MRH team.

Sometimes you go into things and have no idea know what to expect. That was me. However, Dr. Mayer put me at ease right away. After that first encounter, I knew I could trust him. He made me feel that I was important and that it was important to him to be able help me. Because of the way he explained everything, even to the point of drawing pictures, I wasn’t afraid, even though I had stage 3 endometrial cancer.

The very first time I met Dr. Mayer, he explained to me what type of cancer I had, why they had to do radiation and chemotherapy and what kind of chemo it would be. He explained it all in a way I could understand. Dr. Mayer also took the time to visit with my daughter and me every time I went down for an infusion. He would come by just to ask how I was doing and see if I had any questions. He cared enough to do that.

For a total of four years — hopefully, that’s all — I’ll see him at least once every six months. During my most recent visit, he went over my latest test results. It has been two years now and I’m still cancer-free. I’m so glad that my care has been with and will continue to be with Dr. Mayer. Oh, and he also has a great sense of humor!

Dr. Michael Sisk, Orthopaedics

Dr. Michael Sisk

In MRH’s partnership with Steamboat Orthopaedic & Spine Institute (SOSI), Dr. Michael Sisk brings orthopaedic care to the Craig community.

Dr. Sisk is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon whose practice focuses on trauma, as well as hip and knee osteoarthritis and injuries. He has experience and competence in treating all orthopaedic injuries, but has a specialty in trauma in joint replacement.

Colleen Blank was treated by Dr. Sisk and his team when undergoing knee replacement surgery and she had nothing but kind words for them.

I am so happy remembering my experience given by everyone at Memorial Regional Health prior to surgery; during surgery; after surgery in recovery; and in my private room overnight. You all were so nice to me and helped me with everything I needed during my stay. Thank you for your efforts and for being there for me.

I am so unbelievably happy with my new knee revision. Even a week after the surgery my pain levels were so much more tolerable than 8 years ago when I had my other knee replaced by a different team in a different hospital. I am so blessed now to have my new knee revision that you gave me. This new knee allows so much more movement and confidence.

Thank you for making my future happier and brighter!

Dr. Laurie Good, Dermatology

Dr. Laurie Good

Dr. Laurie Good, a board-certified dermatologist, practices full-spectrum dermatology for people of all ages, from children through seniors here at MRH in Craig and Steamboat.

Common conditions she assesses and treats include skin cancers, eczema, psoriasis and acne, but she welcomes patients with skin conditions and needs of any kind, from diagnostics to medical, cosmetic and surgical.

One of her patients, Sandy Uecker, had been dealing with psoriasis for more than 30 years. It got to the point where it became painful and hindered the ability for Sandy to do some of her daily activities. Sandy worked with several dermatologists in Northwest Colorado over the years, and none of them could help her find a solution that worked — until she visited with Dr. Good.

I’ve dealt with this disease for more than 30 years of my life. It started when I was 13 and has worsened with age. It was horrible and all over most of my body. I couldn’t wear certain clothing or shirts because of the pain. Dr. Good got me on the right medication and I am wonderful now! She worked really hard to get my condition taken care of right away. You can’t even tell now that I had anything.

I was in really bad shape when I saw Dr. Good for the first time. I went in and she looked at my psoriasis and was very thorough. She prescribed me some medications that actually helped me out and she’s changed my whole life. I can’t say enough about her — I really can’t.

You could tell Dr. Good really cared and you weren’t just another number to her. She sat down face-to-face with you — she talked to you and genuinely listened to what you had to say. She was very thorough and was interested in finding a way to help me.

I’ve been to doctors in Grand Junction, Denver and all around the northwest for my condition, and she’s one of the best. She’s a very nice person to boot too. I have recommended several family members and others to MRH Dermatology!

How to Observe National Doctors’ Day

There is never a bad time to thank your physician for responding to late calls, providing exceptional care and working long hours. There is in fact a great time to say thank you — National Doctors’ Day on March 30! There are many ways to say thank you including:

• Joining people around the nation in thanking the hundreds of thousands of doctors fighting disease and illness in the United States by using the hashtag #NationalDoctorsDay on social media.
• You can reach out to Memorial Regional Health to simply say thank you to your provider.
• You could also even have red carnations delivered to your provider to show your support!

Thank YOU for supporting our team at MRH and allowing us to be your healthcare team.