College of Health Sciences sponsors local addition of national program
The University of Indianapolis is continuing its history of philanthropy by serving as a sponsor of the 13th chapter of the Albert Schweitzer US Fellows Program, a national program dedicated to addressing health problems in the community.
Stephanie Kelly, dean of the College of Health Sciences, is a new member of the board of advisors for the Indiana chapter.
“The connection between the Fellowship and the University of Indianapolis is that both are interested in giving students an opportunity to address health problems in the community,” Kelly said.
The goal of the program, according to the website, is to identify graduate or professional students who are interested in service and have a background in health sciences. Each year, the Fellows Program chooses 250 students to participate and, according to Albert Schweitzer’s mission statement for the organization, they are interested in “individuals who are dedicated and skilled in addressing the health needs of underserved communities, and whose example influences and inspires others.”
The program’s goals are to influence the professional development of health science students, develop their dedication to service, help them to better deal with community health needs and encourage them to continue serving the community.
With the financial support of the University of Indianapolis, students are able to partner with a community service foundation to submit a proposal. If the proposal is accepted, the student will work with the community partner to combat health issues in the community.
“Students develop a service project with a mentor in the community,” Kelly said. “They are required to complete 200 hours of service addressing health problems such as homelessness and child obesity.”
The main focus of the Schweitzer Fellowship Program is to develop students’ desire to make service a part of their lives.
“Don’t be afraid to take advantage of the opportunities you are given because they will build the foundation for your future, and you will be able to apply what you’ve learned to real situations,” said Margie Snyder, assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Purdue University and a member of the Schweitzer Fellows Program.
Snyder participated in the Pittsburgh chapter of the organization. For her project, Snyder partnered with the East Liberty Lincoln-Lemington Health Care Center to educate the local Pittsburgh community about diabetes.
“I learned how to communicate and interact with patients,” Snyder said. “The program opened my eyes to the challenges the underprivileged community faces.”
Fellowship applicants are required to be current students, so they will learn to balance many responsibilities.
Additionally, candidates must be educated in multiple disciplines to be involved in the program. After being accepted, students implement their own yearlong project.
The fellowship also helps to advance the students’ professional careers in service.
Upon completion of the program, they are made fellows for life, can attend the annual conference and are given opportunities to mentor others.
“The primary purpose of the fellowship is to develop leaders in service who will contribute to the community throughout their careers and meet community needs,” Kelly said.
