RI H7470

Rhode Island House of Representatives celebrates February 3, 2026 as "National Women Physicians Day," commemorating the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, who in 1849 became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States.

Honors Dr. Velma Scantlebury-White, the first Black woman transplant surgeon in the United States, who performed approximately 2,000 organ transplants over her 40-year career.

Notes that as of early 2025, 424,000 female physicians practice in the United States, representing 38.5% of the active physician workforce, while women now comprise over 57% of medical school applicants.

Highlights the gender pay gap finding from a 2021 Rand Corporation report showing female physicians earn $90,000 to $100,000 less than male physicians annually.

Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to Dr. Mariah Stump, President of the Rhode Island Medical Women's Association.