A Brief Guide to Women’s History Month 2024 in Missouri
A Brief Guide to Women’s History Month 2024 in Missouri
Spring isn’t the only thing blooming in Missouri this March. It’s also Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the amazing women who’ve shaped our state and the entire nation.
This year, we’re casting light on Missouri’s unsung healthcare heroines, past and present. Join us as we explore their stories, honor their legacies, and find inspiration for our own journeys.
Victoria J. Fraser, MD
As a healthcare epidemiologist, she helps combat infections and other biological threats. Her leadership and research have made a big difference in preventing these threats. This ensures a safer healthcare environment for patients and healthcare workers.
Dr. Fraser’s work goes beyond protecting the vulnerable. It has helped shape better practices and policies in primary healthcare.
Laura Henderson Kelley, MD
She embodies compassionate care in her practice of internal medicine and pediatrics. This dual expertise allows her to offer families the support they need as they grow and evolve.
Dr. Kelley’s work helps bridge the gap between child and adult healthcare. She continues to impact the lives of many families in Missouri residents and beyond.
Brandi French, MD
Dr. French’s fascination with the brain led her to become a neurologist. With her expertise in vascular neurology, she helps patients battling stroke and other brain vessel diseases.
Dr. French doesn’t just treat; she educates her patients, giving them the knowledge they need to embrace their conditions. Her passion for advancing stroke care has saved lives and improved countless recovery journeys.
Elizabeth Garrett, MD
Dr. Garrett, a family medicine doctor, sees the bigger picture: keeping communities healthy.
Outside the clinic, she works with communities to prevent illness and promote well-being at all ages. Her work is integral for building healthier communities for everyone.
Anne T. Neff, MD
Even though she’s retired now, Dr. Neff was a key player in Missouri’s healthcare network including at women’s health clinic facilities. As a hematologist, she helped ensure safe blood transfusions. This was crucial for patients in dire need of blood.
She also helped diagnose, treat, and manage blood-related issues like anemia, clotting problems, and even blood cancers.
Dr. Alison G. Cahill, MD
Dr. Cahill is a shining star in Missouri’s maternal and fetal medicine scene. She guides expecting mothers through pregnancy’s ups and downs with expertise and compassion. Her unique blend of advanced medicine and personalized touch has revolutionized maternal-fetal care.
Dr. Cahill’s impact goes beyond the women’s health center walls. She’s a research leader, pioneering studies to improve outcomes for high-risk pregnancies. Her passion for keeping moms and babies healthy has left a lasting mark on the state’s healthcare.
Celebrate Women’s History Month 2024 by Getting Your Health Checked
The importance of women practitioners in the Missouri healthcare system cannot be overlooked. Women’s History Month 2024 is a great time to applaud their efforts while spotlighting specific women’s health issues.
At Compass Health Network, we help improve the physical and emotional health of Missourians. We achieve this by providing them with compassionate, quality care.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you need help with your specific health issues.
Women’s History Month: Five Pioneer Women Dentists to Know About
Women’s History Month: Five Pioneer Women Dentists to Know About
In 1978, a small California community celebrated the first “Women’s History Week.” It helped us recognize the incredible achievements of women. Today, we have an entire month – March – to celebrate them.
Dentistry is a field with a fascinating history. Women dentists have overcome social norms and pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. This Women’s History Month, let’s shine a light on five incredible women who paved the way for generations of female dentists.
1. Lucy Hobbs Taylor: The First Woman to Graduate With a Dental Degree in the U.S.
Imagine facing discrimination because of your desire to enter a field dominated by men. That’s what Lucy Hobbs Taylor confronted in the 19th century. But she refused to give up on her dream of caring for others.
Taylor found a mentor and independently studied dentistry. This way, she became the first woman to graduate with a dental degree in the U.S. in 1866. Her accomplishment was a groundbreaking moment for all women.
2. Ida Gray: The First African-American Woman Dentist
In a time of deep racial segregation, Ida faced racism. She was initially denied entry to dental school due to her race. However, she became the first African-American woman dentist in 1897.
Gray dedicated her career to serving her community. She opened her practice, treating both Black and white patients. Her commitment to do this makes her a true role model.
3. Minnie Evangeline Jordan: The World’s First Pediatric Dentist
Kids need a gentle dentist who understands their fears. That’s the legacy of Minnie Evangeline Jordan. She used kid-friendly terms and explanations to make the experience less intimidating.
She also created welcoming spaces and developed child-sized dental technology. Her pioneering spirit sparked a whole new field of dentistry dedicated to kids’ unique needs. Thanks to her, countless kids have experienced stress-free dental care.
4. Jeanne C. Sinkford: The First Ever Female Dean of a Dental School
In 1981, Jeanne C. Sinkford became the first female dean of a dental school in the U.S. She actively recruited women and minorities into the field. Under her leadership, the school’s research and clinical programs flourished.
Dr. Sinkford inspired countless students to pursue leadership roles in dentistry. Her courage and dedication paved the way for many others to follow. Today, countless female deans and leaders in the dental industry look up to her.
5. Mary Haviland Stilwell Kuesel: The Founder of the Women’s Dental Association
There was a time when women dentists faced prejudice and isolation. In 1892, Mary Haviland Stilwell Kuesel decided to change that by founding the Women’s Dental Association (WDA). This organization became a lifeline for female dentists in history.
Women could connect, share experiences, and encourage each other. The WDA lobbied for fair treatment and opportunities for women in dentistry. It also provided guidance and financial support to aspiring female dentists.
Shine a Light on Incredible Women Dentists Today
This Women’s History Month, we’ve explored the inspiring stories of just five pioneer dentists who paved the way for women dentists. Their courage, perseverance, and dedication helped break down barriers. These stories inspire us to impact the world around us positively.
Count on Compass Health Network for personalized and affordable healthcare in Missouri. We offer high-quality behavioral, pediatric/family, and dental care. Start your journey to a better future with Compass Health Network today.