Women have played a vital role in advancing healthcare, shaping medical research, and improving patient care. March is National Women’s History Month, and March 8 marks International Women’s Day—a time to recognize the achievements of women across all fields, including medicine and science.
From breaking barriers in medical education to leading groundbreaking research, these five women have made lasting contributions to medicine and public health.
Dr. Andrea Singer
A professor at Georgetown University Medical Center, Dr. Andrea Singer is a leading physician dedicated to women’s health. Her clinical areas of expertise include women's primary care, osteoporosis, bone densitometry, osteoporosis, secondary fracture prevention, menopause, sexual health and medical and gynecologic disease. She serves as Chief Medical Officer of the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF), helping to advance education and awareness efforts in the field.
Dr. Felicia Cosman
Dr. Felicia Cosman is a highly respected osteoporosis specialist and North American Co-Editor-in-Chief of Osteoporosis International. Her work has advanced osteoporosis treatments, including teriparatide, abaloparatide, and romosozumab, helping to develop more effective therapies for fracture prevention. Through her leadership in research and medical education, she continues to shape clinical best practices for osteoporosis management.
Dr. Ethel Siris
Dr. Ethel Siris is a nationally recognized expert in osteoporosis and past president of the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (formerly NOF). Her research has focused on osteoporosis treatments, risk factors, and medication adherence. She has played a crucial role in public health advocacy, patient education, and advancing osteoporosis treatment options. Her work has helped shape policies and awareness efforts to improve bone health outcomes for millions.
Dr. Bess Dawson-Hughes
Dr. Bess Dawson-Hughes, is an internationally renowned endocrinologist whose research focuses on bone health, metabolic bone disease, calcium and vitamin D nutrition, and osteoporosis prevention and treatment. She has served as President and Trustee of the National Osteoporosis Foundation (now BHOF) and serves as General Secretary of the International Osteoporosis Foundation.
Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell (1821–1910)
As the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell paved the way for women in medicine. She was a strong advocate for preventive care, hygiene, and women’s health, all of which play a crucial role in maintaining lifelong bone health. Her efforts expanded medical opportunities for women and helped transform healthcare.
Honoring Women’s Contributions to Medicine
Women have long played a crucial role in shaping modern medicine, whether through pioneering research, improving patient care, or advocating for better public health policies. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s recognize and support the ongoing contributions of women in healthcare—past, present, and future.