Maislin Bogart’s desire to understand alternate perspectives ultimately led her to discovering her passion. After Bogart graduated from Ohio University, she worked as an intern at Zelie’s Home, an organization that provides shelter and support to pregnant or parenting people who are confronting homelessness.

“Throughout my year at Zelie’s Home,” says Maislin, a 2019 Legacy Awards scholar sponsored by Lakewood, Ohio, Lodge No. 1350, “I was immersed in the lives of individuals who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, have experienced trauma, and often represent racial minorities—and I have become invested in their lives and success.”

Bogart heard these individuals’ stories, frequently regarding mistreatment from past providers or a general distrust of doctors, and is now determined to make a difference.

“As a physician, I hope to address these issues through research, service, and advocacy so that all patients, regardless of their identity, have access to equitable medical care,” says Maislin. “Attending medical school will not only allow me to gain more insight into the factors that influence women’s and children’s health and the contributors to poorer outcomes in vulnerable populations, but also propose tangible interventions to address these issues.”

With the aid of the Weigel Medical School scholarship, Maislin will seek to make these dreams come true by specializing in obstetrics and gynecology at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. However, she won’t be alone: Her twin sister and fellow Legacy Awards scholar, Jolie, will also be attending the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine with the aid of the Weigel scholarship. As they strive to make their #ElksFamily—and their biological family—proud in medical school and beyond, the Bogart twins will not forget the difference that ENF scholarships have made in their lives.

“I am able to credit my accomplishments and, consequently, my acceptance into medical school to my selection to receive the Elks Legacy Award,” says Maislin. “I will be extremely grateful for this award for the rest of my life and am excited to receive the Weigel scholarship.”