CHPA is pleased to recognize and celebrate Women’s History Month. Throughout March, we will feature five inspiring women who have changed the course of medicine.
Honoring Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler (1831-1895)
We are pleased to spotlight Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman to receive a medical degree. Crumpler first practiced medicine in Boston, primarily serving poor women and children. After the American Civil War ended in 1865, she moved to Richmond, Virginia. Crumpler worked for the Freedmen's Bureau to provide medical care for formerly enslaved people. Due to intense racism and sexism, Crumpler found difficulty in filling prescriptions and was often ignored by her male colleagues.
In 1883, she published A Book of Medical Discourses, which covers the prevention and cure of infantile bowel complaints and the life and growth of human beings. Dedicated to nurses and mothers, this book focuses on maternal and pediatric medical care. It was among the first publications written by an African American woman about medicine.
The Rebecca Lee Society, one of the first medical societies for African American women, was named in her honor, and her home on Joy Street is a stop on the Boston Women's Heritage Trail.
Join us in celebrating the life and work of Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler!
Honoring Ina May Gaskin (b. 1940)
Often described as "the mother of authentic midwifery," Ina May Gaskin joined the Peace Corps for several years after graduating college, where she had the opportunity to be an English teacher in Malaysia. Following her service in the Peace Corps, she returned to the United States and received her master's degree from Northern Illinois University. When Gaskin gave birth to her first child in the 1960's, the physician used obstetrical forceps. Her experience was so unpleasant that it fueled her interest in midwifery and safe childbirth.
In 1971, Gaskin created The Farm Midwifery Center, one of the first out-of-hospital birthing centers in the United States. The center offers prenatal care environment accommodations for childbirth, such as apartments, houses, and cabins.
Gaskin published her first book in 1977, titled Spiritual Midwifery, which was acknowledged as a classic text with a lasting impact. While practicing in Guatemala, Gaskin was taught what is now known as the "Gaskin Maneuver" and soon brought this practice to the U.S. This technique reduces shoulder dystocia, possibly leading to fetal death.
Join us in celebrating the life and work of Ina May Gaskin!
Honoring Dr. Mary Edwards Walker (1832-1919)
CHPA is pleased to shine a light on Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor for her service during the Civil War. After earning her medical degree at Syracuse Medical College, Walker wanted to join the Union’s efforts. While she was not allowed to serve as a medical officer because she was a woman, she still decided to serve as an unpaid volunteer surgeon. At one point, confederate troops held her as a prisoner of war for four months. During that time, she refused to wear the women’s clothes provided to her. In fact, she wore men’s clothes her entire life and became infamous for contesting traditional female wardrobes, as they were not as hygienic and comfortable. After the war, Walker became a writer and lecturer, supporting issues such as healthcare and women’s rights, including dress reform.
Join us in celebrating the life and work of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker!
Honoring Dr. Virginia Apgar (1909-1974)
Dr. Virginia Apgar is a physician known as the inventor of the Apgar Score, a way to quickly assess the health of a newborn child immediately after birth to combat infant mortality.
After receiving her certification in anesthesiology, she became the first woman to head a specialty division at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. During her time at P&S, Apgar noticed that as the U.S. infant mortality rate decreased, infant deaths within the first 24 hours of life remained consistent. In response to this trend, Apgar created the Apgar Score, a test that measures a child’s breathing, skin color, reflexes, motion, and heart rate one minute after birth. This test is still used today and significantly decreased infant death.
Join us in celebrating the life and work of Dr. Virginia Apgar!
Honoring Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte (1865-1915)
CHPA is pleased to shine a light on Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, the first female Native American in the U.S. to earn a medical degree. While growing up on the Omaha reservation, Dr. Picotte witnessed a male doctor refuse to treat a Native American woman. This event motivated her to earn her medical degree.
After graduating in 1889 from Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania as valedictorian, returned to the Omaha reservation to become a physician at a boarding school. Here she taught students about how to maintain good hygiene and personal health.
For the next 20 years, Dr. Picotte treated thousands of patients by making house calls on the reservation. She treated many conditions, including deadly diseases like cholera, influenza, and tuberculosis.
Join us in celebrating the life and work of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte!