10 Most Influential Women Doctors Throughout History

Published in

Heritage Digest

14 min readMar 23, 2024

The history of medicine is adorned with remarkable women who have made groundbreaking contributions to the field. Despite facing numerous challenges, these women have emerged as pioneers, reshaping healthcare and inspiring future generations. This article celebrates the ten most influential women doctors throughout history, highlighting their enduring medical legacies.

Elizabeth Blackwell (1821–1910)
Virginia Apgar (1909–1974)
Gerty Cori (1896–1957)
Helen Brooke Taussig (1898–1986)
Mary Edwards Walker (1832–1919)
Gertrude Belle Elion (1918–1999)
Rita Levi-Montalcini (1909–2012)
Rebecca Lee Crumpler (1831–1895)
Rosalyn Sussman Yalow (1921–2011)
Hélène Sparrow (1891–1970)

1. Elizabeth Blackwell (1821–1910)

Elizabeth Blackwell, born on February 3, 1821, in Bristol, England, marked her place in history as the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. Her father, Samuel Blackwell, was a sugar refiner, and her mother, Hannah (Lane) Blackwell, raised Elizabeth and her siblings in a liberal household. The family emigrated to New York in 1832, where Samuel’s abolitionist work influenced Elizabeth’s upbringing, instilling in her values of social justice and reform.

Initially a schoolteacher, Blackwell’s interest in medicine was ignited by a friend’s illness, leading her to pursue medical education. She faced significant prejudice but was finally accepted into Geneva Medical College in New York. Her graduation in 1849 was a historic moment, as she became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the U.S. Her thesis on typhoid fever, published shortly after, showcased her empathy and commitment to social justice, qualities considered feminine at the time but foundational to her medical approach.

Blackwell’s contributions to medicine and social reform were profound. In 1857, she founded the New York Infirmary for Women and Children with her sister Emily, a doctor. Her work during the American Civil War and establishment of a medical school program for women at the Infirmary underscored her commitment to medical education for women. Later, she played a key role in founding the London School of Medicine for Women. Blackwell’s pioneering efforts paved the way for women in the medical profession, earning her a lasting legacy in the history of medicine. She passed away on May 31, 1910, leaving a legacy of breaking barriers and advocating for women in medicine.

2. Virginia Apgar (1909–1974)

Virginia Apgar was a renowned American physician and anesthesiologist born on June 7, 1909, in Westfield, New Jersey. Raised in a family that valued education and science, her father, Charles Emory Apgar, was a business executive and amateur astronomer. At the same time, her mother, Helen May Clarke, supported her academic pursuits. Apgar’s early life was marked by tragedy, losing one brother to tuberculosis and witnessing her other brother suffer from chronic illness. These experiences influenced her decision to pursue a career in medicine.

Apgar graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1929 with a major in zoology and minors in physiology and chemistry. She continued her education at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating fourth in her class in 1933. Though initially interested in surgery, she was discouraged due to the barriers women faced in the field. Instead, she trained in anesthesiology, first under Ralph Waters at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, then under Emery Rovenstine at Bellevue Hospital, New York. In 1938, she returned to Columbia as director of the newly formed anesthesia division. She later earned a Master’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health in 1959.

Apgar’s most significant contribution to medicine was the development of the Apgar score in 1952, a simple, rapid method to assess newborn health and reduce infant mortality. This 10-point scoring system, evaluated at one and five minutes after birth, revolutionized neonatal care by providing a standardized, quick assessment method for a newborn’s vital signs. Apgar became the first woman full professor at Columbia’s P&S in 1949 and later worked with the March of Dimes Foundation, focusing on preventing and treating birth defects. Her advocacy for universal vaccination during the rubella pandemic and the promotion of effective Rh testing highlighted her commitment to maternal and child health. Virginia Apgar passed away on August 7, 1974, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly impacted neonatology and pediatric care.

3. Gerty Cori (1896–1957)

Gerty Theresa Cori, born in Prague on August 15, 1896, was a trailblazing Austrian-American biochemist. She grew up in a well-educated family; her father, Otto Radnitz, was a chemist and sugar refinery manager, while her mother, Martha, was a culturally sophisticated woman. Despite the limited educational opportunities for women at the time, Cori’s passion for science led her to pursue a medical degree. She excelled in her studies, overcoming the challenge of catching up on years of Latin, science, and mathematics education in just one year.

