March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of women throughout history. Women have long been pioneers in medical advancements, pushing boundaries and transforming healthcare despite facing adversity. Their innovations and dedication continue to shape the way we understand and deliver care today. Their impact isn’t just historical—it’s ongoing, touching lives every day.
Women’s Impact Over the Years
The journey for women in medicine was never easy. In the mid-19th century, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell shattered expectations by becoming the first woman in the U.S. to earn a medical degree—after being rejected by more than 10 medical schools. Not long after, Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first Black woman to earn a medical degree, overcoming extraordinary racial and gender discrimination to treat formerly enslaved people after the Civil War.
Mary Edwards Walker became the first female U.S. Army surgeon, eventually earning the Medal of Honor for her service. In the 1950s, Dr. Virginia Apgar changed neonatal care forever with the creation of the Apgar Score, a simple yet life-saving tool used to assess newborns’ health.
Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi took on the medical establishment to prove that women’s health deserved serious study, paving the way for modern gynecology and women’s health research. These women—and so many others—set the stage for the future, proving that medicine isn’t just a man’s world.
Women’s Influence on Healthcare Policies
Healthcare policies wouldn’t be what they are without the influence of women and their work advocating for better care and treatment for both women and children. Clara Barton, known for founding the American Red Cross, was crucial in organizing emergency medical services during wartime. Without her work, disasters today wouldn’t have the same organized care.
Women like Margaret Sanger, the founder of what would eventually become Planned Parenthood, worked tirelessly to provide women with access to birth control and family planning services. Her efforts helped shift the focus of healthcare toward preventative care and reproductive rights. Today, the ongoing advocacy by women for maternal health services, access to reproductive care, and better mental health services is changing the healthcare landscape.
Women in Healthcare Today
Today, women make up more than 70% of the healthcare workforce in the United States, with many occupying critical roles in medical research, nursing, and public health. Yet, there is still a notable disparity in leadership positions. Women hold only about 20% of healthcare executive roles. Despite this, women continue to drive change in healthcare systems, not only as doctors and nurses but also as innovators and policymakers.
One standout example is Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a pediatrician who was instrumental in exposing the Flint water crisis, demonstrating the power of women in leadership roles. Similarly, Dr. Regina Benjamin, who served as the 18th U.S. Surgeon General, used her platform to improve access to healthcare for underserved communities and emphasize the importance of preventative care.
As healthcare continues to evolve, it’s essential that we recognize the importance of women in healthcare leadership roles, especially as they work to create more inclusive policies that prioritize the health needs of women. With more women stepping into leadership roles, there’s greater potential for health insurance to evolve in ways that better support women’s needs, from reproductive health to chronic disease management and mental health services.