By Theresa Edwards Makrush
Marie Curie (b. Nov. 7, 1867 – d. July 4, 1934) is one of the most influential and important scientists in the modern age. She is best known for her discovery of radium, her pioneering research in radioactivity and for her development of technology used to treat cancer with X-rays. For her work she received many medals and awards including two Nobel Prizes, a first in the history of the honor.
It was fitting that on the anniversary of her birth, a new generation of women in radiation oncology organized by the Society of Women in Radiation Oncology set out to inspire more girls and women to pursue a career in radiation oncology. Dubbed #WomenWhoCurie Day, the social media campaign encouraged women radiation oncologists to take photos of themselves during a typical day on the job.
Our very own Julie A. Bradley, M.D., organized a photo in the building addition where the new proton therapy equipment would soon be installed. She was joined by medical director and proton pioneer Nancy P. Mendenhall, M.D., and more than a dozen others, including men who showed their support.
According to the SWRO, while 50 percent of medical students nationwide are female, only 25-30 percent of current radiation oncology residents are female.
Marie Curie – Biographical. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Media AB 2018. Thu. 6 Dec 2018. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1903/marie-curie/biographical/
https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/who/our-history/marie-curie-the-scientist