The American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF) is delighted to recognize Austin Bolay, a third-year Osteopathic medical student, as the inaugural recipient of the Jeffrey S. Grove, DO, LBGTQ+ Pride Educational Scholarship.
Providing Equality & Inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ Community
AOF’s Pride Scholarship was created in partnership with Dr. Grove to celebrate and recognize LGBTQ+ identity, affirm equal rights for all, and celebrate the dignity and diversity of LGBTQ+ communities.
Student Doctor Bolay is currently studying Osteopathic medicine at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine–Louisiana (VCOM-Louisiana). He is a recognized leader, striving to advance equality and inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community.
He serves as a student representative for sex and gender identity on VCOM’s Diversity and Inclusion Board and founded a special interest PRIDE group to increase awareness of disparities faced by the LGBTQ+ population.
An advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Student Doctor Bolay is working with a coalition of students and state associations in Louisiana on a resolution promoting LGBTQ+ healthcare in Louisiana.
Educating Lawmakers & Bringing Awareness on LGBTQ+ Reproductive Health
He actively educates lawmakers about discrimination and is helping VCOM’s American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists chapter develop an event focused on LGBTQ+ individuals’ reproductive health.
AOF CEO Rita Forden says “Student Doctor Bolay is a leader within VCOM and a catalyst for change who will improve representation, tolerance, and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ students, physicians, and patients alike.
The Foundation is extremely proud to recognize his achievements and to support his efforts through the inaugural PRIDE Scholarship.”
Established by Jeffrey Grove, DO, the American Osteopathic Foundation’s LGBTQ+ Pride Educational Scholarship will be awarded annually to an Osteopathic medical student working to address the unique healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ community and prevent negative health outcomes for LGBTQ+ people.
Dr. Grove is the founder and inspiration behind the AOF’s recently launched LGBTQ+ Health Equity & Inclusion Initiative, which strives to better understand and address the healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ community through educational scholarships, CME training, and diversity-enriching programs.
