02/05/2026
National Women Physicians Day: From Elizabeth Blackwell to Now
National Women Physicians Day honors Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, who in 1849 became the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. Her courage paved the way for generations of women in medicine.
Today, women make up approximately 38% of practicing physicians in the U.S. However, significant disparities remain in certain specialties. Women represent only ~15% of cardiologists and fewer than 5% of interventional cardiologists nationwide.
As we recognize National Women Physicians Day, we celebrate the achievements of women physicians across all specialties while acknowledging the continued need for mentorship, equity, and opportunity—particularly in procedural and leadership roles. From Elizabeth Blackwell to today, the progress is meaningful, and the work continues.
Picture of Dr. Sindhu Koshy - Menopause Certfied Cardiologist, Dr. Jelena Arnautovic - Interventional Cardiologist