History of Women in Medicine
Arkeonews, "The Egyptian Gynecologist Metrodora"
Cleopatra Metrodora is one of the earliest known women in medicine. Born in 7th century AD Egypt and growing up in Greece, Metrodora later became an accomplished surgeon, gynecologist, midwife and author. Her most notable works being 'On the Uterus, Abdomen, and Kidneys and On Diseases and Cures of Women.'
Later, in the late modern period, Elizabeth Blackwell shattered the notion that medicine was a field made for men. She became the first woman doctor in America. Her contributions into funded women-only medical colleges paved the paths for other female doctors. Later in 1869, Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first African-American to earn an MD.
Today, due the momentum caused by these doctors, more women are able to step into the medical field, especially women of color. Despite the increase in female applicants in the medical field, women still face harassment, pay gaps and gender bias.
The Differences of Medicine for Men and Women: An Overview
In 2003, over 50% of medical school applicants were women. In 2007, 48.3% of medical school graduates were women. During this period the number for applicants from racial and ethnic minorities increased.
Despite these increases, women still experience prejudice in and out of the medical field. In an article written by Azeen Ghorayshi of the New York Times, they found that in the course of 40 years, female doctors in the United States make 2 million dollars less than their male counterparts. Even among the pay gaps within specialties, women, especially women of color are paid significantly less. A research study by the University of Maryland found that women are more likely to be undertreated for pain and less likely to be admitted to hospitals for pain.
World Health Organization