5 Groundbreaking Female Figures in Medicine You Need to Know About

The greatest heroes are those who do their duty in the daily grind of domestic affairs whilst the world whirls as a maddening dreidel.

Florence Nightingale

International Women’s Day is an important reminder to honor the remarkable achievements of women throughout history. This year, let’s focus on five exceptional female figures who have made a significant impact in the field of medicine. These women broke barriers and transformed healthcare practices, making the world a healthier place for everyone. Let’s explore their inspiring stories!

Florence Nightingale (1820 - 1910)

Born on May 12, 1820, in Florence, Italy, Florence Nightingale is widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing. Coming from a privileged background, she defied expectations by dedicating her life to caring for the sick and wounded.

During the Crimean War, Nightingale led a team of nurses to improve the appalling conditions at a British base hospital. Her efforts reduced the death rate from a staggering 42% to just 2%. She implemented essential sanitation measures, organised nursing practices, and established professional training programs that transformed how nursing was perceived.

Nightingale’s pioneering use of statistics and data analysis laid the groundwork for evidence-based medicine, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in healthcare.

Mary Eliza Mahoney (1845 - 1926)

Mary Eliza Mahoney, born on May 7, 1845, in Boston, Massachusetts, made history as the first African American woman to graduate as a nurse in the United States in 1879. Despite facing racial discrimination and limited opportunities, Mahoney's determination led her to enroll at the New England Hospital for Women and Children.

Mahoney's success went beyond her own achievements; she was a dedicated advocate for racial equality in healthcare. She co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses in 1908, which aimed to promote the inclusion of nurses of color in the profession. Her legacy lives on, inspiring countless nurses and advocates for equality in healthcare.

Gerty Cori (1896 - 1957)

Born on August 15, 1896, in Prague, Gerty Cori became one of the first women to win a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. After emigrating to the United States in 1921, she made significant contributions to biochemistry alongside her husband, Carl Cori.

In 1947, Gerty Cori was awarded the Nobel Prize for her discovery of the Cori cycle, which describes how the body processes glycogen into glucose. This groundbreaking research advanced our understanding of diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Her work highlighted the crucial role women play in scientific discovery and medicine.

Virginia Apgar (1909 - 1974)

Virginia Apgar, born on June 7, 1909, in Westfield, New Jersey, made a name for herself as a groundbreaking anaesthesiologist specialising in obstetrics and the first female professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

In 1952, she developed the Apgar score - a simple but effective assessment tool used to evaluate a newborn's health based on five criteria: appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration. This scoring system has become a standard worldwide, helping to save countless lives by ensuring that newborns receive prompt and appropriate care.

Apgar’s dedication to improving maternal and infant health has had a lasting impact, and her legacy continues to influence neonatal care practices today.

Helen Brooke Taussig (1898 - 1986)

Born on May 24, 1898, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Helen Brooke Taussig was a pioneering cardiologist who founded paediatric cardiology. Despite being deaf by the age of four, her passion for medicine never wavered.

Taussig is best known for her groundbreaking work in developing the first successful open-heart surgery for children with congenital heart defects, notably the “blue baby” operation. Her innovative techniques opened new pathways for treating heart conditions in children, saving countless lives and earning her numerous accolades throughout her career.

Honoring Their Legacies

As we reflect on the achievements of these extraordinary women, it is essential to recognize how they shattered glass ceilings and transformed the medical landscape. From revolutionising nursing and promoting equality to making groundbreaking discoveries in biochemistry and cardiology, these women paved the way for future generations.

Let’s take the time to explore their stories further and appreciate the progress made toward gender equality in medicine. While we acknowledge the strides we've made, we must also recognise that there is still work to be done. By uplifting and supporting one another, we can continue to break boundaries and foster a more equitable future in healthcare.

Here’s to all the incredible women who inspire us daily - may we learn from their achievements and strive to reach our full potential!