Marla Ahlgrimm | How Women Have Broken Barriers In Medicine

Just a short century ago, the medical field was overwhelmingly dominated by men. Marla Ahlgrimm states that women who dared to pursue a career in medicine faced more than just skepticism but discrimination in a world designed to exclude them. However, with persistence, women have used their natural nurturing ability to aid in medicine and pharmaceuticals and have reshaped the industry over the last 100 years.

The Early 20th Century

In the early days of the century, the path to medicine was full of obstacles specifically for women. Not only did most medical schools outright refuse to admit women, but those who were admitted faced hostile environments. Further, Marla Ahlgrimm notes that even progressive institutions at the time offered few opportunities for women, as the overall societal belief was that a woman's place was at home. Fortunately, Elizabeth Blackwell set a precedent in 1849 when she became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the U.S. Using her inspiration, many women physicians pushed through, even if they were relegated to pediatrics, obstetrics, and other fields considered more "suited to women's sensitivities."

World Wars

World War I and World War II played a significant role in how women were able to access medical education. During this time, many women stepped into roles traditionally held by their husbands and brothers serving overseas. Marla Ahlgrimm says it was no surprise that they proved competent and dedicated, and many continued to serve in a medical capacity long after the wars ended. It was around this time that Marla Ahlgrimm notes that women's medical colleges began to open, and more institutions began offering coeducational opportunities. Virginia Apgar, best known for the development of the Apgar score test, emerged during this time and today continues as a shining example of inspiration for women.

A Constant Struggle

Despite trailblazers like Blackwell and Apgar, women continued to face uphill battles with lower wages and fewer opportunities than their male counterparts. Further, Marla Ahlgrimm points out that societal expectations of motherhood had still barely changed, and many women felt pressured to fulfill domestic duties instead of professional aspirations.

Today

Skip to today. As of 2025, approximately half of all medical school graduates in developed countries are women. Marla Ahlgrimm says that females continue to lead in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and other aspects of wellness. She states that without those brave women who came before her – Marla Ahlgrimm is also considered a pioneer in medicine as an advocate for custom hormone therapy in the 1970s – many women today would likely still be on the sidelines instead of wearing a stethoscope.

Marla Ahlgrimm encourages all young women interested in a career in medicine or pharmaceuticals to pursue their dreams. With access to educational programs and many scholarships and grants specifically for young women, there are far fewer barriers and much more support from dream to degree.