In recent years, the University of Virginia (UVA) has celebrated a significant milestone in women’s representation in science and medicine. Women have been actively contributing to UVA’s schools of science and medicine for over a century, with the majority of the current Class of 2027 being female. This achievement highlights the progress made by women in the field of medicine at UVA and their continued impact on the university.
On Thursday, UVA marked this milestone with a celebratory event that featured a historical walking tour of the university’s Grounds, which focused on women’s contributions, as well as 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 journey began in January 1920, when the Board of Visitors granted permission for women to enter graduate programs and professional schools at UVA. 17 women were admitted that year, with four of them enrolling in the school of medicine. Since then, women have continued to make strides in both science and medicine at UVA, culminating in today’s Class of 2027 being made up of 53% female students.
Dr. Alyssa Cole Mixon and Dr. Kathryn Xixis are excited about this development and hope for increased gender equity at UVA and across the nation, as well as higher representation of women in leadership roles. They see this milestone as an opportunity to continue pushing for change and making sure that more young women are given opportunities to succeed in their fields
