The Doctor of the Day program at the Florida state Capitol was founded in the 1960s by a former Florida state representative and physician. The program allows a licensed Florida physician, sponsored by a Florida Senate or House of Representatives member, to come work in Tallahassee at the Capitol building as the onsite doctor for the state legislature for a day. This takes place during the regular legislative session, which is usually in the spring.

This year I had the privilege of being the Doctor of the Day! I worked at the medical clinic alongside the excellent nursing staff to take care of patients at the Capitol. This included any healthcare needs that arose that day for the Florida state legislators, their staff members, pages, lobbyists, security guards, Capitol building employees and visitors. I didn’t realize just how many people work there and visit each day!

I was sponsored by Senator Burgess and despite his busy schedule, I was able to meet him and his staff. When I wasn’t seeing patients, I was able to sit in on committee meetings addressing public health and safety issues and other important matters that affect the daily lives of Florida citizens. I was able to listen to personal testimony and debate on policy and observe the democratic process that goes into passing a bill. I was also able to do a little exploring in and around the Capitol as well, visit the law library, take in all the sites and sounds and even enjoy a bird’s eye view of Tallahassee from the 22nd floor of the Capitol.

It was a great experience overall, I learned a lot and was able to provide a service that hopefully helped others in a meaningful way. I would definitely be interested in doing it again sometime! The Doctor of the Day program is a great volunteer program for physicians and lawmakers alike!

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The care team at Florida Orthopaedic Institute includes specialists in every aspect of orthopedics. If you’re having discomfort, let us create a customized treatment plan to help you—safely—get back into action and keep active. 

Don’t wait to schedule an evaluation with a specialist at one of our many convenient locations in Central Florida. Call us or request an appointment today.

By: Dr. Tara Sonnanstine

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About Florida Orthopaedic Institute

Founded in 1989, Florida Orthopaedic Institute is Florida’s largest physician-led orthopedic group. It provides expertise and treatment of orthopedic-related injuries and conditions, including adult reconstruction and arthritis, foot and ankle, general orthopedics, hand and wrist, orthopedic trauma, shoulder and elbow, spine, interventional pain management, sports medicine, podiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, chiropractic services, and physical and occupational therapy, among others. The organization treats patients throughout its surgery centers in North Tampa, South Tampa, and Citrus Park, at several orthopaedic Urgent Care centers and at office locations in Bloomingdale, Brandon, Citrus Park, Gainesville, Lakeland, Northdale, North Tampa, Ocala, Palm Harbor, Riverview, South Tampa, Sun City Center and Wesley Chapel.

April 9, 2025