National Women Physicians Day

National Women Physicians Day is an annual American celebration created as a thank you to all women working in the medical and healthcare industry. It is on February 3rd.

History

The issue of equality between men and women has been acute since ancient times. Women were very often infringed in various rights and were considered mostly servants. The medical field is no exception. In the 19th century, it was very difficult for girls to get a medical education, as they were often criticized and persecuted by society.

The first established medical educational institution for women was Boston Female Medical School, but its activity was short-lived. Far more successful was the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania, founded in 1850. It is with this place that the story is connected, which led to the emergence of National Women Physicians Day.

Englishwoman Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to graduate from medical school. In 1849, she received her medical education and became a qualified doctor who was approached by people from different states. She paid much attention to the promotion of women in the field of medicine. Thanks to her efforts, today there is no longer any prejudice that only men should be doctors.

The founding of National Women Physicians Day took place in 2016. The Physician Moms Group proposed the creation of this holiday as a sign of gratitude to all women doctors and the eradication of inequality.

Interesting facts

• According to statistics, in recent years, even more girls than boys go to medical colleges. The percentage is 65% to 35%.
• Margaret Ann Bulkley, known as James Barry, was the first female surgeon. She was a field surgeon for the army in South Africa. It is believed that Barry is one of the first doctors who performed a Caesarean section in the first half of the 19th century, but she kept this secret and took it to her grave.

How to celebrate

Congratulate all the girls and women you know who work in healthcare on National Women Physicians Day. They will be pleased to hear words of gratitude. Find out more about famous female doctors in your country or city.

Share about the holiday on social networks. Create a congratulatory post, supplementing it with historical data about the first female doctors.

When is National Women Physicians Day in 2025?

National Women Physicians Day is observed on February 3 each year.

Observations