CHICAGO (PRWEB) December 03, 2021 -- A one-million-dollar donation is being gifted to the American Osteopathic Foundation by Jeffrey S. Grove, DO, an Osteopathic family physician and president of the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) Board of Directors. Dr. Grove made this generous commitment to help the AOF launch an LGBTQIA+ initiative that addresses the profession at three levels, as medical students, as practicing physicians, and as educators within the healthcare field. Dr. Grove’s contribution is earmarked for educational scholarships to Osteopathic medical students who self-identify as a member of LGBTQIA+ communities.

“Giving back to the profession I love is something that I do without reservation,” said Dr. Grove. “I am heartened to support LGBTQIA+ Osteopathic medical students in their journey of growth and acceptance. Ultimately, better patient care starts with physicians who are better supported in the pathway through medical school.”

Reimagining the future of healthcare

Dr. Grove is the founder and inspiration behind several other LGBTQIA+ expansion initiatives across the country. His gift will anchor the AOF’s recently launched LGBTQIA+ Health Equity & Inclusion Initiative, which aims to better understand and address the healthcare needs of the LGBTQIA+ community through educational scholarships, CME training, and diversity-enriching programs.

“The Foundation is humbled by Dr. Grove’s generosity,” said Rita Forden, AOF CEO. “His gift to support AOF’s broad-based initiative moves us closer to a world without discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity."

The AOF launched the LGBTQIA+ Health Equity and Inclusion Initiative in 2021 to undertake the work of better understanding and addressing the healthcare needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. LGBTQIA+ medical students lack visibility and access to the support services available to other minority status groups, according to recent research in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Grove is a graduate of Florida Southern College and earned his Osteopathic degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SECOM). He served both his internship and residency at the Sun Coast Hospital in Largo, and then joined Suncoast Family Medical Associates, where he currently practices. He also serves as president and CEO of Paxton Medical Management, a physician-led organization providing expert healthcare through an integrated system of tools and services connecting physicians and patients.

“I’m thrilled to work with the American Osteopathic Foundation to deliver on a long-held dream of mine,” said Dr. Grove. “Together, we have the power to facilitate change, improve outcomes for LGBTQIA+ medical students, and to create safer, more welcoming space for patients.”