Discourses From the East
Doctors as Champions of Social Change
Anchored in the legacy of Dr. B. C. Roy and the philosophy of Rudolf Virchow, National Doctor's Day highlights how health is shaped not only by clinical care but by broader social, economic, and environmental conditions. The piece argues that doctors, as trusted figures, are uniquely positioned to advocate for health equity, address social determinants of disease, and engage in public discourse. From patient communication to community outreach and climate advocacy, it calls for a reimagining of medical practice as both a science and a socially responsive art. It needs to be seen, imagined and practiced as one that extends beyond treatment in shaping a healthier and more just society.