The Icelandic Medical Association has chosen this day because it has a strong connection to the history of medicine in Iceland. The first specially trained physician in Iceland, who also became the first Medical Director of Health in the country, Bjarni Pálsson, was born on this day in 1719.

On this occation, the Icelandic Medical Association will bring up for discussion the importance of physicians being able to perform their work in such a way that the maximum amount of time is devoted to the care of patients and their relatives, which is the core of their work. The association will also focus on the working environment of physicians, which needs to be compatible with that which is best in our neighbouring countries, because Iceland competes with them and others for the workforce of physicians.

HSN currently employs approximately 50 physicians as well as substitute doctors. We congratulate them and all the physicians in Iceland on the Day of Doctors, which we will celebrate annually from now on - thank you for your important work.