Application Fellows Advisory Board Photos
SUPPORT THE FELLOWS Albert Schweitzer Fellowship
The Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program(PSFP) is one of 11 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 has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the Southwest PA Area Health Education Center (AHEC), where the program is housed. With a dynamic and involved Advisory Board, the Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program aims to be financially self-sufficient by 2010.
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 190 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 addition to nurturing the professional and personal development of these future health professional leaders in service, Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows’ projects have contributed over 37,000 hours of direct service to disadvantaged populations in southwestern Pennsylvania.
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
