Empowering Progress: Reflecting on National Women Physicians Day
Denee Choice, MD
On National Women Physicians Day (February 3, 2024), we celebrate the significant progress and enduring resilience of women in medicine. This day goes beyond mere celebration; it's a tribute to those who've shaped healthcare with their courage and determination. We honor past trailblazers, recognize current challenges faced by women physicians, and envision a future of enhanced equity in medicine.
Women in medicine have a rich history of overcoming formidable barriers. Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a U.S. medical degree in 1849, was a pioneer for women's rights in the field. Similarly, Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first African American woman to earn a U.S. medical degree, and Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, the first Native American woman physician, broke ground amidst dual discrimination, advocating for public health reforms and cultural competence.
These early women physicians did more than achieve historical milestones; they transformed healthcare, championing inclusivity and compassionate care. Their legacies fuel our ongoing journey toward progress in the medical field.
Despite progress in gender equality, significant challenges remain. Women physicians face a real gender pay gap and are often underrepresented in leadership roles, with even greater disparities for women of color. Additionally, they disproportionately carry uncompensated and non-promotable work. Addressing these issues is vital for real progress and demands a unified effort from the medical community.
Looking forward, there's optimism for change. Global initiatives and policies are emerging to enhance gender equity in medicine. These efforts include advocating for policy changes in healthcare institutions, fostering mentorship and support networks, implementing educational reforms to address unconscious bias, and driving public awareness and community engagement.
In conclusion, National Women Physicians Day is more than a commemoration; it's a call to action. By honoring our history, confronting our present challenges, and shaping our future, we advocate for a more inclusive and equitable medical profession. Let's continue to support and uplift each other. We are stronger together.
The Columbus Medical Association's Women in Medicine community is an active participant in this evolution, supporting each other with social events, mentoring, educational sessions, resources, and more.
2023 highlights:
We held eight Women In Medicine meetups,
Averaged 30-50 women per event, and
Had well over one hundred local women physicians participate in one of our events!
If you are a local woman physician and haven’t joined us yet, please consider this your personal invitation! We’d love to see you at a future event. You belong here. 🏡❤️🤗
Upcoming Women in Medicine Event | Monday, February 12 | Ask/Give and Wine/Chocolate Tasting
Join us February 12th (6:00-7:30 PM) for our first WiM Meetup of the year. There's something for everyone!
We'll begin with a mini wine and chocolate paring led by Gregory Stokes. Greg will pair an orange and dark chocolate with two expertly selected wines.
Then Dr. Choice will guide us in the #ASK/#GIVE collaborative experience that creates the opportunity for support and value exchange among WiM community members.
Cost: $30 CMA Member Physicians & Residents | $35 Non-Members