March celebrates women’s contributions and achievements throughout history. The theme of Women’s History Month this year is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope” to pay tribute to the work of caregivers and frontline workers during the pandemic and recognize how women of all cultures have provided hope and healing.
In addition to the month-long celebration of Women’s History Month, March 8th is designated as International Women’s Day (IWD), which was first recognized by the United Nations in 1975.
Below are just a few of the accomplished women to know who have contributed to the medical field.
Clara Barton
During the Civil War, Clarissa “Clara” Barton helped distribute supplies to the Union Army. She later founded the American Red Cross, a disaster relief organization and one of the most well-known non-profit organizations in the world. Learn more here.
Elizabeth Blackwell
Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to graduate from medical school and become a doctor in the United States. She graduated from Geneva College (NY) at the top of her class even though schools were not admitting women.
In 1857, Elizabeth and her sister Emily, who also attended medical school, despite several rejections because of her gender, founded the New York Infirmary for Women. Learn more here.
Rebecca Lee Crumpler
Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African American woman to earn a medical degree. She graduated from the New England Female Medical College in 1864. In 1883, she set another milestone, becoming one of the first African Americans to publish a medical publication. Learn more here.
Susan LaFlesche Picotte
Susan LaFlesch Picotte was the first Native American to earn a medical degree, graduating from medical school in 1889. Learn more here.
Kazue Togasaki
Kazue Togasaki become one of the first Japanese American women to graduate from medical school, graduating in 1933. Learn more here.
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, PhD
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett is a scientist at the National Institutes of Health. At 34 years old, she was one of the lead scientists behind the creation of Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine. Learn more here.
Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH
Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, serves as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During Covid-19 she served on the frontlines and conducted research on delivering vaccines to underserved communities. Learn more here.
Other Sources and References
Women as Health Professionals, Historical Issues of | Encyclopedia.com
Clara Barton Biography (womenshistory.org)
Changing the Face of Medicine | Susan La Flesche Picotte (nih.gov)
WomenWatch: International Women’s Day (un.org)
Women Making History In Healthcare – Health Care Foundation of the Oranges (hcfoinc.org)
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