Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) is excited to announce the winners of the 2025 GHC-SCW Pre-Professional Medical Diversity Scholarship to three current University of Wisconsin–Madison students.
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 underrepresented backgrounds, promoting a more inclusive health care environment.
The 2025 scholarship winners are:
- Saba Moges (University of Wisconsin–Madison, Anticipated Degree: Doctor of Nursing Practice in Pediatric Primary Care)
- Evelyn Quarm (University of Wisconsin–Madison, Anticipated Degree: Doctor of Nursing Practice with a specialty in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care)
- Steven Xiong (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 2025 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.
“Research shows that when our health care teams reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, care improves, patients feel seen, outcomes strengthen and lives are lengthened,” stated Dr. Matthew Swedlund, Senior Medical Director at GHC-SCW. He continued, “Supporting clinicians from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine is an essential step toward achieving equitable, high-quality care for all patients.”
Candidates were asked to submit essays on the importance of diverse health care providers across all communities and share what inspired them to pursue a health care career. Each of the 2025 winners brings unique insights, experience and commitment to diversity and equity in health care. They shared their impactful perspectives on diversity in health care settings in their essays:
- Saba Moges: “While working in a primary care clinic on the north side of Milwaukee, I saw firsthand how treatment and care for patients can suffer when the majority of the healthcare staff does not reflect the community they serve. Yes, this made me angry, but it also lit a fire in me to be part of changing that. When patients are cared for by providers who reflect their backgrounds— or who are trained to understand their lived experiences—they are more likely to feel respected and to engage fully in their care.”
- Evelyn Quarm: “As someone who immigrated to the United States and navigated the health care system from both the patient and provider perspectives, I understand how cultural barriers can lead to miscommunication, mistrust, and even misdiagnosis. Diverse providers help bridge these gaps not only through language or cultural familiarity, but by advocating for more inclusive practices and policies within the health care system.”
- Steven Xiong: “Providers from underrepresented backgrounds often see what others do not. They notice blind spots, question assumptions, and offer solutions grounded in personal and cultural awareness. No formal medical training can match the value of the lived experiences that diverse doctors bring—experiences that foster equity, trust, and culturally sensitive care.”
GHC-SCW honored the 2025 Pre-Professional Medical Diversity Scholarship winners at a luncheon that took place on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
Salma Salama, a previous scholarship recipient, says, “I’m incredibly thankful for organizations like GHC that not only acknowledge the importance of diversity in health care but also take concrete steps to support students like me. I eagerly look forward to becoming a role model for minority children, students, and professionals alike.”
The scholarship is just one of the ways GHC-SCW demonstrates its commitment to supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) individuals in health care. Our organization also offers a variety of programs designed to help people from diverse backgrounds access quality health care, acknowledging that it is crucial to break down barriers and enhance health outcomes for minority communities. From contributing to the ConnectRx WI program for pregnancy well-being for individuals who identify as Black to our Refugee Assistance Program and beyond, we remain committed to addressing inequities with shared knowledge and meaningful collaboration.
From left to right: Dr. Matthew Swedlund, Chief Medical Officer; Steven Xiong; Saba Moges; Evelyn Quarm.
About GHC-SCW
Proudly serving over 68,000 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. GHC-SCW has received a 4.5 out of 5 Commercial rating according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance‘s (NCQA) Commercial Health Plan Ratings for 2025. They are highly dedicated to giving back to the community and partnering with local organizations to create positive change. To learn more about GHC-SCW, visit ghcscw.com.
