Women in Medicine: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change

As March is National Women’s History Month and on February 3rd we celebrated National Women Physicians Day, I thought I would investigate a bit about women in medicine. I found some of the statistics fascinating and hope you enjoy reading!

The medical field, once largely dominated by men, has seen a remarkable shift over the last century. Today, more women than ever are pursuing careers in medicine. AACOM reports females make up 58.7% of applicants from the 2024 cycle.  Female matriculants from 2024 make up 56.4% of the osteopathic medical school classes.  This shift of women majority osteopathic classes has been consistent for about 5 years.  

When Elizabeth Blackwell earned her medical degree from Geneva Medical College in 1849, she became the first woman to do so in the United States—a monumental achievement that set the stage for future generations of women to follow.  

It wasn't until the mid-20th century that women began to gain more access to medical education, although they were still vastly underrepresented in medical schools. In fact, for much of the 20th century, only a small percentage of medical students were women. Despite this, female doctors like Virginia Apgar, who developed the newborn Apgar Score, showed the world that women had much to contribute to the medical field. My hometown (Rochester Hill, MI) woman physician hero is Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen.  Dr. Van Hoosen graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1888. She had an incredible medical career which included opening a successful practice in Chicago, teaching at Northwestern University Woman’s Medical School (without pay!), becoming the first female faculty member of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, and being appointed head of obstetrics at Loyola University of Chicago’s medical school.  She was also a pioneer in the use of clean instruments between surgeries and procedures.  

Speaking of pioneers, A.T. Still’s first class of the American School of Osteopathy began in 1892 with 6 of the 21 students women (see picture below). Dr. Still recognized the value women brought to medicine far earlier than most.

My always hero, Dr. Karen Nichols, continues to blaze trails of many firsts.  She served as the first female present of the ACOI in 2000-2001, first female president of the AOA in 2010, and first DO ACGME Board of Directors President.  

Despite the remarkable progress, significant challenges persist. One of the most glaring disparities in medicine is the persistent gender pay gap. Studies have shown that female doctors, even after accounting for factors like specialty and hours worked, earn less than male doctors. In a 2023 report by the Economic Policy Institute, women are paid roughly 22% less than men on average, with little progress to narrow this gap over the past 3 decades. This economic inequality continues to affect women throughout their careers.  In a simulated 40-year career by Health Affairs (December 2021), this gap would equate to an estimated $2 million less than male physicians.

A 2019 Annual Faculty Salary Survey from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) found that women in different medical specialties were paid between $.72 and $.96 per $1 to their male colleagues’ dollar.  Similar gaps were seen in the 2022 survey.

The progress women have made in medicine is nothing short of inspiring. However, the journey toward equality is not yet complete. As more women enter the profession, it is crucial to acknowledge both their successes and the ongoing barriers they face. While much has been achieved, much work remains to be done to ensure that the medical field is truly equal for all. By continuing to push for change, support one another, and demand better policies, women in medicine can continue to break down barriers and contribute to a more inclusive and innovative medical field led with empathy, intellect, and determination.