Women Physicians Day – The Importance of Representation in the Medical Field

National Women Physicians Day is coming up on the 3rd of February which happens to be the birthday of the woman who was famously allowed to attend medical school as a joke. Her name being Elizabeth Blackwell, and she became the first woman to earn a medical degree in America. On this day, let us applaud the outstanding women who have followed in her footsteps, bringing with them their expertise and unrivaled intuition to the medical profession. 

Dr. Gail Gazelle MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Master Certified Coach for physicians discusses the unique skills women bring to medicine and the importance of having women represented in the profession. 

Dr. Gazelle says, “Women bring many unique strengths and skills to the practice of medicine. Although every rule has its exceptions, women tend to be the ones who are empathetic and relationship-oriented. Just as they do with their families, women are loyal, protective and always ready to extend their skills in the service of others. Studies also reveal that women spend more time with their patients. These are all qualities that every patient deserves in their doctor.”

We might take it for granted today, but it wasn’t until the 1970s with the passage of Title IX did we start to see a significant number of women enter the medical field. Now in 2022, we see women mentoring other women to become the amazing physicians and patient advocates that has only grown with COVID-19. 

Dr. Gazelle goes on to say that, “For most of my career, I worked in hospice caring for individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness, as well as their family. It was sacred work that I felt extremely fortunate to do. Since pivoting and becoming a career coach for other physicians, I am proud to help women physicians learn how to bring the same care and compassion they bring to their patients to themselves as well. Much like putting your oxygen mask on first on a plane, by bringing kindness to themselves, women physicians can avoid burnout, maintain their career satisfaction, and stay in the profession for a long and fulfilling career.”