10 Women in Medicine You Should Know

Follow the links to learn more about the lives and careers of some inspiring and influential women in medicine:

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African-American woman in the United States to earn a medical degree and become a doctor.

Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross was a pioneer in the studies of grief, death, and dying, informing the work of healthcare professionals around the globe. 

Dr. Velma Scantlebury is the first African-American female transplant surgeon in the United States. (You can follow her on Twitter!)

Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte was the first Native American to get a medical degree.

Dr. Virginia Apgar was the inventor of the Apgar score, a means by which doctors could test whether newborn babies required urgent medical attention.

Dr. Margaret Chung was the first American-born Chinese woman physician and surgeon.

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was a surgeon during the American Civil War. She is the only woman to ever receive the Medal of Honor.

Dr. Gertrude Belle Elion was a biochemist who developed the first major drug used to fight leukemia.

Dr. Patricia Bath was an ophthalmologist and inventor whose work paved the way for laser cataract surgery.

Dr. Ann Preston was the first woman dean of a medical school.

Tell me about the women in medicine who inspire you. Tweet me at @TracySansonMD!