After enrolling in medical school at the Karl-Ferdinands-Universität in Prague in 1914, Gerty met her future husband and collaborator, Carl Ferdinand Cori. The couple, both passionate about medical research, married in 1920 and emigrated to the United States in 1922 to escape the deteriorating conditions in Europe. Despite facing gender discrimination and lower pay than her husband, Gerty remained committed to her research. She collaborated extensively with Carl, contributing significantly to the field of biochemistry, particularly in carbohydrate metabolism.

Gerty Cori’s most notable achievement was her co-discovery of the Cori cycle with her husband. This groundbreaking work on the catalytic conversion of glycogen earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1947, making Gerty the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in this category. Their discoveries were crucial for understanding carbohydrate metabolism and had significant implications for treating diabetes. Gerty Cori continued her research despite a ten-year battle with myelosclerosis, remaining active in her laboratory until her death on October 26, 1957. Her legacy is marked by numerous awards and honors, reflecting her pivotal contributions to medical science.

4. Helen Brooke Taussig (1898–1986)

Helen Brooke Taussig, born on May 24, 1898, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was a pioneering American cardiologist who founded the field of pediatric cardiology. Her father, F. W. Taussig, was a distinguished economist at Harvard University, and her mother, Edith Thomas Guild, was among the first students at Radcliffe College. Despite losing her mother to tuberculosis at age 11 and struggling with her health and dyslexia, Taussig excelled academically due to her father’s support and extensive tutoring.

Taussig’s education was marked by determination and resilience in the face of gender-based obstacles. Initially denied entry to Harvard Medical School because she was a woman, she instead studied at Boston University and later transferred to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, one of the few medical schools admitting women at the time. After earning her MD in 1927, she specialized in pediatrics and subsequently focused on pediatric cardiology, a relatively new and unexplored field.

Taussig’s most significant contribution to medicine was her development of the concept for the Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt, a life-saving surgical procedure for children born with Tetralogy of Fallot, commonly known as blue baby syndrome. Working with surgeons Alfred Blalock and Vivien Thomas, her innovative approach revolutionized the treatment of congenital heart defects. Taussig’s work extended far beyond surgery; she played a key role in banning thalidomide and was the first woman to head the American Heart Association. Honored with a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964, Taussig’s legacy in pediatric cardiology is profound. She passed away just days before her 88th birthday, on May 20, 1986.

5. Mary Edwards Walker (1832–1919)

Mary Edwards Walker, born on November 26, 1832, in Oswego, New York, was a pioneering American surgeon and a staunch advocate for women’s rights. Raised in a progressive household by her parents, Alvah and Vesta Walker, she was encouraged to think freely and challenge traditional norms. This upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of justice and independence. Despite facing societal challenges, including limited educational opportunities for women, Walker pursued a medical career driven by her passion and the egalitarian principles imparted by her parents.

Walker graduated with honors from Syracuse Medical College in 1855, becoming one of the few female physicians of her time. She married fellow medical student Albert Miller, adopting nontraditional practices like retaining her last name and wearing trousers under a short skirt. Her medical practice, which she started with Miller, struggled initially, reflecting societal skepticism towards female physicians. Despite these challenges, Walker’s determination never wavered, and she continued to push against societal norms, both in her professional life and personal style.

During the Civil War, Walker volunteered as a surgeon but was initially denied official positions because of her gender. Undeterred, she served as a civilian surgeon near the front lines. She was eventually employed as a surgeon by the Union Army, becoming the first woman to do so. Walker was captured by Confederate forces, imprisoned as a spy, and later released in a prisoner exchange. She was awarded the Medal of Honor for her bravery and service, becoming the only woman to receive this distinction. After the war, she advocated for women’s rights, including suffrage. Walker passed away on February 21, 1919, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer in medicine and a champion for gender equality.

