Women’s Health Leader | Women in Leadership Advocate | Pharmaceutical Launch Problem-Solver | Marketing Consulting
Happy Women’s History Month! This month, I’m going to use my #WomensHealthWednesday series to spotlight 5 influential women a week who have shaped the women’s health industry – from the 1800s to today. ♀️ Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman in the United States to earn a medical degree, from Geneva Medical College in 1849. She was an advocate for women’s and children’s health, as well as for women physicians. Studies have shown that patients of women physicians reach better outcomes, so I'd say that Dr. Blackwell's legacy has directly affected all of our health today. ♀️ Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first Black American woman to earn a medical degree, shortly after Dr. Blackwell, in 1864. Dr. Crumpler provided healthcare for freed slaves and helped advance our collective understanding of treating Black patients in America. We have much more work to do in this regard, but Dr. Crumpler set the stage for the numerous women who work toward this imperative today. ♀️ Margaret Sanger dedicated her life to legalizing and democratizing birth control from the 1910s-1960s. She founded the American Birth Control league, the precursor to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Spearheading the development of the first oral contraceptive in 1960 was one of her proudest achievements before she passed. Access to contraception is not only an important women's health issue, but is also a critical economic issue that directly impacts the prosperity of women and societies globally. ♀️ Ida Tin coined the term ‘fem tech’ in 2016 and co-founded Clue, a menstrual health app with 11 million+ monthly active users. The fem tech industry is forecasted to reach 100B+ by 2030, as more and more women and companies, like Ida and Clue, realize that the traditional healthcare system was not designed to meet their needs and look to digital health solutions to fill the gaps. ♀️ Bridget Gorham is a women’s health economic policy advisor for the NHS Confederation, spearheading the advancement of the UK’s women’s health policy. Bridget is passionate about demonstrating the relationship between investment in women’s health and economic growth. As the only person on this list I know personally (shoutout to Patricia Corrigan for introducing me to a fellow Boston College Eagle), I can attest to the fact that Bridget is doing big things for women's health - in the UK and beyond. Who is a woman in the #WomensHealth industry who inspires you? Any nominations for who I should spotlight in upcoming weeks?
Ailie Taylor Reasons, MBA great call on Bridget Gorham! Her work is so important!
I nominate Henrietta Lacks! Her cells have dramatically advanced innovation in medical research and her and her family have received little recognition. I highly encourage people to read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks to learn her story.
Such an honor to be on this list with some incredible trailblazers. Thanks so much for all that you do, Ailie Taylor Reasons, MBA! Beyond grateful to know you.
Mother of the term Femtech + two kids. Co-founded Clue. Working on a book about Femtech, and a think tank to articulate the link between Femtech, economy and planetary health. Travelled the world on motorcycle.
6moI was asked to do a short video for women’s international day and what came to mind first was all the brave women (and men) who have fought for equality through the times. I’m glad you highlight some here! Knowing our history gives us courage and hope and strength. I hope the row of trailblazers has only just begun. I’d like to think the line of brave that lies ahaead of us of people using their voices for equality is very long🥳