Celebrating International Women's Day with Ms.Medicine
International Women's Day is a day to celebrate the achievements of women throughout history and across nations. This year's theme is #EmbraceEquity, which calls for a more gender-equal world. Ms.Medicine is proud to join the global celebration of International Women's Day by recognizing the contributions of women to medicine and healthcare.
Women in Medicine
Women have been a part of the medical profession for centuries. However, it was not until the 19th century that women began to be formally trained in medicine. Even then, they faced significant barriers to entry and often had to fight for their right to practice medicine.
Despite these challenges, women have significantly impacted the medical field. For example, Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi was an esteemed medical physician, teacher, and social reformer dedicated to creating coeducational access for female medical students in exclusive male schools. Dr. Virginia Apgar was the first woman to become a full professor at Columbia University School of Medicine and designed a simple and repeatable method to assess the health of newborn children immediately post childbirth quickly—the Apgar Score. These women, and so many others, have paved the way for future generations of women in medicine.
According to a study by the Association of American Medical Colleges, women comprise 36% of active physicians in the United States today. This number is expected to continue to rise in the coming years.
Ms.Medicine's Commitment to Women's Health
At Ms.Medicine, we know women's healthcare needs are unique and we believe every woman deserves access to high-quality healthcare tailored to fit her needs. We are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to women of all ages. We offer a range of services, including primary care, menopause management, and routine gynecologic care.
We understand that women's health is essential to the health of families, communities, and society as a whole. That's why we are dedicated to providing the highest quality care to every woman who walks through our doors.
Why Equity Matters in Healthcare
Equity ensures everyone has access to the resources they need to achieve their full potential. In healthcare, equity means everyone, regardless of gender, has access to high-quality personalized care. Unfortunately, women still face significant barriers to accessing care. For example, women are less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than men, even though it is the leading cause of death for women in the United States.
At Ms.Medicine, we know equity is essential to each woman's unique needs and circumstances.
Celebrating Women and Embracing Equity
On International Women's Day, #EmbraceEquity serves as a reminder and call to action that we must continue fighting for a more gender-equal world, especially within medicine. Let this goal unite us in celebration of the past and hope for the future as we appreciate the evolution of women in healthcare.
We encourage everyone to take a moment to recognize the women in their lives who are making a difference. Whether it's a doctor, nurse, or caregiver, let them know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. And let's recommit ourselves to working towards a more equitable world for women.