PITTSBURGH SCHWEITZER FELLOWS PROGRAM

The Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program(PSFP) is one of 12 programs in the nation, based on Albert Schweitzer''s philosophy of Reverence for Life, that challenges students to act on their idealism by serving needy individuals and communities. This one-year interdisciplinary fellowship program, focusing on community service, leadership development, and reflection, serves as the entry year to becoming a Fellow For Life. Fellows receive a stipend of $2,000 during the course of the fellowship year.

Established in May 1997, the PSFP celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a gala at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. With a dynamic and involved Advisory Board, the Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program aims to be self-sufficient by 2010.  Over the years, PSFP has had a close collaboration with Southwest PA Area Health Education Center, where it is housed.

In addition to the goals of the U.S. Schweitzer Fellows Programs, the Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program aims to help Fellows:

• improve skills in working with communities including basic knowledge about approaches to community work, community outreach, community building,  networking, publicity, fundraising, and advocacy;

• gain exposure to the impact of health disparities and health policies on local communities;

• learn about other health-related professions;

• develop their overall capabilities for leadership in service;

• and align with a voluntary network of over 1,000 Fellows for Life who seek to include service in their personal and professional lives.

Pittsburgh is proud of the 180 Pittsburgh graduate students who have become Schweitzer Fellows.  Fellows have  represented several disciplines – medicine, public health, dental medicine, pharmacy, social work, anthropology, physician assistant, law and many others.

In their words…
“Helping others improve their lives is a humbling experience that can soften the heart and allow growth that higher education can’t teach.”
Alison Slinchak, Chatham College PA Student

“Not only does working with the underserved make me feel blessed for my own capabilities, but it makes me want to use them more effectively for people who can’t help themselves.”
Lance Brunton, University of Pittsburgh medical student

“The Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows program was an incredible experience  that provided me with an invaluable education that I will always be grateful for having in my life.”
Ingrid Kanics,  Duquesne University Occupational Therapy student

For information on the program, contact:
Joan Haley, Program Director
Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program
5614 Elgin Street
Pittsburgh, PA  15206
T: 412-363-0185 x-26 F: 412-363-5084
jhaley@schweitzerfellowship.org