SUNY Downstate News Releases 03-08-2021 | Womens History Month

Celebrating Women's History Month and 2021 International Women's Day

Since 1987, the U.S. has celebrated Women's History Month recognizing women's impact and contributions to society. Women hold more than three-quarters of healthcare jobs in the United States, including physicians/surgeons, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, and licensed vocational nurses (Catalyst, Quick Take: Women in Healthcare, 2020).

Women continue to be trailblazers. The nation elected the first woman to hold the vice presidency of the United States. At Downstate, more than 58 percent of our employees are female. In our five colleges and schools combined, women outnumber male students by nearly two to one. Approximately 55 percent of Downstate employees are women in professional (non-faculty) roles, executive/administrative/managerial, as well as those in technical/professional roles. We are the beneficiaries of their leadership and service.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women held 50.04 percent of American jobs as of December 2020—excluding farm workers and the self-employed—up from 49.7 percent in 2019. Though women make up 80 percent of health care workers nationally, just 40 percent are executives. I'm proud to lead an organization where diversity and inclusion are among our top priorities in creating a productive and successful workforce.

Today, March 8, is International Women's Day. This is a global day celebrating women's social, economic, cultural, professional, and political achievements. I am proud to acknowledge Downstate’s own Distinguished Teaching Professor of Medicine and Chief of Rheumatology, Ellen Ginzler M.D., MPH.

Dr. Ginzler earned her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, completed her internship and residency at King's County Hospital and Bellevue Hospital. Her fellowship training in rheumatology was completed here at Downstate before joining the Department of Medicine faculty.

To learn more about Dr. Ginzler, you can read her bio here, and you can also watch a short video.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank all the women at Downstate for their commitment and dedication to our students, patients, faculty, staff, and the external community. Regardless of your role, diversity of thought, skill, experience, and perspectives, what you bring greatly adds value that serves our community well.

As the father of two young women, I am proud to join the millions of others in celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of women all over the world.

I wish you all a wonderful Women's History Month and a Happy International Women's Day!