Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is excited to announce the winners of the 2024 GHC-SCW Pre-Professional Medical Diversity Scholarship to three current University of Wisconsin–Madison students.
Now in its third year, this scholarship program is part of GHC-SCW’s ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes for patients from diverse backgrounds and lessen racial and ethnic health disparities. The scholarships provide financial assistance and mentorship to health care professionals from diverse backgrounds, promoting a more inclusive health care environment.
The 2024 scholarship winners are:
- Molly Meyers Boson (University of Wisconsin–Madison, Anticipated Degree: Mental Health Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner)
- Queila Griffin (University of Wisconsin–Madison, Anticipated Degree: Physician Assistant)
- Fatou Kolley (University of Wisconsin–Madison, Anticipated Degree: Doctor of Medicine)
Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, Asian and/or Hispanic/Latinx and are enrolled in a Wisconsin-based Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), physician assistant (PA) or nurse practitioner (NP) program in Wisconsin were eligible to apply for the 2024 GHC-SCW Pre-Professional Medical Diversity Scholarship. Each winner receives a $5,000 scholarship, which they can use how they see fit (tuition, books, etc.), and the chance to gain hands-on experience through an on-site shadowing opportunity at GHC-SCW.
“Medical studies show that patients have better health outcomes when the health care workforce reflects the demographics of the community of patients who are served,” said Dr. Alison Craig, GHC-SCW pediatrician and senior medical director. “Recruiting diverse health care providers requires longitudinal investment in health care scholars with diverse backgrounds.”
She continued, “Understanding the historic and systemic barriers to diversity, equity and inclusion in medicine, we started the Medical Diversity Scholarship as an upstream investment in the pipeline of diverse medical scholars. Ultimately, our goal is to improve the candidate pool for future primary care provider recruiting at GHC; however, we understand that investment in any pre-professional student is also an investment in the state of Wisconsin. We aspire to support scholars who are committed to improving the health of Wisconsin’s diverse communities through primary care specialties, including behavioral health.”
Candidates were asked to submit essays on the importance of diverse health care providers in diverse communities and share what led them to pursue a health care career. Each of the 2024 winners has a unique perspective, experience and commitment to diversity in health care. They shared their insightful views on diversity in health care settings in their essays:
- Molly Meyers Boson: “As our community grows and becomes more diverse and complex, a diverse workforce is imperative to adequately address the community’s needs. This is because a diverse workforce goes beyond just providing representation, but it also can help foster a sense of trust in health care, enhance innovation and problem-solving, and provide for more cultural humility and culturally sensitive care.”
- Queila Griffin: “This experience [interacting with a patient] highlighted the overwhelming reality that, while personal actions like reflecting on my biases, correcting myself on pronouns and assumptions, and even helping nurses communicate with Spanish speaking patients, cannot reach the depths to which this problem extends. Thus, diversity on every level is critical to creating structures that promote excellent and equitable care for all populations.”
- Fatou Kolley: “I believe that increasing the diversity of the health care workforce is vital for reducing health disparities. When patients see health care providers who share their cultural background and experiences, they are more likely to feel comfortable and engage in their own care. This connection can lead to better health outcomes and a stronger patient-provider relationship.”
GHC-SCW honored the 2024 Pre-Professional Medical Diversity Scholarship winners at a luncheon on Monday, Oct. 14.
The scholarship is just one way GHC-SCW demonstrates its commitment to supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) individuals in health care. The organization also offers a variety of programs designed to help people from different backgrounds access quality health care, acknowledging that it is crucial to break down barriers and enhance health outcomes for minority communities.
From left to right: Dr. Mark Huth, CEO of GHC-SCW; Queila Griffin; Fatou Kolley; Molly Meyers Boson and Dr. Alison Craig
About GHC-SCW
Proudly serving over 70,000 members, Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is Wisconsin’s first, and Dane County’s only, member-owned, non-profit health care cooperative, ensuring patients and members are at the top of the leadership chart, giving them a voice in their health care. Services extend across greater Dane County and select areas in South Central Wisconsin, offering insurance coverage and clinical care.
Celebrating almost 50 years, GHC-SCW is the first health plan in Wisconsin to offer patients a money-back guarantee if they are dissatisfied with their experience at a GHC-SCW clinic. GHC-SCW is perennially a national leader in quality. In 2024, GHC-SCW achieved a 4.5 out of 5 rating among private commercial plans. They are highly dedicated to giving back to the community and partnering with local organizations, such as the Madison Children’s Museum, to create positive change. To learn more about GHC-SCW, visit ghcscw.com.
Media Contact
Katelyn McLaughlin
Marketing and Communications Manager
608-251-4156 Ext. 4453
kmclaughlin@ghcscw.com
Breast cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges for women worldwide, but awareness is a powerful tool in the fight against it. Each year, October brings a surge of pink ribbons and educational campaigns, reminding us of the importance of early detection, ongoing research and compassionate support for those affected.
Detecting Breast Cancer Early
Early detection saves lives, and it begins with regular screenings! The National Breast Cancer Foundation has determined that when breast cancer is found in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%. There are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States who have gotten tested, diagnosed and have fought the intense battle against cancer. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force now recommends all women get screened for breast cancer every other year starting at the age of 40 instead of the previously recommended age of 50. This change aims to detect breast cancer earlier, saving more lives and improving outcomes. The American College of Radiology (ACR) recommends that high-risk women, including Black and Ashkenazi Jewish women, undergo a risk assessment by age 25 to determine if earlier screening is needed. High-risk women may need more intensive screening, including MRI surveillance, mammograms or breast ultrasounds, starting at ages 25 to 30.
New Screening Recommendations
If you fit into the new recommended age of 40 and haven’t already, schedule your breast cancer screening today by logging into your GHCMyChartSM account. All mammograms take place at our Hatchery Hill Clinic in Fitchburg, Wisconsin where two new imaging machines have recently been installed. If you receive your care at a clinic outside of GHC-SCW, your GHCMyChartSM account will prompt you to call to schedule your appointment.
Along with getting tested by a professional, the National Breast Cancer Foundation encourages women of all ages to do monthly breast self-exams and to be aware of their bodies to detect any abnormalities. In these self-exams, look for bumps, abnormal skin color and texture and note any sore spots.
Breast Cancer in Men
Breast cancer begins as a growth of either malignant or cancerous cells in breast tissue. This tissue is found in everyone, male and female. While it is most common for women, men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer, with 1 in every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the U.S. being found in a man. Men can get tested if they feel a lump or see changes to the color or thickness of skin on their chest.
Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week is marked every October 17-23. For more information about male breast cancer, including statistics, symptoms and stories from men who have survived breast cancer, please visit this page on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.
How GHC-SCW is Promoting Awareness
GHC-SCW is dedicated to promoting breast cancer awareness and early detection this month and every month. On October 18-20, GHC-SCW will be wearing pink and asking members to join us to spread awareness and show our support for those diagnosed with breast cancer. During the month of October, share a selfie wearing pink on social media and tag GHC-SCW and include #GHCWearsPink for the chance to win a pink Lands’ End tote bag full of goodies!
The recent guidelines and recommendations for breast cancer screenings have been updated, and we’ve made it easy to make an appointment to receive this potentially life-changing checkup. If you are eligible for a screening and receive care at a GHC-SCW primary care clinic, follow the simple steps below:
Step 1: Log into your GHCMyChartSM account
Step 2: Select “Schedule an Appointment”
Step 3: Select “Mammogram Screening”
Step 4: Answer a few questions and select the time that works best for you