By Kristen Alexander

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March 7, 2025

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Starting in the early 20th century, International Women’s Day arose due to inequalities in daily life that forced women to speak up for better working conditions, equal pay, and the right to vote. Although we’ve made significant progress during this time, there are still significant gaps and inequalities present today. Because of this, women around the world continue to press onwards to ensure equal rights for future generations. 

Since women make up the majority of the naturopathic medicine field, we would like to take a moment to acknowledge a few women who were pioneers in the field and helped us get to where we are today. We would not be able to provide the care and support to our patients without these previous contributions. 

 

Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell

Dr. Blackwell was the first woman awarded a medical degree in the United States upon graduating from medical school in 1849. Upon graduation, she focused on the health and well-being of women and children and eventually helped co-found the New York Infirmary for Women and Children. This eventually led to the development of a medical college for women, which provided medical education for women and likely helped open the doors to allow more women into the field of medicine. 

 

Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler

In 1864, Dr. Crumpler became the first formally-trained African American woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. Prior to her medical education, she was a nurse who worked to improve the lives of previously enslaved persons who otherwise would not have had access to medical care. In addition to her medical education, she also documented her work carefully in her book ‘A Book of Medical Discourses,’ which aimed to provide preventative guidance and support for mothers and children. 

 

Rosemary Gladstar

We would be remiss if we did not discuss Rosemary Gladstar’s contributions to the world of plant medicine. She helped create the longest-running herbal school in the US, allowing her to share her herbal knowledge nationally. Additionally, she has authored multiple books that have helped bring practical herbal understanding into many people’s daily lives. At the same time, she is actively helping promote the environmental sustainability of herbs. She helps promote ecologically sound harvesting and best-use practices to ensure future generations are able to enjoy them.

 

Ancestral Healers

It is also important to acknowledge our ancestral healers who, for many centuries, had been healing and caring for their communities long before the field of medicine was invented. Civilizations from across the globe have documented stories of women in their tribes, groups, and communities who have shared their knowledge and healing abilities, and there is no doubt that without their contributions, we would not have the breadth of knowledge regarding botanical medicines that we, as naturopathic doctors, utilize on a daily basis. 

 

At Richmond Natural Medicine, we #AccelerateAction by providing a space for women to tell their stories, celebrate their victories, and support them on their health and wellness journeys! 

If you have been looking for a caring provider who takes the time to sit with you, listen to your story, and craft a supportive plan that is individual to you, give us a call today at (804) 977-2634 to book your appointment with one of our providers. 

 

References:

1. The History of International Women’s Day 
2. Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler
3. Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell