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Doctors work hard to make their patients feel comfortable. They take a lead role during the hardest parts of our lives, like illness or injury. While nobody wants to be under the care of a doctor in an emergency, we’re thankful for their passion, care, and understanding. A good doctor makes these stressful situations a little less scary.
If you’ve experienced the care of a kind, hardworking doctor, saying thank you is a great way to show your gratitude. One way to do this is with a thoughtful thank you note. While doctors know their work is essential, they rarely get the recognition they deserve from patients. Taking a bit of time to think of the right words for a note goes a long way.
Here’s how to write a thank you note to your doctor with examples. Follow along to create something truly special.
Before we begin, think about the timing of your thank you note to your doctor. It’s best to say thank you as soon as you receive quality care, but sometimes life gets in the way. When we’re dealing with health issues and emergencies, it’s understandable to forget about saying “thank you” to those helping along the way.
However, do your best to send your thank-you note within a month of your surgery, office visit, or baby delivery. The sooner, the better. Either way, note there is no time limit or deadline on these messages. Even if you wait weeks (or even months), it's never too late to send a thank you card to your doctor.
Writing a thank you note to your doctor is a way to let them know you appreciate their hard work. Doctors and health professionals use their expertise to heal others in times of need. They also practice compassion, understanding, and positivity to help you through tough moments. Here are the steps for sending words of appreciation to a doctor in your life.
It’s normal to feel a bit intimidated when writing a thank you note. How do you find the right words to say, especially when the doctor played such a significant role in your recovery? It might seem challenging to sum up your entire gratitude into a short note. You don’t want to write a novel, but you also want to highlight their fantastic work.
To collect your thoughts, start with a brainstorming session. Write down a few ideas about what this doctor means to you. Let these questions below guide your thinking:
The simplest place to start is the greeting. This doesn’t have to be formal, so don’t get too tied up in making sure you’re greeting them “correctly.” There’s no single way that’s the best. Common greetings for thank you notes are:
Always address them by their last name unless they gave you permission to use their first name. For example, if their name is Dr. Kevin Smith, you would write “Hi, Dr. Smith” as your greeting.
If there are several doctors you’re thanking, use all of their names. To address a team of doctors, you could also include the name of the department (e.g. Cardiology team).
Now it’s time to dive into your thank you message. For this part, it’s best to be specific. The more you can say about how they helped you, the better. You don’t have to go on for sentences, but you should be clear about how they impacted your life. Some ideas are:
Remember that doctors have many patients. Be specific with the date as well as the type of assistance they provided to ensure they remember you. Again, be as specific as possible.
Doctors are invested in their patients’ recovery. They want to know that you’re not only feeling better but that you’re living life to its fullest. If you feel comfortable, share an update about your progress with your doctor.
This is especially impactful if you haven’t been in touch with them for a while or if you’re under a new healthcare provider’s care. Some examples might be:
Finally, end your note with a final thank you. You’ll also want to sign your name. Again, be specific with who you are. Your doctor might work with several patients at once, and it might be difficult to place your name without other identifying information.
Dating your letter and sharing your experience with them is a great way to ensure they place the patient with the name. Don’t overthink your closing. Short and sweet is usually best, so include any of the following:
If you feel especially close with this doctor, you might also include a gift with your thank you card. This is completely optional, and no doctor ever expects gifts from patients. However, they’re still welcome. You don’t have to spend a lot on gifts for doctors .
It’s really the thought that counts. Some common ways to say thank you with your card include:
Finding the right words isn’t always easy. To help you create a meaningful message for the doctor that impacted you, review these sample thank you notes below. Make sure you personalize your note to your experience, but any of these samples make a great template.
Post-surgery thank you note example
Thank you so much for your excellent work during my foot surgery. I experienced minimal pain during recovery, and I have you to thank for everything. I couldn’t have imagined how much better I would feel, and I am confident I’ll be returning to my favorite sports soon. Your kindness and dedication to patients really shine bright in everything you do. Thank you again.
Post-baby delivery thank you note example
Thank you for delivering my baby, Pam Smith. All of your care and concern leading up to the delivery made me feel confident going into the delivery room. The baby class your recommended was a lifesaver, and I can never thank you enough for your help through this entire process. My entire family thanks you for your support. I’m sure I’ll see you soon when I become pregnant again. Kindest regards.
Say thank you for taking care of my loved one example
Thank you for your compassion with my mother, Susan Meyer. The entire family was concerned when she fell sick last month, and you really helped us every step of the way. If it weren’t for you, I don’t know how I would have handled everything. I wanted to let you know that she’s doing better than ever now that she’s home, and it’s all thanks to you. We all send our love and thanks! While we don’t ever want her to have another emergency, I feel much better knowing she’s with you. Thank you for everything.
