Feb. 3rd is National Women Physicians Day

February 3, 2021 marks the 4th observance of National Women Physicians Day – a day of remembrance of the birthday of the first woman medical doctor, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell and of celebration of women in the medical field.

Women Physicians in History 

Dr. Blackwell received her medical doctorate degree from Geneva Medical College, later Hobart College, in 1849. She was joined in 1864 by Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman medical doctor, upon the conferring of her MD from the New England Female Medical College, later Boston University School of Medicine.

Since this time, women have made strides into a field historically and staunchly dominated by men. Women have made numerous contributions to medical science, including basic science discoveries, characterization of diseases and the pioneering of diagnostics and treatments, view the Women in Medicine Hall of Fame for more.  While today, men doctors still make up the majority of physicians, medical schools are roughly equal in graduating women and men with even higher rates of women students seen in the last few years. View some of the women trailblazers here at UW Medicine. (link)

Gender Equity in Medicine

While we take this day to recognize and thank the women physicians in our community, let it be another reminder of the work still to be done in pursuit of gender equity in medicine and society at large. Of note are the works by UW Derm women physicians bringing light to the different indicators of equity, inclusion and satisfaction of women in the medical profession.

Associate professor Dr. Michi Shinohara has published research demonstrating that women dermatologists experience burnout more than their male counterparts, with having children being observed as a compounding variable. Dr. Shinohara, along with assistant professor Dr. Katie DeNiro, and residency alumna Dr. Eliza Notaro, also published research on the increased frequency of sexual harassment among women physicians in dermatology.  Further leading the charge for gender equity is Dermatology education programs manager Stephanie Timm, co-chair of the Department of Medicine Gender Equity Council.

Women Physicians in UW Derm

UW Division of Dermatology is home to 19 amazing women faculty and residents who continuously strive to advance the field of dermatology. Our women dermatologists are experts in a number of skin conditions including psoriasis, SJS/TEN, Hidradenitis suppurativa, phototherapy, dermatopathology, contact dermatitis, nail disease, and many more. They are also leaders in educating and mentoring students and trainees, cherished by their patients and well respected by their colleagues.

Thank you to each one of our women physicians for their dedication to their work and contributions to the division.

How to Observe National Women Physicians Day

• Recognize the women physicians around you - thank them, listen to them, show them your support. Today and every day!
• Post on social media – show your appreciation and share stories and photos of women physicians and use hashtag #NationalWomenPhysiciansDay or #WomenPhysiciansDay.
• Support education for girls and young women – encourage the young women in your life to pursue education and explore science!