Each March, Women’s History Month recognizes the women who have shaped our society, our communities, and our institutions.
In healthcare, their influence is profound. From nursing and public health to medical research and healthcare leadership, women have helped build the systems that deliver care to millions of Americans. Today, women make up the majority of the healthcare workforce in the United States, serving as physicians, nurses, public health leaders, and healthcare executives.
Their work has advanced patient care, expanded access to services, and strengthened the healthcare systems communities rely on every day.
Below are just a few of the women whose contributions helped shape modern healthcare.
A Timeline of Influential Women in Healthcare
1850s – Florence Nightingale
Often called the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale transformed hospital care through improved sanitation practices and data-driven healthcare analysis.
1849 – Elizabeth Blackwell
The first woman in the United States to earn a medical degree, Elizabeth Blackwell paved the way for women in medicine and later helped establish medical training opportunities for women.
Early 1900s – Lillian Wald
A pioneer in public health nursing, Lillian Wald founded the Henry Street Settlement in New York and helped develop the concept of community-based healthcare.
1930s – Dr. Helen Brooke Taussig
A founder of pediatric cardiology, Dr. Helen Brooke Taussig helped develop the first life-saving surgical treatment for congenital heart defects in infants.
1952 – Dr. Virginia Apgar
Dr. Virginia Apgar created the Apgar Score, still used worldwide today to quickly assess the health of newborn babies immediately after birth.
1970s–1980s – Dr. Helen Rodríguez-Trías
A pediatrician and public health leader, Dr. Helen Rodríguez-Trías advocated for equitable healthcare access for women and underserved communities. She later became the first Latina president of the American Public Health Association and helped shape maternal and child health policy nationwide.
1980s–1990s – Dr. Marilyn Gaston
A physician and researcher, Dr. Marilyn Gaston led the development of national newborn screening programs for sickle cell disease, dramatically improving early diagnosis and treatment for children.
1990 – Dr. Antonia Novello
The first woman and first Hispanic U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Antonia Novello focused national attention on preventive care, vaccination, and health education.
1993 – Dr. Joycelyn Elders
The first Black U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Joycelyn Elders championed preventive health, health education, and expanded access to care.
Modern Leadership – Dr. Regina Benjamin
Before becoming U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin ran a rural health clinic in Alabama that served uninsured and low-income patients, reflecting the mission of many community health centers.
Across healthcare today, women continue to lead as clinicians, researchers, administrators, and advocates. In community health centers and across the broader healthcare system, their work strengthens access to care, advances health equity, and helps ensure that communities receive the care they need.
During Women’s History Month, we recognize both the pioneers who helped shape modern healthcare and the many women continuing that work today.