The Power of Women Healthcare Workers

By: Madison Chukwudi

The Power of Women Healthcare Workers

Do you know that now there are way more women in the medical field than in the past? Their rampagings into the field have done great wonders. They deserve the recognition and hard work that they constantly put in. As known, getting into medical school is a hard and grueling process. It takes four years of undergrad, recommendation letters, interviews, long hours of studying, and so much more. Their difference in attendance is shown when AMC states, “In 1960, less than 6% of incoming medical students were women.

A decade later, that proportion had more than doubled — and the numbers have continued to climb since then” (Weiner). The statistics show the major steps women have taken. Their empowering stride sets up an example for many young women who want to take up the role in healthcare too. Whether being a surgeon, anesthesiologist, or internal medicine practitioner, nothing is out of reach and it is possible. They also made major contributions to medicine. They have made the lives of many people around the world more sustainable and made healthcare more accessible to them as well. An example of this is, “Elizabeth Lee Hazen (1885-1975) and Rachel Fuller Brown (1898-1980) developed the first antifungal antibiotic which they named nystatin. All proceeds were invested in the Research Corporation to fund medical research” (Women’s National Hall of Fame, Google Arts and Culture). This is one of the inventions that women have contributed to healthcare. It is endless, regardless of whether it is small or big.

Their help has made healthcare a better place and environment. They have helped shape many generations to come and will continue to do so no matter what. Another thing that should be shined upon is women surgeons. Being a surgeon is not easy at all and it is grueling and demanding. Residency can range from four to seven years and can be stressful for many people. The lower numbers of women surgeons should be noted and acknowledged, “The number of women in surgical fields is lower representing 22% in general surgery, 9% in neurosurgery, 6% in orthopedic surgery, 17% in plastic surgery, 8% in thoracic surgery, and 15% in vascular surgery” (Shipra, PubMed). Even though they make up a small percentage, they are still working just as hard as others. Their work is amazing and shouldn’t be underestimated. Overall, women in healthcare are amazing and should be widely appreciated.

Works Cited

Arya, Shipra et al. “An analysis of gender disparities amongst United States medical students, general surgery residents, vascular surgery trainees, and the vascular surgery workforce.” Journal of vascular surgery vol. 75,1 (2022): 5-9. doi:10.1016/j.jvs.2021.09.029

Weiner, Stacy. “A Brief Timeline of Women in Medicine.” AAMC, www.aamc.org/news/brief-timeline-women-medicine.

“INVENTIONS and DISCOVERIES: WOMEN in MEDICINE.” Google Arts & Culture, artsandculture.google.com/story/inventions-and-discoveries-women-in-medicine-national-women-s-hall-of-fame/HQURe0fhWpaELQ?hl=en.