American Osteopathic Association Congratulates Physician Founders of National Women Physicians Day

CHICAGO, Feb. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Osteopathic Association congratulates Hala Sabry, DO, and all female physicians on the inaugural celebration of National Women Physicians Day, to be held Friday, February 3, 2017.

Dr. Sabry, an osteopathic emergency physician and founder of Physician Moms Group (PMG), petitioned to establish the day of recognition, marking the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to become a physician. The day also acknowledges the struggles and accomplishments of women who came after Dr. Blackwell to advance medicine and healthcare.

"When I think of Dr. Blackwell, who was accepted into medical school as a practical joke, I am grateful for how far we've come," said Dr. Sabry. "The fact that women are entering the medical field in increasing numbers is a tribute to pioneers like her. It's important to remember their stories and maintain the progress so every little girl who dreams of becoming a doctor won't hesitate because of her gender."

Today, more than 40 percent of DOs in active practice are women and 56 percent of DOs in practice for less than 10 years are female. Osteopathic physicians comprise 11 percent of U.S. physicians, with more than 102,000 DOs in practice.

"Osteopathic medicine has embraced women physicians since AT Still convened his first class, which graduated five female DOs. That history of inclusiveness continues to draw female students to the osteopathic philosophy of medicine, with its emphasis on caring for the whole person," noted Boyd R. Buser, president of the American Osteopathic Association. "We applaud Dr. Sabry for honoring the pioneers and celebrating the women doctors who followed them."

Dr. Sabry hopes PMG can encourage the next generation of women physicians, while helping those in practice avoid burnout. PMG also serves as a base for organization for its members, who collaborate on addressing issues like pay equality. Founded in 2014, PMG currently counts more than 65,000 members.

About the American Osteopathic Association

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents more than 129,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students; promotes public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; and is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical schools.

SOURCE American Osteopathic Association