(WKYC) - Monday marks National Doctors' Day.
And as his daily address drew to a close, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine paid tribute to the state's most famous doctor, Dr. Amy Acton.
The Ohio Department of Health Director, Acton has stood by DeWine and guided the state through its fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) over the course of the past month. In that time, Acton has been lauded for her calming and optimistic approach during an inarguably trying time.
If there was any question about the impact Acton has had on Ohio, that was put to rest on Monday. Honoring Acton at the end of Monday's address, DeWine shared a video of youngsters who have been inspired by Acton, including one who can be seen saying, "I want to be like you, Dr. Amy."
Closing her own address during Monday's press conference, Acton acknowledged all of her colleagues and what it means for her to say that she's a doctor.
"I have the honor of wearing this white coat, which I know has become a little bit iconic. But it became very clear to me that I'm wearing a symbol of all my friends and colleagues and your family members who are out on the front lines," Acton said. "I'm thinking about you a lot -- more than I can express because I've spent many years on the front lines and sometimes feel frustrated that I can't just come in there and work alongside of you in doing this bigger picture planning. But this white coat represents all of you.
"It's Doctors' Day, we're losing people and these deaths, they're starting to be personal. I know we lost an E.R. nurse, I just learned this news yesterday, who was working, again, a younger person who has a family, working alongside our colleagues and our colleagues had to help her when she got sick. I know we lost someone from one of our health boards, one of the board of health members, and all of this is personal, it's becoming increasingly personal to all of us and so I just want to let you know that I'm wearing this coat and I'm thinking of you every day that I put it on."
As of Monday, Ohio has had 1,933 confirmed coronavirus cases, 475 of which have resulted in hospitalization, 163 ICU admissions and 39 deaths. On March 23, a stay-at-home order set to last until at least April 6 went into effect.
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