National Women Physicians Day: Celebrating contributions and achievements

February 3, 2025 marks National Women Physicians Day, a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women in medicine. 

This special day honors female physicians who have shaped the medical field and continue to break barriers while delivering exceptional care to patients. For independent practice owners, physicians, and staff, it’s an opportunity to acknowledge the impact of women physicians in their teams and communities, while also reflecting on how to foster greater gender equity in healthcare. 

By celebrating this day, your medical practice can show appreciation for the women who help transform medicine and inspire future generations.

Let’s look at how you can celebrate National Women Physicians Day at your practice.

National Women Physicians Day is dedicated to recognizing the efforts and accomplishments of women in medicine, a field historically dominated by men. It shines a light on the perseverance and innovation of female physicians, who continue to overcome systemic barriers while improving patient care and shaping the future of healthcare.

This day coincides with the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman in the United States to earn a medical degree in 1849. She is often regarded as a trailblazer, not just for earning her medical degree but also for founding the New York Infirmary for Women and Children and advocating for medical education for women. Her groundbreaking achievement paved the way for women to enter and thrive in the medical field. 

National Women Physicians Day was established to honor her legacy and the generations of women physicians who followed in her footsteps. Women since Dr. Blackwell's time have led groundbreaking research, introduced patient-centered care models, and advanced public health initiatives. 

Here are just a few examples of women physicians who have followed in Dr. Blackwell's footsteps, shattered barriers, and drove systemic change:

Women physicians are shaping the future of healthcare through their leadership, innovation, and compassion. From groundbreaking advancements to addressing public health challenges, their contributions are critical to improving lives worldwide.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, as of the 2023–2024 academic year, women comprise 54.6% of medical school students in the US. Despite this progress in education, only about 37% of practicing physicians in the US were women as of 2021.

However, female physicians are expanding their presence to become a majority or significant share of active physicians in specialties as obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, dermatology, pathology, and psychiatry.

Despite significant progress, female physicians continue to face challenges such as wage gaps, underrepresentation in leadership, and work-life balance pressures. On average, women physicians earn approximately 26% less than their male counterparts, which is nearly $110,000 less annually. Women physicians also encounter bias in hiring, promotions, and evaluations, which directly impacts career advancement and impacts morale.

Various organizations are working to address the challenges women physicians face and promote gender equity. Here are a few examples: 

This day is a chance to come together and celebrate the women physicians who transform lives every day. From organizing events to fostering workplace support, there are many ways practices can honor their contributions and spread awareness.

Medical practices can celebrate National Women Physicians Day through events such as panel discussions, guest lectures, Q&As, or workshops highlighting the contributions of female physicians. organize local health fairs led by female physicians. These events can be a useful opportunity to focus on discussing strategies for improving gender equity in medicine.

Involving patients and the broader community in the celebrations creates awareness of the critical role women physicians play in healthcare. Consider creating an appreciation wall in your practice where staff and patients can leave messages of gratitude. Share stories of inspiring female physicians (including the ones within your staff) on your practice’s website or social media channels. Use #NationalWomenPhysiciansDay, #IAMBLACKWELL, #WomensDocsInspire, and #NWPD to share on social media.

Supporting women physicians starts with establishing an inclusive and equitable workplace. 

Celebrate their achievements publicly, advocate for equal pay and leadership opportunities, and provide mentorship programs for female staff. Consider creating flexible work schedules to support work-life balance and encourage professional development through sponsorship for conferences or training. You can also host open conversations with your team about ways to improve the workplace environment for women in healthcare.

National Women Physicians Day is not just a celebration — it’s a call to action to recognize the achievements of women physicians while addressing the barriers they still face. 

By honoring their contributions and working towards a more equitable future, your practice can play an active role in empowering women in medicine. Take this opportunity to show your appreciation, spread awareness, and create a supportive environment where female physicians can thrive.