Abstract:Bernadine Healy (1944-2011) was a cardiologist who served as the first female director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) between 1991 and 1993. In addition to her work at Johns Hopkins University and the Cleveland Clinic, she also served as CEO of the American Red Cross and President of the American Heart Association. She is well-known for her work helping to establish equality for women in health policy and research, notably establishing the Women's Health Initiative at NIH.