Spotlight on Women's History in Obstetrics

Since March is Women’s History Month, we knew we had to highlight a powerhouse in the field of birth. Meet Dr. Virginia Apgar!

Dr. Apgar was the 1st woman to graduate with a medical degree from Columbia University. While she was a skilled surgeon, the chairman of surgery at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center discouraged her from continuing on in the field of surgery. He instead encouraged her to go into anesthesiology to help improve advancements in surgery.

Dr. Apgar researched the uses and effects of anasthesia during labor. She also brought more focus to premature birth and eventually contributed research to the March of Dimes. She is most known, however, for creating a system to quickly and simply assess newborn health in the first minutes after birth.

The APGAR score, named after Dr. Apgar, reduced infant mortality rates with its implementation. APGAR stands for appearance (A), pulse (P), reflexes (Grimace), activity (A), and respiration (R). The APGAR assessment is typically done at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. This system is still in place today.

Dr. Apgar is said to have founded the field of neonatology with her work with assesing the health of newborns. Her work has increased neonatal survival rates all over the world. We are thankful for her contributions!