At the University of Virginia (UVA), women in science and medicine have recently marked a significant milestone, with the majority of the UVA School of Medicine Class of 2027 being made up of women. This achievement highlights the strides that women have made in the field of medicine at UVA over the past century, with a remarkable 53% of the class being female.
The journey began in January 1920, when the Board of Visitors granted permission for women to enter graduate programs and professional schools at UVA. Seventeen women were admitted that year, with four enrolling in the school of medicine. Dr. Alyssa Cole Mixon and Dr. Kathryn Xixis are excited to see the continued impact of women at the university and hope for increased gender equity at UVA and across the nation, as well as a higher representation of women in leadership roles.
To celebrate this achievement, a historical walking tour of UVA’s Grounds focused on women’s contributions was held on Thursday, followed by a panel discussion with women leaders from UVA Health. These activities served to honor the achievements of women in science and medicine at UVA and provided a platform for discussion and reflection on the progress made over the past century.
The accomplishments and progress made by women at UVA were celebrated on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for gender equity in science and medicine at the university. With more than half of the Class of 2027 being female, it is clear that women have come a long way since their admission to graduate programs and professional schools over a century ago. As Dr. Cole Mixon and Dr. Xixis continue to push for greater representation and equality for women in their fields, they remain optimistic about what lies ahead for gender equity at UVA and beyond.
Overall, this achievement serves as an inspiration not only to students pursuing careers in science and medicine but also to those working towards greater gender equity across all fields. The continued success of women at UVA is proof that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and perseverance.