Happy National Women Physicians Day
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- National Women’s Physicians Day recognizes the invaluable contributions women make in patient care, medical research, and leadership across the healthcare industry.
Established in 2017, the day honors Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States in 1849, paving the way for generations of women in medicine.
In Chattanooga, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Leslie Griffin, one of the many accomplished female physicians at Erlanger.
Dr. Griffin shared her insights on balancing her role as a physician and a mother, as well as her passion for serving the community.
“As women, we tend to be naturally inclined to fall into caregiving roles, so for me, medicine, seems to be a very natural fit,” she explained.
Dr. Griffin acknowledged the challenges of juggling family life and a demanding medical career, noting, “As a mom, it’s always a give-and-take. People like to ask, ‘How do you balance it all?’ I don’t think you ever truly balance it. Some things go better at times, and others sacrifice as a result, but there’s definitely a way to make it all work.”
Dr. Griffin expressed her pride in serving the Chattanooga area, describing the city as “a phenomenal community that is really focused on supporting all its members—not only in this county but in the surrounding counties as well. It’s about improving healthcare for everyone as a whole, regardless of their insurance status.”
She also emphasized the importance of passion in pursuing a medical career.
“If you have a love for medicine and it’s truly a passion for you, it just makes it so much easier to embrace the hard aspects of it,” Dr. Griffin said.
On National Women’s Physicians Day, Dr. Griffin encourages aspiring medical students to stay committed to their studies and pursue their dreams.
“There is a place for you in this field,” she says, “and your passion can truly make a difference.”
Chattanooga celebrates having dedicated professionals like Dr. Griffin, who continue to shape the future of healthcare while inspiring the next generation of physicians.
