Two BUSM Students Named Schweitzer Fellows

Two BUSM students, Busayo Obayan and Thea Textor, have been selected as 2010-11 Boston Schweitzer Fellows. Over the next year, Obayan and Textor will join approximately 200 other 2010-11 Schweitzer Fellows across the country in conceptualizing and carrying out service projects that address the unmet health-related needs of underserved individuals and communities:

Busayo Obayan plans to address skin cancer in communities of color by working with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to develop a targeted prevention education program. The program aims to raise awareness of skin cancer risks and prevention practices. In addition, Obayan will work with the Melanoma Foundation of New England and local organizations to conduct outreach events in communities of color.  Community Sites: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Melanoma Foundation of New England

Thea Textor aims to empower youth with Sickle Cell Disease by is collaborating with the Boston Medical Center’s STRIVE youth program and Sickle Cell Initiative (SCI) parent/provider group to develop resources for those youth and their families. Textor will work with families, STRIVE, and the SCI to create targeted educational materials and workshops. By providing tools and support for health and disease management, Textor’s project aims to support academic and life achievement in youth with Sickle Cell Disease.  Community Site: Boston Medical Center

Upon completion of their initial year, Obayan and Textor will become Schweitzer Fellows for Life—and join a vibrant network of over 2,000 individuals who are skilled in, and committed to, addressing the health needs of underserved people throughout their careers as professionals.