About Us
Established in 1996, the Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program is a program of ASF and Health & Medicine Policy Research Group, an independent policy center that conducts research, educates, and collaborates with other groups to advocate policies and impact health systems to improve the health status of all people. The Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program is dedicated to developing a corps of emerging professionals who enter the workforce with the skills and commitment necessary to address unmet health needs.
Since the program’s inception, 23 classes of Schweitzer Fellows in Chicago—competitively chosen from health-focused graduate student applicants in a variety of fields—have worked tirelessly to address health disparities and the social determinants of health throughout the greater Chicago area. For more than 12 years, the Chicago Fellows for Life Network has provided year-round events and opportunities aimed at helping alumni of the Schweitzer Fellowship continue to develop themselves as leaders in service. To read more about what being a Schweitzer Fellow in Chicago entails and to find out how to apply, please visit the application page. To see some Chicago Fellows in action in the community, click here.
Click here to download an informational brochure about the Chicago Schweitzer Fellows program, which is funded entirely by charitable donations and grants.
Our Impact
Since our program was launched, over 600 Schweitzer Fellows have provided nearly 125,000 hours of service to Chicago’s vulnerable communities. Partnering with area community-based organizations, these Fellows have addressed a wide variety of unmet health needs by creating and carrying out yearlong projects with direct service at their core. Examples include the following initiatives:
- Encouraging academic achievement in south side youth through a new tutoring/mentoring program
- Creating a social network among seniors to help reduce loneliness and isolation
- Teaching health education classes focusing on healthy foods and fitness for underserved groups
- Leading prenatal yoga classes to help expectant mothers combat stress and increase awareness and exploration of the mind-body connection
- Providing preventive dental services and oral health care education to underserved children
- Training hip-hop and spoken word artists to promote awareness of health care issues facing African Americans
Please see Fellows and Projects for a complete listing of Fellows’ service projects. When Fellows’ initial year of service ends, they carry their commitment to meeting the health needs of underserved people forward as members of the Schweitzer Fellows for Life alumni network, now more than 4,000 strong.
Chicago Schweitzer Fellows in the News
November 7, 2017
“Schweitzer Fellows Changing the Future of Oral Health”
Fall 2017
“Selfless Service”
June 28, 2017
The Chicago Community Trust announces their 2017 Acting Up Award winners. Fellow Jessica Tea is a winner for her Groceryships in Chicago project.
June 12, 2017
Medical Student Awarded Schweitzer Fellowship to Work With LGBT and Homeless Youth
June 9, 2017
Joseph Deek Now Schweitzer Fellow
May 31, 2017
Four Pritzker Students Awarded Schweitzer Fellowships
May 31, 2017
Graduate Student Quinn Davis Awarded Schweitzer Fellowship
May 31, 2017
Five Rush University Students Awarded Schweitzer Fellowships
May 15, 2017
Winnie Li Becomes Schweitzer Fellow
December 19, 2016
Michelle Hartney Launches MAKE AMERICA LOVE AGAIN
October 25, 2016
CCHHS Nurse Honored as “40 under 40” Emerging Nurse Leader
September 14, 2016
MWU/CCOM student uses fellowship to inspire future physicians
September 13, 2016
Appointments and Awards
August 17, 2016
Midwestern University Pharmacy Student Awarded Prestigious Schweitzer Fellowship
August 12, 2016
Woodger Faugas Named Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellow
July 26, 2016
Student Spotlight: Angela Pruitt
Our Fellows Speak
“This program has reinforced my commitment to pursue a career in dental public health and to work to improve our healthcare system. We have a health crisis in America, but I have experienced that with a team of committed professionals, involved community, and a positive attitude, we can move in the right direction” 2016-17 Fellow Jessica Williams, Univ. of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry & School of Public Health
“I believe that this fellowship experience will continue to impact me beyond this year and my time as a student. I feel that it has not only refueled my passion for working with underserved communities. . . . It has set a foundation for my career to build upon.” 2017-18 Fellow Alyssa Stella, Rush University College of Nursing
CONTACT US
Ray Wang, Program Director
Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program
Health & Medicine Policy Research Group
29 E. Madison Street, Suite 602
Chicago, IL 60602-4404
T: 312-372-4292 ex. 24
rwang@hmprg.org
Maya Bauer, Program Associate
Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program
Health and Medicine Policy Research Group
29 E. Madison Street, Suite 602
Chicago, IL 60602-4404
T: 312-372-4292 ext. 31
mbauer@hmprg.org