February 3rd, 2017
Celebrate Today And Pave The Way For Tomorrow
Celebrate National Women Physicians Day with us!
#NWPD #IAmBlackwell
download the NWPD 2017 Resource Guide
DONATE NOW
to promote research that will protect the health and well-being of future generations of physicians and patients.
National Women Physicians Day was first observed on February 3rd 2016. This date marks the birthday of legendary female physician, Elizabeth Blackwell, a strong and influential figure who changed the career of medicine by becoming the first American woman to hold an MD. A true pioneer of her time, Elizabeth Blackwell continues to be an inspiring role model for thousands of women who dream of becoming a doctor, and her journey serves as a reminder to us all of how difficult the path to medicine is for women even today.
Today we celebrate the courage of Elizabeth Blackwell and celebrate the accomplishments of female physicians by setting aside February 3rd as a national holiday to honor these tenacious women and the obstacles they have overcome.
Indeed, there is much to celebrate: in the year 2010 women made up nearly a third of the physician workforce (compared to 24% in the year 2000 and 11% in 1990), and this figure is expected to grow. Most recent statistics from the AAMC indicate that 47% of medical students and 46% of residents are women.
But it’s not enough to simply recognize how far we have come as a society when it comes to removing barriers for women to enter the field of medicine. Though we have come a long way in improving workplace equality for women in medicine, there is still much work to be done. The percentage of male physicians (65%) still considerably exceeds that of females (35%), according to government statistics, and findings from the MedScape 2016 Compensation Report reveal that men still earn more than women for both primary care physicians and specialists. Even more shocking, 30% of women physicians have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, and nearly 75% have had an experience with gender bias on the job.
On National Women Physicians Day 2017, let us come together to honor and support the immense sacrifices that women in medicine have made, and continue advocating to make medicine a more welcoming field for both sexes. Join us as we "Celebrate Today and Pave the Way for Tomorrow!"
Send a NWPD gift to a female physician or purchase official NWPD gear at this link.
NWPD on Social Media
Join your colleagues and engage in conversation on social media. Participating in social media is a great way to spread the message of NWPD and share your story with the rest of the community.
Hashtags to use:
#NWPD
#IAmBlackwell
#WomenDocsInspire
Sample Facebook Post:
Happy National Women Physicians Day to the strong females who make up 34% of the physician workforce! Did you know that on average female physicians make nearly $20,000 less than their male counterparts? Let’s come together to push for greater equality in the workplace. Learn more at www.medelita.com/national-women-physicians-day.html. #NWPD #IAmBlackwell
Sample Tweets:
National Women Physicians Day: Because gender equality in medicine encourages better health outcomes for all. #NWPD #IAmBlackwell #WomenDocsInspire
Did you know that women make up over a third of the physician workforce? Happy National Women Physicians Day! #NWPD #IAmBlackwell #WomenDocsInspire
Celebrate Today and Pave the Way for Tomorrow on Feb 3rd this National Women Physicians Day! #NWPD2017 #IAmBlackwell #WomenDocsInspire
Social Media Graphics
Tell Your White Coat Story
NWPD Social Media Contest
We want to hear your white coat story. In the weeks leading up to NWPD we will be accepting submissions from anyone with a story to tell about a woman (or women) who have inspired you and your career in medicine.
You have the option write about yourself or another. Sometimes the best way to show gratitude is to honor a female physician who has inspired your career. Entrants are not required to be female physicians, but all submissions must address the week’s theme.
You can share your story in any of the following formats:
Post a video, status, or captioned photo to Facebook or Instagram using the hashtags #NWPD #IAmBlackwell and #WomenDocsInspire. You must ‘like’ or ‘follow’ the Medelita Facebook or Instagram account and tag Medelita in the post.
OR
Write a short story, poem, essay, or other creative media (video, photo, artwork, etc) and email submissions to ariel@medelita.com.
Winners for each week will be selected and announced the following Tuesday. Each winner will be featured on the Medelita website and social media accounts, and will be featured in the PMG Spring Quarterly Newsletter.
