03/24/2026
Dr. Virginia Apgar’s contributions to neonatology have had a lasting and transformative impact on the care of newborns worldwide. In 1952, Apgar developed the Apgar Score, a quick and simple system for assessing the health of newborns immediately after birth. This assessment tool, still in use today, evaluates critical aspects of a baby’s health—such as heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, and reflexes—allowing healthcare providers to quickly determine if a newborn requires immediate medical attention. Despite facing barriers as a woman in a male-dominated medical field, Apgar’s work helped to revolutionize the treatment of newborns and save countless lives. Her advocacy for public health education and her fight for equitable healthcare for women and children continue to inspire today’s healthcare professionals.
Source: American Medical Women's Association / AMWA
