National Women Physicians Day: We Stand on the Shoulders of Titans #NWPD

Februrary 3^rd is officially recognized as National Women Physicians Day (NWPD), commemorating the birthday of Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman in the U.S. to earn a Medical Degree.  Allegedly admitted to medical school as a practical joke, she completed her studies despite vocal critics who viewed her gender as inferior. From my perspective, this holiday honors many brave women who trailblazed the path toward gender equality – one we continue to negotiate today. 

A hugely instrumental figure in the movement was born and raised here in Kitsap County, Dr. Esther Clayson Pohl Lovejoy.  She was a pioneering medical doctor, a suffragist, a health policy advocate, and later, a congressional candidate.  Born in Seabeck, Washington Territory in 1869, she spent her formative years in Kitsap County, where she attended primary school, attaining high marks. 

She had a working-class upbringing, spending her youth employed at the Bay View Hotel, which her family operated.  As a result of her conscripted childhood, she vowed to find a career she loved which had a meaningful impact.  After her family moved to Portland, Esther met Dr. Callie Brown Charlton, who became both a friend and mentor.  Despite being widowed with a young daughter, Dr. Charlton made her way in medicine against social and financial obstacles.  When asked for career advice, Charlton told her medicine “was the best vocation possible for a woman.”  Dr. Charlton was right.

Medical education for women in the United States in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was shaped by region.  Attitudes in the West were more favorable to women doctors, affording some advantages. Esther Lovejoy began coursework at the University of Oregon Medical Department (UOMD) in the fall of 1890, earning tuition money by working as a department store clerk.  Despite earning a medical degree with honors, professors rejected her application for an internship, and male physicians refused to work with her.  Even with these impediments, she opened a medical practice in Portland with her husband, a surgeon. Her notoriety grew, and her practice flourished. 

Dr. Lovejoy was appointed as the Health Officer for Portland, and in that role, was a staunch public health advocate, believing healthy communities were the responsibility of citizens and their government.  At the same time educational and vocational opportunities expanded for women, the suffragist movement gained momentum.  Dr. Lovejoy thought voting rights for women were pivotal to keep homes and cities healthy.  She had a hand in women being granted the right to vote in Oregon, which was achieved in 1912.   She continued working with the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) to pass the Nineteenth Amendment, a feat considered the single greatest achievement for women in the last century. 

Today, female physicians are standing on the shoulders of titans.  These women not only left the medical profession better than they found it, but also the nation.  In the mid-1890’s, women were only 7% of medical students across all institutions.  Today, one-third of all physicians and almost half of matriculating medical school students are female. Now it is our turn to collaborate, mentor, and inspire the next generation. 

National Women Physicians Day represents all that is possible for men, women, and children.   Despite facing ridicule for breaking down barriers, Drs. Blackwell, Lovejoy, and countless others refused to accept the status quo.  While occupational disparities remain more than a century later for women and minorities, it is through honoring the trailblazers who went before us that their mission endures.   Our culture needs to change so women feel valued and respected, comfortable and safe in the workplace, and are provided ample opportunities for leadership and growth.

Recently, a little boy and girl came into my office for check-ups.  The boy shared his dream of becoming a doctor.  His older sister incredulously said, “boys can’t be doctors, only girls are allowed to be doctors.”  Amused, I informed her the field of medicine welcomes all individuals regardless of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, or disability. We must only bring a heartfelt pledge to heal the sick and comfort the suffering with us to embark on a medical education.  There is no other endeavor in the world more rewarding than saving a life using your hands and your hard-earned knowledge.

On National Women Physicians Day, we should honor the courageous women who lighted the way and be mindful of the awesome responsibility of passing the torch to the next generation.   The onus is on the medical profession as a whole to foster an environment of encouragement, collaboration, and mutual respect.    Looking to the future, it is important to understand our past.  Thank you Dr. Blackwell, Dr. Lovejoy, and every medical doctor who continues fighting for equality.