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
Our Commitment to Everyone
At GHC-SCW, we are committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion across all aspects of our organization—amongst our providers, members and the communities we serve. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment leads to better care, stronger connections and healthier outcomes for all.