National Women Physicians Day is an annual observance held on February 3rd that honors the pioneering achievements and ongoing contributions of female physicians in healthcare. This day commemorates the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, who in 1849 became the first woman in the United States to receive a medical degree, paving the way for countless female doctors to follow.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: February 3rd
- Tagged as: A celebration of women in medicine
- What’s the hashtag?: #NWPD, #IAmBlackwell, #WomensDocsInspire
- When was it founded?: 2016
- Who founded it?: Physician Moms Group and Medelita
History of National Women Physicians Day
National Women Physicians Day was established to honor Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell’s legacy and the generations of women physicians who followed in her footsteps. Dr. Blackwell faced tremendous obstacles, including rejection from 29 medical colleges simply because she was a woman. Despite these challenges, she graduated first in her class and went on to found the New York Infirmary for Women and Children. The day recognizes not only her achievements but also the ongoing contributions of women doctors who continue to shape healthcare while overcoming systemic barriers.
Timeline
- 1849: Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States
- 1864: Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler becomes the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the US
- 1889: Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte becomes the first Native American woman physician in the US
- 2016: National Women Physicians Day is established by the Physician Moms Group
- 2017: For the first time in history, women make up more than half of all medical school students
- 2025: Celebrating over 175 years since Dr. Blackwell’s groundbreaking achievement
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 3 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | February 3 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | February 3 | Thursday |
| 2029 | February 3 | Saturday |
| 2030 | February 3 | Sunday |
How National Women Physicians Day is Observed
People celebrate this day by thanking female physicians for their work and dedication. Many share stories and history of women doctors on social media using the official hashtags. Healthcare institutions often hold special events honoring their female physicians. It’s also a day to raise awareness about gender disparities in medicine, including pay gaps and leadership opportunities, while celebrating progress made toward equality.
Fun Facts About Women in Medicine
- Women physicians tend to spend more time with patients than male doctors
- Studies show patients cared for by women doctors often have better health outcomes
- In 2017, women made up more than half of medical school enrollees for the first time in U.S. history
- Dr. Virginia Apgar developed the Apgar score, which is still used worldwide to assess newborn health
- Despite progress, female physicians still earned about 27.7% less than their male counterparts as of recent studies
Quiz
- Who was the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States?
- In what year was National Women Physicians Day established?
- What percentage of the physician workforce is currently female?
- What famous quote is attributed to Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell?
(Answers: 1. Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, 2. 2016, 3. About one-third, 4. “If society will not admit of a woman’s free development, then society must be remodeled.”)
FAQs
Why is National Women Physicians Day celebrated on February 3rd?
This date was chosen because it’s the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States in 1849.
How can I celebrate National Women Physicians Day?
You can thank female physicians for their work, share stories about women in medicine on social media using the hashtags #NWPD or #IAmBlackwell, or learn about influential women in medical history.
Has the number of women in medicine increased over time?
Yes, significantly. While women were once barred from medical education, they now make up more than half of medical school students in the US, though they still represent only about one-third of practicing physicians.
Importance of National Women Physicians Day
This day brings attention to the historical discrimination women have faced in medicine while celebrating their significant contributions to the field. It highlights the progress made toward gender equality in healthcare while acknowledging the work still needed to achieve parity in leadership positions and compensation. The day also inspires young women interested in pursuing careers in medicine by showcasing successful female physicians who have overcome barriers and made lasting impacts on patient care and medical innovation.
Related Observances
- Women in Medicine Month (September)
- International Women’s Day (March 8)
- National Doctors’ Day (March 30)
- International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11)
- Women’s History Month (March)