Women’s History Month: Women In Medicine
March Is Women’s History Month
Townsen Memorial is proud to celebrate the contributions of strong women in medicine. To honor Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting some women that have changed the field of medicine through their work and dedication.
Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910)
Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S. She has served as a pioneer to many women in the medical field today. Elizabeth faced many obstacles on her path to a medical degree and continued to fight for women’s access to this education after her graduation. She opened up the Woman’s Medical College of the New York Infirmary in 1867 to support other women hoping to pursue careers in medicine.
Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Marie Curie worked with her husband to discover two chemical elements in the periodic table: polonium and radium. This discovery led to many medical advancements including the development of the x-ray. During World War 1, Curie developed mobile x-ray machines that she brought to the frontlines to diagnose injuries in wounded soldiers.
She received many awards for her work, and later created the Curie Institute in Paris, in 1920. Today, the institute serves as a leading medical research center.
Mary Edwards Walker (1832-1919)
Mary Edwards Walker was the first and only woman to receive the Presidential Medal of Honor. She was the first female surgeon in the U.S. Army during the Civil War. In addition to her work in the army, she was a strong advocate for women’s rights.
Virginia Apgar (1909-1974)
Virginia Apgar graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in 1933. She pursued anesthesiology as a career and later became the first director of Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital’s division of anesthesia in 1938.
In 1953, she created the Apgar score, which serves today as a gold standard in determining the health of a newborn.
Apgar later pursued a master’s degree in public health from John Hopkins University. She worked as the vice president for medical affairs for the March of Dimes. There, she worked to create public attention on how to prevent birth defects. She served as a pioneer to improve the health of mothers, babies, and unborn infants for future generations.
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These inspiring women in medicine faced stereotypes and discrimination but endured through these hardships to build hospitals, win awards, lead medical schools, and improve the health of millions of people. At Townsen Memorial, we have trailblazing women among our medical staff. We are proud to support them as they work to make a difference in our society.
About Townsen Memorial
Townsen Memorial Hospital is located in Humble, TX off of FM 1960 and Highway 59. We have 2 imaging center locations. Townsen Memorial Imaging Center-Med Center is located at 3003 S. Loop W. Suite 140 in Houston, Texas. Townsen Memorial Imaging Center-Spring is located at 3301 Spring Stuebner Rd., Suite 120 in Spring, Texas. Our innovative facilities and experienced staff mean you’ll be comfortable during treatment and that you can trust us with your medical care. If you have any questions visit our website or call 1-877-494-9487.
