Dr. Jeffrey S. Grove, D.O., FACOFP
Dist., Board President, American Osteopathic Foundation
In The Feminist Touch, a PBS documentary based on the book “The Feminine Touch: Women in Osteopathic Medicine,” by Thomas Quinn, D.O., we learn more about how Andrew Taylor Still, M.D., D.O., founded osteopathic medicine in the 1800s, and how his critical decision to include women and minorities in his medical school created an innovative, inclusive foundation for the osteopathic medical profession.
Throughout its more than 70-year history, the American Osteopathic Foundation has carried out the legacy of A.T. Still by embracing the rich diversity of our field, and supporting the efforts of students and professionals working toward greater equity and inclusion.
Minority scholarship program
One of the foundation’s most important educational initiatives directly addressing diversity has been its William G. Anderson, D.O., Minority Scholarship program.
William G. Anderson, D.O., has been a pioneer in civil rights and osteopathic medicine, working with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement and later serving as the American Osteopathic Association’s first Black president.
The American Osteopathic Foundation’s scholarship in Dr. Anderson’s name honors exceptional osteopathic medical students from minority backgrounds who are leading efforts to increase representation, opportunities, and diversity in medicine.
Since its establishment in 2000, the William G. Anderson, D.O., Minority Scholarship has been awarded to 26 student doctors from across the country.
Providing critical care
Just recently, the foundation launched the LGBTQ+ Equity and Inclusion Campaign to undertake the work of better understanding and addressing the healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Through this new initiative, the American Osteopathic Foundation aims to improve the health literacy skills of healthcare providers and address a wide scope of healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ community through educational scholarships, continuing medical education training, and diversity-enriching programs. It’s still early, but the initial support for this important work has been vast.
The American Osteopathic Foundation welcomes collaboration with individuals and organizations who are also striving for equity and inclusion. Building on the foundation laid by A.T. Still, M.D., D.O., we will strengthen and amplify the collective voice of the osteopathic medical profession to make a positive impact now, and for generations to come.