Saying thanks to your general practitioner example
I appreciate your reliable care year after year. Your guidance during my annual physical keeps me in my best shape, and I owe much of my success to you. Your positivity, helpfulness, and dedication to patients really stand out. I always look forward to your jokes and easy-going manner. Best wishes from a dedicated patient.
Saying thanks for saving your life example
Today, I’m breathing because of you. Doctor, you are my savior. I can never actually thank you enough for everything you did after my accident. Words aren’t enough to share my appreciation. That was one of the scariest moments of my life, and I honestly wasn’t sure I would get through the other side. Even in the darkest moments, you never gave up your hope in my recovery. My family and I are so grateful to have your kindness and compassion in our darkest moments. The world is a better place because you’re in it.
Saying thanks for the referral example
Thank you so much for my referral to the specialist. After so many years of wondering if my pain was all in my head, I had almost given up on doctors altogether. You were willing to not only help, but to also listen to my symptoms. You’re the first doctor to consider the big-picture, and I can’t thank you enough for advocating for my health. The referral not only validates my feelings and experiences, but it also is a reminder that the healthcare system is supposed to be people-focused. Thank you!
Saying thanks during the holiday season or new year example
To my fearless doctor and healthcare staff, thank you for all the compassionate care over the past year. I wish you and your loved ones the happiest of holiday seasons. You wore tirelessly throughout the year to put others first. Now, it’s time to take care of yourself. I hope you find these next few days relaxing and refreshing so you’re ready to take on the next year ahead. Know that you have the full support of your patients and community behind you. We can’t thank you enough for all that you do.
Saying thanks to the doctor and their staff example
To my doctor and her staff, thank you! Since the moment I first walked in the door, I felt taken care of. Visiting a doctor, especially a new one, is always intimidating. There’s a lot of worry over whether or not I’ll be heard or taken seriously. Luckily, that wasn’t the case in your office. I was welcomed with a smile, and every step was effortless. Each individual on your team, from reception to doctors, makes me feel heard and valued. Thank you for putting patients first.
Saying thanks after a loved one passes away example
Though I wish I was writing this thank you note under different circumstances, I have to thank you for all you did to help my loved one in their final days. Your positivity and compassion spoke to your years of expertise and knowledge. Not only did you help my aunt stay comfortable during her final hours, but you never wavered in your support. Though I miss my family member dearly, I feel peace knowing they were under such qualified care. Thank you for all you do. I really appreciate it.
Saying thanks to a nursing facility doctor example
Thank you, doctor, for helping my loved one during their final months at your nursing home. Your facility is managed with such care and compassion, and it helps to know that he was taken care of so thoughtfully. I know he was truly at home there. You went above and beyond to make him feel comfortable, even during more complex medical procedures. You’re the type of caretaker all doctors should aspire to be. Thank you!
Saying thanks to a doctor after cancer recovery example
I don’t know where to begin when it comes to saying thank you. I was terrified when I first received my diagnosis all those years ago. It was your dedication and positivity that helped me through the initial rounds of chemotherapy. I can’t thank you enough for your skill and expertise in your care. Thank you for always being in my corner and rooting for me. You’re truly amazing.
Saying thanks to a doctor with a gift example
I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me as my doctor! Please accept these baked goods as a token of my gratitude. I know it’s not much, but it’s something sweet to hopefully bring a smile to your face. I know how hard you work, and I’ve witnessed firsthand just how much you care for your patients. Thank you for your help with my own care. I’ll think of it for the rest of my life. Wishing you the absolute best for you and your staff!
Finally, sometimes a longer thank you message doesn’t feel appropriate. Whether you’re saying thanks online, through a short card, or in person, these quick messages get the job done. Never underestimate the power of saying thank you to someone who was there for you. No matter how small, words carry a lot of power.
Like all thank you messages, consider your medium and your relationship. If this is a doctor you’ve known for a long time, you might feel comfortable being more casual in your thank you. Otherwise, keep things professional and shareable. Always sign your thank you note to a doctor with your name. Many also choose to send a gift, like a gift card, flowers, baked goods, or even a gift basket. Ultimately, it’s up to you how you show your doctor you care.
A note is the best way to ensure your doctor knows how much you appreciate them. Doctors put in tireless hours and expect nothing in return. For that, we should all give them thanks. If you’ve recently been under a doctor’s care, take a few moments to create a thank you note. These are the small reminders that make all those long hours and days worth it.
Your health is your most valuable asset. Planning for the future is the best way to stay in control of your health. Start end-of-life planning today to prepare for anything tomorrow might bring, while also making the best decisions about your own health.
Post-planning tip: If you are the executor for a deceased loved one, dealing with the hospital won't be the only thing you have to think about. We have a post-loss checklist that will help you ensure that your loved one's family, estate, and other affairs are taken care of.
