National Call Your Doctor Day, observed every second Tuesday of June, urges women to prioritize their health by scheduling their annual Well-Woman Exam. This crucial day highlights the importance of preventative care, reminding us that a simple phone call can be life-saving. Take action today: schedule your check-up, encourage loved ones, and spread awareness.
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History of National Call Your Doctor Day
The first milestone in terms of women’s health came in 1921 with the appearance of the first successful sanitary pad. The Kimberly-Clark company introduced Kotex (from the phrase ‘cotton-like texture’), which was made from Cellucotton and developed during World War I as bandage material.
In 1916, America got its first birth control clinic in Brooklyn, New York. In 1931, New York gynecologist Robert Tilden Frank came up with the concept of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in his paper stating that premenstrual disturbances were linked to ovarian cycles. Next, the first disposable tampon arrived in 1933 after Dr. Earle Haas patented it.
A breakthrough came in May 1960 when the FDA approved the sale of the first oral contraceptive, Enovid, which was also known simply as the Pill, manufactured by the Searle pharmaceutical company. Within two years, Enovid was being taken by more than one million women in the U.S.
Breast health saw advances when mammography came about in 1969 with the creation of low-radiation mammograms. And the first digital mammography machine was approved in 2000.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled, in 1973, against the state and federal restrictions on first-trimester abortions, deeming them unconstitutional. Much later, in 1999, the FDA finally approved the emergency contraceptive pill (Plan B) for prescription use. However, it took the FDA seven more years to approve Plan B available for over-the-counter sales to women over the age of 18. The age was lowered to 17 in July 2009.
Bright Pink, the NGO that founded Call Your Doctor Day, was founded by Lindsay Avner. She was the youngest woman in the U.S. to undergo a double mastectomy in 2007. Finally, on June 21, 2016, Bright Pink, announced National Call Your Doctor Day to encourage women to schedule their yearly Well-Woman Exam.
National Call Your Doctor Day timeline
Elizabeth Blackwell graduates from New York's Geneva Medical College with an MD degree.
Margaret Sanger, America's most famous advocate for birth control, opens America's first birth control clinic in Brooklyn, New York on October 16.
New York gynecologist Robert Tilden Frank publishes his paper about women who are handicapped by premenstrual disturbances, stating that this is linked to ovarian cycles.
The women's liberation conference of 1969, in Boston, leads to the creation of “Our Bodies, Ourselves,” a health book by women for women, that revolutionizes views about women’s bodies.
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See MoreNational Call Your Doctor Day FAQs
When is National Call Your Doctor Day?
National Call Your Doctor Day 2026 is observed on Tuesday, June 9. This annual observance serves as a vital reminder for women to schedule their yearly Well-Woman Exam.
Why is the Well-Woman Exam important?
The Well-Woman Exam is crucial for preventative health, allowing doctors to screen for potential issues like cervical cancer, breast cancer, and STIs. It also provides an opportunity to discuss contraception, fertility, and overall wellness with a healthcare provider.
How many women delay routine care?
Studies show that a significant number of women, estimated to be over half, delay or skip routine medical appointments due to various factors like busy schedules, cost concerns, or fear. This day aims to reduce that number by emphasizing the ease and importance of a simple phone call.
Is National Call Your Doctor Day only for women?
While the day specifically encourages women to schedule their Well-Woman Exam, the broader message of prioritizing preventative care applies to everyone. It highlights the importance of regular check-ups for all individuals, regardless of gender.
How To Observe National Call Your Doctor Day
Schedule an appointment
If you are a woman, call your nearest doctor and schedule an appointment to take your annual Well-Woman Exam. If you are a male, encourage your female family members to book an appointment.
Organize an event
Organize an event in your area. Invite a local doctor and ask them to speak about the importance of having regular health check-ups. Share some moments on social media.
Do your research
Do your research about the recent advancements in the field of health and medicine. You can also talk to your doctor to gain more knowledge of potential health issues and how you can avoid them.
5 Facts About Women’s Health That You Didn’t Know
Women are more health-conscious
Excluding pregnancy-related visits, women are 33% more likely to pay a visit to a doctor than men.
Unscheduled health
A 2015 survey stated that nine of out 10 millennials do not schedule preventive doctor’s appointments.
A regular suggestion
It is suggested for women of 21 years and older to see a gynecologist every six months to a year.
The first woman at the NY Academy of Medicine
Mary Putnam Jacobi was the first woman to be accepted into the New York Academy of Medicine in the 1890s.
First sports bra
In 1977, University of Vermont graduate student and runner Lisa Lindahl came up with the idea of sewing together two men's jockstraps to provide support and comfort for women athletes.
Why National Cancer Day is Important
It prioritizes health
National Call Your Doctor Day aims to engage women to make staying healthy a priority. This is the first step towards meeting health obligations in the future.
It promotes a healthier life
National Call Your Doctor Day promotes establishing a baseline for your future health concerns. This serves to improve opportunities for identifying risk factors.
It stresses preventive care
National Call Your Doctor Day stresses the importance of preventative care. Regular screenings and check-ups are no doubt effective but simple modifications in your lifestyle do bring great results for your health.
National Call Your Doctor Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 9 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | June 8 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | June 13 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | June 12 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | June 11 | Tuesday |
