Submitted
On March 30, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital joined the nation in celebrating National Doctors’ Day, a time-honored tradition dedicated to recognizing the physicians who work tirelessly to care for the Marion County community.
National Doctors’ Day traces its roots back to 1933, when the day was first observed to honor the dedication and the life-saving breakthroughs of physicians. In 1990, it was officially designated as a national day of recognition to acknowledge the contributions of doctors in advancing medical care. For our local HCA Florida Healthcare facilities, this day is an opportunity to celebrate the specialized expertise and compassionate care our colleagues provide 24/7 across Marion, Sumter and Levy counties.
“Our physicians are the backbone of our mission, which is the care and improvement of human life,” said Alan Keesee, CEO of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. “Whether they are performing life-saving surgery, mentoring the next generation of resident physicians, completing a medical residency in a much-needed specialty field, or providing a comforting word to a patient in crisis, their impact is immeasurable. Today, we pause to say, ‘thank you’ for the joy and healing they bring to our colleagues and patients every single day.”
Colleagues at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital came down with a case of disco fever on March 30 to celebrate National Doctors’ Day 2026.
Within the doctors’ lounges of both hospitals, glittering disco balls, psychedelic retro prints, platform soles, and bell-bottom pants made a momentary comeback from the long-gone but not forgotten 1970s to set the groovy vibe for recognizing these incredible physicians.
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital are teaching hospitals partnered with University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine. On resident match day HCA Florida Ocala Hospital matched 65 new residents who will start in July 2026, bringing the total number of residents in the hospital system to 181 residents and fellows for the 26-27 academic year.
Dr. Garnett Benjamin, is a Family Medicine Resident serving as Co-Chief Resident for 2025-2026. Dr. Benjamin completed a trip to Kijabe, Kenya to experience medicine in a remote, mission-oriented setting. Each year a physician who has participated in medical mission shares their experience at the annual Medical Staff Meeting for HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital. This year, Dr. Benjamin shared with the medical staff his inspiring journey in patient care and renewed their sense of purpose in population health.
Members of the community are encouraged to take a moment this week to thank their personal physicians for the vital role they play in keeping our families healthy and our community strong.