Two BUMC Students Named Schweitzer Fellows
Two Boston University Medical Campus students have been selected as 2015-16 Boston Albert Schweitzer Fellows. Amanda M. Alon, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and Aline Souza, Boston University School of Medicine, Physician Assistant Program will spend the next year learning to effectively address the social factors that impact health, and developing lifelong leadership skills. In doing so, they will follow the example set by physician-humanitarian Albert Schweitzer, for whom their Fellowship is named.
Schweitzer Fellows develop and implement service projects that address the root causes of health inequities in under-resourced communities, while also fulfilling their academic responsibilities. Each project is implemented in collaboration with a community-based health and/or social service organization. Fellows come from a range of academic disciplines—medicine, physical therapy, dentistry, pharmacy, and other allied health fields. Boston Fellows have contributed nearly 100,000 hours of service since 1992 to vulnerable populations in Massachusetts.
The 16 Boston Fellows will join approximately 220 other 2015-16 Schweitzer Fellows working at 13 program sites, 12 in the US and one in Lambaréné, Gabon at the site of The Albert Schweitzer Hospital, founded by Dr. Schweitzer in 1913. Upon completion of their Fellowship year, the 2015-16 Boston Schweitzer Fellows will become Schweitzer Fellows for Life and join a vibrant network of more than 3,000 Schweitzer alumni who are skilled in, and committed to, addressing the health needs of underserved people throughout their careers. Fellows for Life routinely report that ASF is integral to sustaining their commitment to serving people in need.
Amanda M. Alon, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Alon is addressing oral health inequities by creating an education program for early intervention in childhood caries in low income populations in the Greater Lawrence area. The program will teach parents, caretakers, and children the importance of at-home care as well as provider care. The program aims to improve the oral health of the area as well as inspire the youth to make a difference in their community. She hopes to take small steps in order to make a big difference for an at-risk community.
Community Site: Greater Lawrence Community Action Council Child Care Center
Aline Souza, Boston University School of Medicine, Physician Assistant Program
Souza is working to increase awareness about chronic cardiac conditions through Healthy Hearts wellness groups with homeless individuals of Boston. These groups will provide a collaborative environment with stress relieving exercises and educational activities. Souza will also address health education in this community by holding individual sessions for those interested in learning more about how to care for your heart and maintain a good quality of life when faced with the obstacles of homelessness. The goals of the project are to increase awareness, improve medication compliance, and allow individuals from an underserved community to come together and take ownership of their health.
Community Site: Boston Healthcare for the Homeless