The Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program supports 20-25 exceptional people each year as they encounter the deeply entrenched problems facing the most vulnerable members of our society. The following excerpts from their Final Reports show how they are not only making a difference in the lives of our region’s underserved populations, but that they are transforming their own lives in the process.
Developing Leaders in Service
“I have finally begun to understand the importance of putting others well-being before my own. I have been performing service my entire life, but this experience brought me There and Back Again, changing my perspective altogether.” ~Sarthi
“The success of my project resided in remaining open minded and listening to the population.” ~Lizz
“My Fellowship experience also provided me with one of the most powerful tools I have ever possessed – hope. Whether I was at my site, at monthly meetings, or with Fellows for Life, I found myself constantly surrounded by people who refused to accept the status quo. It is one thing to wish for equality, but another to dedicate each day to fighting injustice. My Fellowship has taught me that service is not a week long mission trip nor a year-long contract. Rather, it is a lifestyle informed by the active pursuit of change each and every day.” ~Lauren
Experiential Learning
“Talking to my students helped me gain perspective on my program and my life.” ~Anne
“We specifically began by participating in their current physical education activities as their team members, not their teachers . . .I think this was one of the best decisions we made.”~Sarthi
“Overall, becoming a Schweitzer Fellow has opened my eyes to the many injustices present in today’s society . . . My time at my site helped me realize how important it is to be not only cognizant of these issues, but to actively engage in correcting them.” ~Lauren
Environment and Health
“While I have always cared about the environment, I never considered myself an expert on current environmental concerns. My time as a Fellow has taught me just how intrinsically tied environment and health are.” ~Lauren
“Reflecting on my experience with the Healthy Minds program, I believe that the experience encompassed all of the social and environmental determinants of health . . . [that] have gone into why health disparities exist within the United States.” ~Tara
“Overall, during my Fellowship, I learned there is a considerable amount of chemicals added to our food and beauty products that have not been tested for toxicity in humans.” ~Rahel
Interdisciplinary Learning
“To me, all of the experiences we had outside of our individual programs were just as vital and necessary for a successful career as an advocate for the underserved. From the beginning of the fellowship, it was obvious that the Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellowship Program emphasized the importance of inter-disciplinary work.”~Tanush
“My entire life has always been engulfed in the medicine world and I have viewed problem-solving through the lens of medicine. The ability to work with future lawyers, pharmacist, social workers, public health officials, and chefs has changed how I see health disparity and problem solving.” ~Jun
“My fellowship experience has taught me that health has no simple solution – in order to improve outcomes for our underserved populations, all sorts of healthcare professionals and advocates must work together to promote change.” ~Lauren
Growth & Overcoming Barriers
“I have been able to gain confidence in my voice and what I have to offer the world . . . I have had some of my beliefs and thoughts challenged, allowing me to gain knowledge and become more open minded.” ~Lizz
“Because I was leading my project, I had to solve all of the problems that arose myself. It was empowering to learn I was capable of managing these issues to implement a successful service project.” ~Rahel
“I think the largest barrier I overcame was the ability to improvise. I feel that I benefitted from learning to constantly be on my toes and change up my strategy if one isn’t being as effective as needed. I believe this will be key in my pursuit of becoming a physician in which there won’t always be a clear answer, and adaptability and open-mindedness is one strong strategy to utilize.” ~Kiran
Career Impact
“Through this experience, I had the opportunity to grow as a therapist in more ways than I can count and I absolutely know that I will be more effective in my future profession because of this fellowship.” ~Lizz
“My fellowship experience has helped me develop professionally because it has provided a wide network of professionals outside of the medical field who share the same drive and passion for service.”~Simon
“I had the pleasure to attend the Schweitzer conference in Boston . . . the opportunity to network with physicians and glean advice from them for upcoming years was helpful to the numerous other stressors about a future in medicine.” ~Kiran
Project Sustainability
“We will return to our site to volunteer with our group on a monthly basis. We will also assist with grant writing in the upcoming year.” ~Ashley
“Because of the success, the youth are now planning for next year and are applying for a $5,000 grant to continue to sustain the progress they made through their efforts.”~Jason
“My time with the Schweitzer Fellowship . . . has encouraged me to work with seniors after the project has ended . . . I have decided that I want to volunteer wherever I end up settling down after I graduate. It has been a rewarding counterpoint to my academic work, and spiritually fulfilling as well.” ~Nick
