June 15 is the Day of the medical worker: the history and traditions of the holiday, how to congratulate

Every year, on the third Sunday of June in Russia, medical staff — doctors, nurses, paramedics, orderlies and everyone involved in health protection - celebrate their professional holiday. In 2025, the Day of the Medical Worker falls on June 15th. Read about the significance of this day, the history of the profession, traditions, as well as who and how they congratulate on this day in the Izvestia article.

Medical Worker's Day on June 15 — the history of the profession

The Day of the Medical worker was officially established by the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated October 1, 1980 "On holidays and memorable days". According to the document, it was decided to celebrate it annually on the third Sunday of June.

In 1988, the Day of the Doctor was officially fixed in a single calendar of holidays. After the collapse of the USSR, the tradition was preserved — the date remained the same, and the corresponding provision with minimal revisions is valid in modern Russia. Thus, in 2025, the Day of the Medical Worker will be celebrated on June 15.

Medicine is one of the oldest professions, its origins lie in primitive ideas about diseases as manifestations of the supernatural. The first healers, who in modern society would be called shamans or healers, were treated with herbs, rituals and spells. With the transition from mythology to observational practice, the science of treatment, medicine as rational knowledge, was born.

The ancient heritage was of particular importance in the development of the medical profession. In the 5th century BC, the Greek physician Hippocrates was the first to try to systematize knowledge about diseases, study the causes of ailments and identify ethical principles of medical work. It is to him that the famous oath is attributed, which still serves as the moral basis for doctors all over the world.

Hippocrates not only treated, but also taught — his school established traditions of medical mentoring and clinical supervision. He proposed to consider the disease not as a punishment of the gods, but as a violation of the balance in the body, which became a turning point in the development of medicine.

In parallel, Egypt, India, China, and Persia developed their own healing systems. The Egyptians mastered the art of surgery and bandaging, Chinese healers described the theory of meridians and vital energy "qi", Indian Ayurveda developed ideas about the balance of the doshas, and Persian doctors laid the foundations of pharmacology and medical ethics. These schools did not just treat — they formed a holistic understanding of health, many of the principles of which have not lost their relevance today.

In medieval Europe, the development of medicine slowed down, but in the East — including in the Muslim world — scientific thought flourished. Doctors like Avicenna wrote works that influenced medicine right up to the Renaissance.

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As for Russia, medicine has existed here for a long time within the framework of folk practices. The turning point came in the 18th century, when Peter the Great signed a decree on the establishment of military medical schools. At the same time, Russia's first hospital school was established in Moscow, which trained doctors according to the Western European model. Then the first state pharmacy appeared. Gradually, the state health care system was formed, focused not only on the military, but also on the civilian population.

In the 19th century, university clinics were established, science developed, and the state health care system was formed. However, the widespread availability of medical care became a reality only during the Soviet period. In the Soviet Union, medicine acquired the status of a strategic branch. Since 1918, universal free medical care has been introduced in the country, as well as a system of prevention, medical examination and health education.

Polyclinics, maternity hospitals, and sanitary stations were created as part of government programs. Large-scale campaigns to combat infections, protect motherhood and childhood, and combat alcoholism and other social ills became the basis of the Soviet model of medicine. Unique scientific schools have been developed, and medical education has become one of the most prestigious in the country. It was during this period that the medical profession acquired a special social status.

Traditions of celebrating the Day of the Medical Worker

On the Day of the Medical Worker, state and non-state institutions hold festive events. In polyclinics and hospitals, the best employees are awarded certificates of honor, commendations and cash prizes. Special attention is paid to veterans of the profession and those who work in remote regions, rural areas, in Arctic and remote areas. In addition to official ceremonies, informal meetings and corporate evenings are held.

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Concerts for healthcare workers are organized in large cities, professional seminars and exhibitions are held. Traditionally, graduation ceremonies, certificates of honor and state awards are also held on this day. One of the most prestigious titles remains "Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation". It is awarded to specialists with many years of experience — at least 20 years of continuous professional practice, and for radiologists — 15 years, if they have already received federal awards.

Since 2001, the prestigious medical award "Vocation" has been awarded on the eve of the holiday. It is awarded to doctors who have made a significant contribution to the development of medicine, distinguished by unique achievements in the field of diagnosis, treatment and scientific research.

Medical Worker's Day in 2025 — best wishes

On Medical Worker's Day, congratulations are accepted not only by doctors, but also by everyone who guards health every day: nurses, paramedics, laboratory assistants, orderlies, pharmacists, ambulance drivers, technical staff of medical institutions, as well as teachers and students of medical universities. On this day, words of gratitude from patients, colleagues, friends and relatives are addressed to the specialists.

Izvestia has prepared several examples of how to congratulate on the Day of the medical worker on June 15.:

"Congratulations on the Day of the Medical Worker! May your hands always bring healing without feeling tired. Thank you for giving people hope with your hard work. We wish that each shift brings peace and joy, and each of your smiles restores not only the body, but also the soul of the patient."

"Your professionalism is a bridge between illness and health. May your powers multiply, your care always returns with respect and warmth, and the smiles of those you have helped will become your daily recognition and your most valuable order. Happy holidays!"

"Congratulations on the Day of the Medical Worker! Your job is not just a profession, it is a high mission. Don't let it ever become a chore for you. Let every working day be a step towards healing someone."

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