March is Women’s History Month - a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women throughout history. At Valley Children's, we are celebrating these accomplishments and acknowledging the groundbreaking contributions women have made that transformed the field of medicine and advanced healthcare worldwide. This month, we honor their success, appreciate the progress made, and acknowledge the work that still lies ahead.
We stand on the shoulders of visionaries like Elizabeth Blackwell, the first American woman to earn a medical degree; Mary Edwards Walker, the first female surgeon in the United States; and Helen Taussig, the founder of pediatric cardiology who helped develop the first open-heart surgery for children with congenital heart defects. These trailblazers, along with countless other women in medicine, broke barriers and paved the way for future generations to pursue careers in healthcare.
Here in the Central Valley, we draw inspiration from the Founding Mothers of Valley Children’s: Agnes Crocket, Gail Goodwin, Helen Maupin, Carolyn Peck, and Patty Randall. Driven by a profound desire to improve pediatric healthcare in the region, they transformed their vision into a reality and created a hospital dedicated to fighting for the futures of children entrusted to our care. Their legacy is a powerful example of what leadership in medicine looks like, defined by courage, compassion and a commitment to empowering others.
As female physicians at Valley Children's, we proudly carry this legacy forward. There is no greater joy than seeing a young girl smile as she says, “I want to be a doctor just like you.” Moments like these reaffirm our dedication to mentoring and supporting the next generation of women physicians to lead with confidence and continue shaping the future of healthcare.
Being a woman in medicine today means more than just treating patients - it means inspiring and empowering future women physician leaders. We are determined to continue working toward achieving equality in healthcare and encouraging young girls to carry out their dreams of becoming doctors. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we encourage everyone to learn about the remarkable accomplishments of women in healthcare and ensure their legacy continues for generations to come.
About the Authors
Dr. Roxanne Coronel is a first-year pediatric resident at Valley Children’s Hospital with a passion for mentoring and improving healthcare access for underserved communities. Originally from the Bay Area in California, she earned her medical degree from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health. Dedicated to shaping the future of pediatrics, she finds joy in inspiring young minds and empowering the next generation of physicians. Learn more about Dr. Coronel here.
Dr. Carol Nader is a second-year pediatric resident at Valley Children’s Hospital who plans to pursue a career in primary care. She is passionate about advocating for her patients and educating families about preventative medicine. She is from Pacific Grove, California and earned her medical degree from California Northstate University College of Medicine. She enjoys going on walks, listening to puns, and crocheting. Learn more about Dr. Nader here.