Women in Healthcare: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

Women have long played a critical role in shaping medicine and improving care. During Women’s History Month, we recognize the trailblazers who helped transform healthcare—and reflect on how their legacy continues to influence the work ahead. Their impact reminds us that better care for women strengthens health outcomes for families, communities and future generations.

Building the Foundations of Modern Medicine

In 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in the U.S. to earn a medical degree—at a time when most medical schools refused to admit women. She graduated at the top of her class and went on to help open the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, the nation’s first medical school dedicated to training women physicians.

A few years later, Dr. Blackwell helped establish the New York Infirmary for Women and Children, the first hospital in the U.S. run by women. Its mission was simple: expand access to care for people too often overlooked. These early efforts helped shape a more inclusive healthcare system—one that better recognizes the distinct needs of women and families.

That momentum continued into the 20th century. In the 1930s, Dr. Virginia Apgar broke barriers as one of the few women in anesthesiology and became the first woman to hold a full professorship at Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. She later developed the Apgar score, a straightforward tool that helps clinicians quickly assess a newborn’s health—a practice still used around the world today.

Together, these women show how persistence and innovation can drive lasting improvements in quality, safety and population health.

Looking Ahead: Preparing Healthcare for What’s Next

While progress is undeniable, disparities in women’s health outcomes persist. Research shows that patient-centered care leads to stronger engagement, earlier intervention and better outcomes, especially for people navigating pregnancy, chronic conditions or complex care needs.

Preparing for the future means acknowledging where the system falls short and focusing on solutions that improve outcomes, not just processes. It requires listening to communities, strengthening partnerships and designing care that meets people where they are.

At CareFirst, our work centers on improving the health and experience of our members. Through collaboration and community engagement, we focus on closing gaps in women’s health—including maternal, infant and preventive care.

In April 2025, for example, we convened community leaders, healthcare providers and advocates at our Maternal Health Summit to explore solutions to ongoing challenges such as postpartum care access and the availability of midwifery and community-based services. We also support broader efforts that address social factors affecting health, from our contributions to regional food banks to address food insecurity to regional population health initiatives with local partners like Meritus Health.

Better Care for Women Benefits Everyone

Supporting women’s health strengthens families and communities. CareFirst supports policies that improve access to care and advance maternal health and wellbeing. The reintroduced Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act aims to strengthen the perinatal workforce, expand maternal mental health support and better connect people to community-based services.

Preventive care also plays a critical role. Access to services like well-woman visits, breast and cervical cancer screenings and mammograms helps detect concerns earlier and supports long‑term health.

Committed to the Future

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, the legacy of the women who shaped healthcare reminds us that progress is built over time. Their achievements were not just about being “first” but about creating pathways for better, more responsive care.

Inspired by their leadership, CareFirst remains committed to advancing member‑centered care through collaboration, advocacy and community partnership. By continuing this work, we help build a healthcare system that delivers meaningful, lasting change—for women and for all.