Saturday, February 3rd was National Women Physicians Day! This holiday pays tribute to the important contributions of female physicians in healthcare, and honors the pioneering achievements of Elizabeth Blackwell, the first American woman to earn a medical degree in 1849. This observance also emphasizes the importance of promoting gender diversity and equal opportunities in medicine to ensure the lasting legacy of trailblazing women physicians.
We wanted to celebrate the women physicians of the DHM by providing lunch for them! They had a lovely time sharing food and chatting. We were also able to get insight from some of the physicians on what being a woman in medicine means to them, and why they chose to pursue this career path.
Dr. Eileen Lee stated, “I think it’s important to celebrate the work of women physicians because women physicians contribute a tremendous amount to every facet of medical science and patient care, demonstrating empathy, brilliance, innovation, resourcefulness, persistence, and selflessness – the best humanity has to offer. In addition, the majority of women physicians balance the demands of their careers with the needs of their family members in a society that still often designates women as the default caregivers and managers of the household. The enormousness of this feat is hard to overstate, and one that I think deserves special recognition.
I chose a career in medicine because I wanted to use my talents to serve those who needed help. As a young child in school, I remember being on the playground when another child fell off a jungle gym. While all my classmates were gathering around him and panicking, it occurred to me that I could learn how to do what was actually needed in that moment. I went to the school library the next day and checked out every book on first aid I could find. The rest is history.”
“The majority of women physicians balance the demands of their careers with the need of their family members in a society that still often designates women as the default caregivers and managers of the household.”
Eileen Lee, MD
Dr. Patricia Litkowski had these sentiments about her journey to pursuing a career in medicine, ““I am not one of those people who knew from a young age that I would pursue a career in medicine. I may or may not have been influenced by watching too much Grey’s Anatomy. In the end, however, I have found being a physician to be an incredibly fulfilling career. I love the science and intellectual side of thinking through challenging cases as well as the human aspect of taking care of real people. I truly enjoy learning from my patients and hearing their life stories. As a woman physician, I specifically love being a hospitalist as I get to spend busy weeks in the hospital followed by busy weeks at home with my two young kids, so I’ve found it to be a perfect fit.”
Dr. Carol Faulk also had interesting insight into what it is like to be a woman in medicine. She shared, “The first thing that comes to mind when I think about being a female physician is my great aunt’s reaction to the news that I got into medical school. I remember my father boasting to her about my admission to Tulane and LSU at which point my Aunt Charlene turned to me and exclaimed, “you’re going to medical school? You know you could end up marrying a doctor!”
I still laugh when I think about that but in all seriousness, I have my mother to thank as the ultimate role model. She graduated from medical school in the 1970s, completed her pediatrics residency, and then raised four daughters. My road to being a female physician is much smoother because of her example and guidance. My three sisters are also a huge source of support. They have demanding careers as a lawyer, college professor, and a CFO, and can relate to all of the challenges women face in their careers.
Because of the support from my mom and sisters, I am able to laugh and shake things off while achieving my goals.”
“The first thing that comes to mind when I think about being a female physician is my great aunt’s reaction to the news that I got into medical school. I remember my father boasting to her about my admission to Tulane and LSU at which point my Aunt Charlene turned to me and exclaimed, “you’re going to medical school? You know you could end up marrying a doctor!”
Carol Faulk, MD
Dr. Ankita Kapoor also contributed her thoughts, stating, “I take immense pride in being the first female physician in my family. This milestone not only signifies personal achievement but also represents taking a leap towards gender equality in the medical field. As a woman in medicine, I feel a profound sense of empowerment, knowing that my journey contributes to reshaping perceptions and encouraging diversity in healthcare. This position allows me to inspire others in my family and community to pursue their aspirations without limitations based on gender. Embracing my role as a female physician, I find strength in this opportunity to make a lasting impact, fostering a more inclusive and representative future for women in the field of medicine.”
Dr. Safia Shaikh shared in the celebration as well, saying, “Celebrating the incredible strides made by women in medicine on Women Physician’s Day! From breaking barriers to achieving excellence, your dedication inspires us all. In every diagnosis, your expertise shines bright, and with empathy, your resilience and compassion redefine healthcare standards. Happy Women Physician Day to the trailblazers shaping the future of medicine!”