03/08/2025
🌟✨Happy International Women’s Day to all the smart, talented, ambitious and pioneering women out there! You are seen, loved, appreciated and admired! We’ve highlighted three women in healthcare to spotlight today who remain faces of historical change. ✨🌟
💜 Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler - the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in 1864, “Doctress of Medicine” from the New England Female Medical College (now part of Boston University Medical School) at the age of 33. She’d previously served as a nurse, inspired by her aunt who was frequently sought after to care for the sick due to her knowledge, compassion and bedside manner. Dr. Crumpler treated patients regardless of their ability to pay, believing that she was truly doing missionary work. She treated neighbors, friends, family and served her community despite the circumstances and odds stacked against her.
💜Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell - the first woman to earn a medical degree opened the Medical Infirmary for Women and Children. Dr. Blackwell wanted to pave the way for more women to get into the medical field due to the hardships, setbacks and discriminations that she faced in her own journey. She was passionate about opening doors and published the very first medical article by an American woman; citing the difference between how male vs. female doctors treat patients.
💜 Dr. Nadine Burke Harris - California’s very first surgeon general. Dr. Burke-Harris is a pediatrician well known for her research linking adverse childhood experiences to harmful effects later on in life. She works in an advisory capacity within political foundations, founded the Center for Youth Wellness and is known as a pioneer in the treatment of toxic stress.
These women are shining examples of how powerful women are, and how much change can be created simply because someone was determined enough. We hope you’re inspired today to do whatever that thing is in your heart and take your turn at impacting the world!
