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First Woman to Receive a U.S. Medical Degree
Elizabeth Blackewell (1821-1910) was the first woman in the U.S. to receive a medical degree from the New York Geneva Medical College. -
New York Infirmary for Women and Children Established
Elizabeth Blackwell, Emily Blackwell, and Maria Zakrezewska established the New York Infirmary for Women and Children. This was the first hospital operated by women and first to offer clinical training for women. -
St. Thomas' Hospital & Nightingale Training School for Nurses
In 1860, Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) funded the establishment of St. Thomas' Hospital. Also within the hospital, Nightingale established the Nightingale Training School for Nurses. Florence Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing. -
The First African-American Woman Doctor
Rebecca Lee Crumpler (1831-1895) was the first African-American woman doctor, earning her degree from the New England Female Medical College in 1864. She was also one of the first African-Americans to publish a medical book, Book of Medical Discourses. -
The American Red Cross Society was Founded
In 1881, Clara Barton (1821-1912) founded the American Red Cross Society. Its first president was Clara Barton. The American Red Cross Society provides assistance and relief work to events such as the 1889 Johnstown Flood or the 1900 Galveston Flood. -
May Sutton
May Sutton was the first American woman to win the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament. -
The Medical Women's National Association Founded
Founded by Bertha Van Hoosen, MD, the Medical Women's National Association (now known as the American Medical Women's Association) is an organization functions to advance women in medicine and improve women's health. -
Frances Perkins
Frances Perkins was appointed U.S. Secretary of Labor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, becoming the first woman ever to hold a U.S. cabinet position. -
Hattie McDaniel
Hattie McDaniel becomes the first African-American woman to win an Academy Award for her role in Gone with the Wind. -
Women's Army Corps (WAC)
In 1942, the Women's Army Corps was founded in order to allow women to serve in the US Navy. Its first director was Oveta Culp Hobby. -
Le Deuxième Sexe
Le Deuxième Sexe, the Second Sex, was a book by French activist Simone de Beauvoir. This book goes into detail about how women were treated throughout history and is regarded as the start of second-wave feminism. -
The Apgar Score
In 1952, Virginia Apgar, MD, developed the Apgar Score, the first standardized test used to evaluate newborns. -
Rosa Parks Bus Incident
Rosa Parks, an African-American woman, stood up for Black Rights on a bus ride in 1955. She refused to give up her seat to a white passenger thus she was arrested. -
Jerrie Mock
Jerrie Mock was the first woman ever to fly around the world solo. In 1964, she flew solo with a single engine Cessna 180. -
National Organization for Women
The National Organization for Women (NOW) was founded in 1966. This is a feminist organization with chapters across the country. -
Sandra Day O'Connor
In 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor was nominated by Ronald Reagan to the U.S. Supreme Court and became the first woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court. O'Connor served in the court for 24 years. -
Gertrude Belle Elion
In 1988, Gertrude Belle Elion won the Nobel Prize for Medicine. She was a chemist who contributed to the field of medicine greatly. Her most known contribution was Purinethol, the first major drug used to fight leukemia. -
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First Woman Elected to the AMA Board of Trustees
Nancy Dickey, MD, was the first woman elected to the American Medical Association Board of Trustees in the late 1980s. From 1997 to 1998, Dr. Dickey became the first female president of the American Medical Association (AMA) -
Violence Against Women Act of 1994
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 was an act that provided funding towards investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against women. It was signed by President Bill Clinton. -
Dr. Jane Ellen Henney
Dr. Jane Ellen Henney was the first woman appointed by President Bill Clinton as commissioner of the United States Food and Drug Administration. She served as commissioner from 1998 to 2001.
