13 Ways Women Are Shaping the Future of Public Health and Medicine
Women are bringing unprecedented change to the fields of public health and medicine, transforming the field in a manner that is shaping our future.
The Global Health Network reports that 25 percent of top leadership positions are occupied by women, despite women holding 70 percent of the total number of health worker jobs worldwide.
Nonetheless, women are not only participants but are at the forefront. Their impact is evident in the groundbreaking gene-editing technology, which contributes to a more inclusive and welcoming healthcare space.
These women are in boardrooms, labs, and communities, and they are adding new ideas and making monumental changes. Ready to be inspired? Here are 13 amazing ways in which women are helping to create a healthier future.
Taking the Helm with Trailblazing Leadership
The corner office in major health organizations is no longer an old boys’ club. Women are stepping into top leadership roles and proving that a collaborative and empathetic leadership style can transform entire systems.
According to the Global Health Network, women occupy 25% of senior leadership roles in this sector. They’re running government health bodies, hospital networks, and global health initiatives, bringing a focus on equity and access to the forefront.
They champion initiatives that benefit everyone, from urban centers to rural communities, ensuring no one gets left behind.
Fueling Breakthroughs in Medical Research
Behind some of the most significant medical discoveries of our time are brilliant female scientists
Ever heard of CRISPR? You can thank Dr. Jennifer Doudna for co-developing that revolutionary gene-editing tool. And the discovery of the BRCA1 gene, which transformed our understanding of breast cancer risk? That was Dr. Mary-Claire King, as noted by the National Cancer Institute.
These advances don’t happen in isolation; female scientists worldwide push boundaries, bringing new therapies, better diagnoses, and improved understanding that save and enhance millions of lives.
Championing Maternal and Child Health
Leaders with firsthand experience are best equipped to improve maternal and child health. Women in medicine have made significant advancements in prenatal and postpartum care.
Shockingly, malnutrition among pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and adolescent girls has increased by 25% since 2020, according to a WHO report. In response, these leaders are developing innovative models to reduce maternal mortality rates and give babies a healthier start in life.
It’s not just clinical care—they also advocate for policies like paid leave and accessible childcare, recognizing that children’s health depends on their mothers’ health.
Innovating Health Policy for All
Legislation is where lasting change is cemented, and women are making their voices heard in the halls of power.
They are shaping health policy to be more equitable, advocating for the needs of marginalized populations, and pushing for laws that address gender disparities in healthcare.
From fighting for reproductive rights to ensuring insurance plans cover essential services, these female leaders are rewriting the rules. They work to dismantle systemic barriers that prevent people from getting the care they need, making the system fairer for everyone.
Driving the Future with Technological Advancement
Digital health is the future, and women are at the forefront of this technological shift. They drive biotechnology innovations, pioneer advanced peptide therapeutics, and develop telehealth systems that connect remote patients to specialists.
For example, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in mammography, which enhances the accuracy of breast cancer detection, is highlighted by the Global Healthcare Leaders Foundation. These innovations aren’t just cool gadgets; they solve real-world problems.
Leading with Compassion in Mental Health
For too long, mental health was discussed in whispers. But women are changing that conversation. They are leading the charge to destigmatize mental illness and promote compassionate, inclusive approaches to mental wellness.
They are designing programs for youth, advocating for better therapy coverage, and making it okay to seek help. Their leadership, rooted in compassion and empathy, fosters safer environments where everyone can prioritize their mental health.
Powering Communities Through Public Health Education
An apple a day keeps the doctor away—but who reminds you to eat it? Often, it’s a woman “public health educator.” Women excel in health communication, leading initiatives to enhance health literacy and empower individuals to manage their health effectively.
They create awareness about topics ranging from vaccines to healthy lifestyles. By simplifying medical information, they help communities build lasting healthy habits.
Empowering Communities from the Ground Up
Change doesn’t always start at the top. Many effective health campaigns arise from grassroots efforts. These community organizers work directly with neighborhoods to identify local health issues.
They empower residents to advocate for cleaner air, local clinics, or community gardens. Such local focus ensures solutions meet specific community needs.
Launching Ventures as Medical Entrepreneurs
Got a great idea to fix a problem in healthcare? Why wait for someone else to do it? Female entrepreneurs are launching innovative startups at a record pace. They’re developing new medical devices, creating digital health apps, and building social enterprises to tackle pressing health issues.
As Angela Gusztos, EIT Health InnoStars Business Creation Lead, underlines, “Women entrepreneurs are not just disrupting the market; they are building solutions that challenge outdated norms and directly impact patient lives. Their innovations shape a future where healthcare is designed for everyone.”
These women are not just business leaders; they are problem-solvers. They identify gaps in the system and strive to create solutions that are both profitable and impactful, ultimately shaking up the traditional healthcare industry for the better.
Fighting for Global Health Equity
Health should not depend on geography. Women in global health strive for access and equity worldwide.
They manage foreign aid, build coalitions, and find solutions to significant challenges such as infectious diseases and malnutrition in low-resource settings. Their work ensures birthplace doesn’t determine health outcomes.
Building the Next Generation Through Mentorship
A rising tide lifts all boats, and women in medicine are committed to lifting each other. According to Forbes, women continue to be underrepresented in academic medicine, particularly in leadership positions.
To address this, they are building strong support networks and mentorship programs within medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions.
By mentoring and advocating for the next generation of female leaders, they are helping to ensure a diverse and robust talent pipeline. This commitment to mentorship fosters a culture of collaboration over competition.
Putting the “Care” Back in Healthcare
Ever felt truly heard by your doctor? Patient-centered care, championed by many healthcare providers, emphasizes listening and understanding each patient’s unique situation.
They push for a more personalized approach, taking the time to understand a patient’s unique circumstances, values, and preferences. This focus on the individual is transforming the patient experience from a transaction into a true partnership.
Breaking Bias and Building Inclusive Cultures
Despite all this progress, gender bias in healthcare is still a reality. According to Sacred Heart University, women are 50% more likely to be misdiagnosed with a heart attack than men.
Women are actively working to dismantle these barriers, advocating for cultures that truly value all perspectives. By creating more inclusive environments, they help make medicine and public health systems more innovative and more effective for everyone.
16 Best Jobs for Pregnant Women
16 Best Jobs for Pregnant Women
Pregnancy is a transformative and joyous period in a woman’s life, but it comes with unique challenges and demands. One of the most crucial aspects during this time is ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
Finding the right job during pregnancy is not just about earning an income; it’s about maintaining your health, well-being, and peace of mind.
Science Tells Us What To Expect As We Age: Strategies for Thriving in Later Life
Science Tells Us What To Expect As We Age: Strategies for Thriving in Later Life
How does aging affect our bodies and minds, and how can we adapt to those differences? These are questions that pertain to us all. Aging gradually alters people over decades, a long period shaped by individuals’ economic and social circumstances, their behaviors, their neighborhoods, and other factors. Also, while people experience common physiological issues in later life, they don’t follow a well-charted, developmentally predetermined path. Let’s take a look at what science has told us to expect.