6. Gertrude Belle Elion (1918–1999)

Gertrude Belle Elion, born on January 23, 1918, in New York City, was an American biochemist and pharmacologist who revolutionized the approach to drug development. Elion’s father, Robert Elion, was a Lithuanian Jewish immigrant and a dentist, while her mother, Bertha Cohen, was a Polish Jewish immigrant. The family faced financial challenges following the Wall Street Crash of 1929. Despite these difficulties, Elion excelled academically, showing an early interest in medicine and science. She was inspired to pursue these fields after her grandfather’s death from cancer. Elion’s exceptional intellect was evident in her early education, leading her to graduate from Walton High School at just 15 years of age.

Elion’s journey in higher education began at Hunter College, where she graduated summa cum laude in 1937 with a degree in chemistry. Despite facing gender bias and financial challenges, she remained determined. Unable to secure a paying research job or graduate school financial aid due to her gender, Elion worked various jobs, including as a secretary, high school teacher, and food quality supervisor. Her persistence paid off when she saved enough money to attend New York University for her Master’s degree, which she earned in 1941 while continuing to teach. Elion’s commitment to her education and research was unwavering despite never completing a formal Ph.D. program.

Elion’s career in pharmacology began at Burroughs-Wellcome pharmaceutical company (now GlaxoSmithKline), where she worked with George H. Hitchings. Their innovative approach to drug development, focusing on rational drug design rather than trial-and-error, led to significant medical breakthroughs. Elion was instrumental in developing key drugs, including the first immunosuppressive drug, azathioprine, and the first effective antiviral drug, acyclovir. Her work also contributed to the creation of the anti-retroviral drug AZT, a groundbreaking treatment for AIDS. In recognition of her contributions, Elion was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1988, along with Hitchings and Sir James Black. She continued to impact the field of medicine until her death on February 21, 1999, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and determination in the face of adversity.

7. Rita Levi-Montalcini (1909–2012)

Rita Levi-Montalcini, a Nobel laureate in neurobiology, was born on April 22, 1909, in Turin, Italy, into an intellectual Jewish family. Her father, Adamo Levi, was an electrical engineer and mathematician, and her mother, Adele Montalcini, was a painter. Despite initial discouragement from her father about pursuing a higher education, Levi-Montalcini was determined to study medicine after witnessing a family friend’s death from cancer. She excelled in her studies at the University of Turin, where she was influenced by neurohistologist Giuseppe Levi. After graduating with an M.D. in 1936, her early academic career was halted by the 1938 Manifesto of Race, which barred Jews from academic and professional careers.

Levi-Montalcini’s research was significantly affected by the Italian racial laws of 1938. Despite losing her position at the university, she set up a makeshift lab in her bedroom during World War II to continue her studies. Her work on nerve fibers in chicken embryos laid the foundation for her future discoveries. After the war, she moved to the United States, joining Professor Viktor Hamburger’s lab at Washington University in St. Louis. In 1952, she made a groundbreaking discovery: isolating nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein crucial for nerve cell growth. This discovery, along with her subsequent work on the mechanisms of cell growth, earned her the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1986, shared with Stanley Cohen.

Throughout her illustrious career, Levi-Montalcini faced and overcame numerous challenges. She never married or had children, dedicating her life to science. After retiring in 1977, she remained active in research and mentorship, focusing on encouraging women in science. Levi-Montalcini also served as a Senator for Life in the Italian Senate from 2001 until her death on December 30, 2012, at 103. Her commitment to research and her groundbreaking work on NGF advanced our understanding of the nervous system and paved the way for new therapeutic approaches in neurobiology.

8. Rebecca Lee Crumpler (1831–1895)

Rebecca Lee Crumpler, born in Delaware on February 8, 1831, was a pioneering African American physician and author. Raised in Pennsylvania by her aunt, who provided medical care to residents, Crumpler developed an early interest in medicine. Her upbringing in a nurturing environment, where she observed her aunt’s dedication to healthcare, profoundly influenced her career choice. Despite the societal challenges of her time, Crumpler pursued her passion for medicine, ultimately breaking significant racial and gender barriers.

