Women's History Month Celebration

By Office of Communication & Marketing | Mar 1, 2022

Each year during March, the nation joins in special honors, recognizing and thanking the women in our lives, our families, our workplaces, and communities for their contributions to making society a more effective model for future generations.

This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,”—a tribute to the enduring work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic. It is also a recognition of the many ways that women of all cultures have provided healing and hope throughout history.

There are countless women here at Downstate to acknowledge who managed operations and continue to lead as they did during the pandemic. But, unfortunately, there are not enough words to thank everyone. From our physicians to nurses, lab techs, phlebotomists, patient care associates, environmental services, social workers, safety and security officers, administrative aides, and department leadership, we extend gratitude for your efforts during uncertain times in healthcare in the United States and around the globe.

At Downstate, more than 58 percent of our employees are women. Women outnumber male students in our five academic units by nearly two to one. Approximately 55 percent of Downstate employees are women in professional (non-faculty) roles, executive/administrative/managerial, and technical/professional positions.

Statistics for women leaders across more than 250 healthcare organizations indicate that women held CEO positions less frequently than other senior leadership roles. As an example, over 15 percent of the CEOs leading medium-sized health systems and health insurance groups were women, according to a 2021 study published in JAMA Network Open.

This year, we are honored to share this Women’s History Month profile of Judy Asher, MSN, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing Pediatrics. Ms. Asher discusses why she became a nurse, her love for the field, and caring for children.

Congratulations, Nurse Asher, and thanks for your contributions to Downstate and women’s history!