Sts. Cosmas and Damian were holy physicians who sought to heal both body and soul in the early Church.
The twins studied science in Syria, where they also studied medicine. They practiced their profession in Aegeae, where they earned a great reputation for healing the sick, not only thanks to their knowledge but also to miracles attained through their prayers.
The people of the East call Cosmas and Damian “unmercenary physicians,” a term for those who heal for love, not for profit, because they worked for free.
They are among the many patron saints of doctors, but also of surgeons in particular.
Here is a traditional prayer asking for their intercession.
O glorious martyrs of Christ,
Saints Cosmas and Damian,
you gave your lives for the love of God,
benefiting your fellow man, and crowning your martyrdom
with an open and loyal profession of your faith.
You taught us to love God above all things,
and to love our fellow man as ourselves,
professing always, and without fear,
the religion of Jesus.Augmenting amongst the faithful populace many miracles,
you are glorious indeed.
Through your intercession,
which brings about deliverance of these miracles,
we pray to you for your aid in all things.
May your patronage never be far from us
in the illness of our body and soul.Oh great protectors,
Saints Cosmas and Damian,
assist us with your love and free us from all evils.Amen.
