THE ASPIRE BLOG

Across the globe, legends of women persist with the belief that throughout history women have always asserted space in the medical community. It is believed by many that in Athens during the 4th century, Agnodice — disguised as a man — attended medical school and went on to care for women specifically during childbirth. “On the Diseases and Cures of Women” is an ancient medical text believed to be at least partially written by a woman by the name of Metrodora. The stories of these women and many others have been passed down for generations, illustrating the significance women have held in medicine throughout time. 

Despite the many contributions women have made to medical science — including the invention of the mobile X-ray unit (Marie Curie), the discovery of the lactic-acid cycle (Gerti Theresea Cori), or the Apgar test that assesses neonatal health and has helped to reduce neonatal mortality rates (Virginia Apgar) — women are still largely underrepresented in both research and practicing medicine. 

The significance of women’s contributions to medicine has not plateaued. In 2020, women made up 54% of the students entering medical school programs. Kizzmekia Corbett, Ph.D., is a leading vaccine developer — she and her team helped develop the initial COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to earn a medical degree in 1849. Prior to attending medical school, one of Elizabeth’s close female friends became ill. The friend insisted she would receive better care from a female doctor, inspiring Elizabeth to pursue her degree in medicine. Dr. Blackwell’s friend was right. In fact, recently, a study released indicates that patients, regardless of gender or sex, have better health outcomes when treated by women physicians. 

However, women have not always been credited for their contributions nor even recognized for their significant role in medicine. In fact, females are often not even considered in medical research — as female mice hormones may “disrupt” the research, and it is more costly to house and maintain both male and female laboratory mice. This approach to women in medicine has continued to motivate women, similar to Dr. Blackwell, to enter the field of medicine in hopes of improving the healthcare women receive. 

“In general, women's health continues to be an afterthought in medicine, requiring special attention and effort,” says Aspire Psychiatrist Dr. Joanna Chambers. “Medical concerns unique to women — premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum depression, and perimenopausal symptoms, for example — are only now beginning to be discussed in the medical literature as well as in the public. Having women in the healthcare field as well as in healthcare leadership positions is necessary in order to further improve our attention, understanding and care of women's health.” 

With the knowledge that women are often overlooked, forgotten about, or completely ignored as patients and/or physicians, Dr. Chambers and Aspire Primary Care Physician Dr. Olivia Smith are working together to expand the scope of women’s health services offered by Aspire. This will focus on women’s physical and mental health with an emphasis in the perinatal population and women with young children. The mission is to care for mothers and caretakers — beginning with pregnancy and including continued care for children as they progress from infancy. 

Women have always had space in the field of medicine even when it was nearly invisible. As we continue to progress forward, more and more is revealed about women’s health and women’s contributions to medicine. Women will continue to care for women as they have for centuries, passing down their collective knowledge and wisdom, inspiring other generations for years to come.