National Women Physician Day

About National Women Physician Day

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Dates of National Women Physician Day
2026 USA Tuesday, February 3rdNational Women Physician Day 2025 USA Monday, February 3rdNational Women Physician Day 2024 USA Saturday, February 3rdNational Women Physician Day 2023 USA Friday, February 3rdNational Women Physician Day 2022 USA Thursday, February 3rdNational Women Physician Day
Summary
Find out the dates, history and traditions of National Women Physician Day.

February 3rd is National Women Physicians Day – the date marks the birthday of Elizabeth Blackwell (1821 - 1910), who was famously allowed to attend medical school as a joke. She proved everyone wrong about her “intellectual inferiority” and became the first woman in America to earn her medical degree.

From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: What Physicians and Surgeons Do

“Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They often counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.

“There are two types of physicians, with similar degrees: M.D. (Medical Doctor) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Both use the same methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, but D.O.s place additional emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic (whole-person) patient care. D.O.s are most likely to be primary care physicians, although they work in all specialties.”

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