When will National Women in Medicine Day be celebrated? September 17th of each calendar year.
What is National Women in Medicine Day? National Women in Medicine Day is a national observance recognizing the leadership, impact, and systems-level contributions of women across medicine, including clinical care, research, education, innovation, and health system leadership. Distinct from National Women Physicians Day, which focuses on professional recognition, this day is intentionally action-oriented—highlighting how women in medicine improve patient outcomes, advance science, and strengthen healthcare systems. Observed annually during Women in Medicine month, it provides institutions, organizations, and communities an opportunity to elevate women’s leadership, share impact, and commit to meaningful progress across medicine.
How should National Women in Medicine Day be celebrated or observed? National Women in Medicine Day should be observed through actions that elevate leadership, highlight impact, and advance meaningful progress across medicine. Institutions and organizations are encouraged to recognize women leaders and teams, share data on outcomes and innovation, host conversations or convenings focused on systems improvement, and announce concrete commitments related to leadership development, workforce sustainability, or patient care. Individuals may participate by amplifying stories of impact, supporting women-led initiatives, and engaging as allies. The day is designed to move beyond recognition toward visibility, accountability, and collective action.
Why was National Women in Medicine Day created? National Women in Medicine Day is being created to address a critical gap between recognition and impact. While women play essential roles across medicine—driving patient care, research, education, and innovation—their leadership and systems-level contributions remain under-recognized and under-leveraged. Existing observances celebrate professional identity, but do not create space for institutions to examine outcomes, elevate women’s leadership, or commit to structural change. This day is intentionally designed to move beyond celebration toward visibility, accountability, and action, highlighting how women in medicine strengthen healthcare systems and improve patient and population health.
Who created this day? This day was created by Women in Medicine® in 2026.