Women in Healthcare Make History, Then and Now

The month of March is National Women’s History Month, and while women are always worthy of being celebrated, March is a unique time in which women’s issues can be seen and heard. This month is not only about inspiring women, it is about educating on how women have changed the world, the hardships they’ve overcome, and bringing attention to issues that women still face today. So why do we do this in the month of March, and what value comes from learning about women’s history? Pour yourself a cup of coffee, and read on to find out!

It might seem like March is as good a month as any to spotlight women and women’s issues, but there are some significant reasons why this month was specifically chosen. International Women’s Day was established on March 8^th in 1911, and evolved into Women’s History Week in 1980. The movement is rooted in history going all the way back to the early 1900’s when women began demonstrating for shorter work hours, better pay, and the right to vote. The initial motivation that brought about establishing an International Women’s Day was to dedicate a day in which organizations could advocate for women’s rights and issues. Finally, in 1987, Congress declared March, Women’s History Month. Today, Women’s History Month is not only about celebrating women, but also continuing to bring awareness to change needed for women’s equality.

Brave movements that led to Women’s History Month brought on not only recognition of women’s inequality issues and advocacy for change, but it also paved the way for more women to make history. You’ll find no shortage of notable women that have pioneered in their fields, or made innovative changes that shaped our current reality. One such notable woman made momentous strides in the healthcare system for black patients. Dr. Virginia Alexander brought awareness to the health disparities that faced people of color in the 1930’s. Not only did Dr. Alexander treat patients, she worked for Howard University, worked towards the 1939 National Health Bill that would form a national health insurance system, and she went into service in the field of Public Health. Dr. Alexander’s work and tenacity led to awareness of the health disparities of people of color and influenced change in healthcare, social, and economic issues.

Another doctor that made momentous contributions to medicine and women’s rights is Dr. Mary Edwards Walker. Dr. Walker volunteered as an unpaid field surgeon during the civil war, where she crossed battle lines to provide medical care. She was awarded the Medal of Honor, and is the only woman in history to receive the award. Dr. Walker was also heavily involved as an advocate for women’s rights. She ran for a seat on the U.S. Senate, and testified in support of women’s suffrage in the U.S. House of Representatives. She was involved in the very movement that led to the establishment of International Women’s Day and eventually, Women’s History Month.

Whether in the past, or in present time, women are making history. In our modern day experience, there are few better examples than the brave women in healthcare that tackled the COVID-19 pandemic head on. Women make up a whopping 75% of the healthcare workforce. Women have played a critical role in fighting the pandemic and have made historical contributions to health outcomes for their patients. Just as in the 1918 flu pandemic, women healthcare workers have risked their lives to treat the sick, but felt a responsibility to do so. Although many years have passed between the two pandemics, the spirit of women in healthcare roles that has contributed to society’s well-being has remained the same.

As a woman-owned company, LeaderStat is dedicated to continually supporting healthcare workers and understands the perspective of women in the industry. We’re proud to be part of women making history in healthcare, and especially proud of our Founder and CEO, Eleanor Alvarez. If you’re considering a career in healthcare, check out our job board to see the opportunities that are waiting for you!