Crumpler’s medical journey began as a nurse in Massachusetts, where she worked from 1855 to 1864. Her exceptional skills and dedication led to her acceptance at the New England Female Medical College in 1860, making her the first African American woman in the United States to earn a medical degree upon graduating in 1864. Her education was remarkable, considering the prevailing societal norms and restrictions on women, particularly African American women, in pursuing higher education in medicine.

Her commitment to serving the underserved marked Dr. Crumpler’s career. After the Civil War, she moved to Richmond, Virginia, to provide medical care to freed slaves, working with the Freedmen’s Bureau. She faced immense racism and sexism but remained unwavering in her mission to provide healthcare to those most in need. Crumpler’s legacy extends beyond her medical practice; she authored “A Book of Medical Discourses” in 1883, one of the first medical publications by an African American. Her work was pioneering, particularly focusing on women's and children’s health. Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler passed away on March 9, 1895, leaving behind a legacy as a medicine trailblazer and a healthcare equality champion.

9. Rosalyn Sussman Yalow (1921–2011)

Rosalyn Sussman Yalow, born on July 19, 1921, in the Bronx, New York, was a distinguished American medical physicist. Raised in a Jewish household by Clara and Simon Sussman, she was exposed to the values of education and perseverance from an early age. Her early schooling at Walton High School paved the way for her academic achievements. Despite societal norms that limited women’s roles, Yalow’s passion for physics led her to Hunter College, where she pursued her interest against the conventional expectation of becoming a teacher, a path her mother had hoped she would follow.

Yalow’s educational journey was marked by determination and resilience. After completing her undergraduate studies at Hunter College in 1941, she faced gender barriers in pursuing graduate studies. However, her talents were recognized, leading to a teaching assistant position at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. There, she became the only woman among 400 members in the physics department, a testament to her exceptional abilities in a male-dominated field. Yalow earned her Ph.D. in 1945, overcoming significant challenges and setting a precedent for women in science.

Yalow’s most significant contribution to medicine was the development of the radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique, for which she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1977. This groundbreaking work, co-developed with Solomon Berson, revolutionized the field of endocrinology by enabling precise measurement of hormones and other substances in the blood. RIA’s impact extended beyond endocrinology, influencing various medical and scientific disciplines. Yalow’s persistence and pioneering spirit advanced medical science and challenged and changed the gender norms in her field. Rosalyn Sussman Yalow passed away on May 30, 2011, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer for women in science and a pivotal figure in medical physics.

10. Hélène Sparrow (1891–1970)

Hélène Sparrow was born to parents of distinguished backgrounds on June 5, 1891, in Bohuslav, Kyiv Governorate. Her father, Leopold Sparrow, was a magistrate of English origin, and her mother, X. Stefanska, came from a well-educated family. Raised in an environment that valued learning and culture, Sparrow excelled in her secondary education in Kyiv, where she was awarded a gold medal. This early success laid the foundation for her future academic pursuits and her decision to enter the medical field. Her upbringing in such an intellectually stimulating environment undoubtedly played a key role in shaping her career path as a medical doctor and bacteriologist.

Sparrow’s academic journey was marked by determination and brilliance. After obtaining her medical diploma cum laude from the Faculty of Medicine in Kyiv in 1915, she furthered her education at the University of Poznań, earning a second medical degree in 1923. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge led her to the University of Warsaw, where she obtained her doctorate in 1928. Her extensive education equipped her with the skills and knowledge that would later contribute significantly to her groundbreaking work in controlling epidemics such as typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, and smallpox.

Hélène Sparrow’s contributions to medical science were monumental. She was pivotal in producing the first vaccine against typhus and spearheaded large-scale vaccination campaigns against diphtheria and scarlet fever in Poland. In 1933, she expanded her research to include rickettsia diseases in Tunis, leading her department at the Pasteur Institute. Her work in Mexico and Guatemala developed a protective vaccine against typhus. Furthermore, Sparrow’s extensive research on relapsing fever in Ethiopia contributed significantly to the World Health Organization’s understanding of the disease. Her relentless dedication to medical research and ability to control several life-threatening epidemics cemented her legacy as a pioneering medical professional. Hélène Sparrow passed away on November 13, 1970, leaving behind a rich legacy of medical advancements and contributions to global health.