National Women Physicians Day Timeline

1940s

Nigeria's first woman doctor

Nigerian gynecologist Dr. Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi was the country's first woman doctor.

Feb. 3, 1921

Elizabeth Blackwell was born

Blackwell, the first female doctor in the U.S., faced medical school rejection letters with statements about her intellectual inferiority.

1540

England's Henry VIII granted the charter for the Company of Barber-Surgeons

It led to healthcare specialization and barred women from practicing professionally.