Overview

For 25 years, the Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program has provided a platform for graduate students to design and implement innovative projects that improve the health and well-being of underserved populations throughout Chicago. In collaboration with existing Chicagoland organizations, fellows use a broad public health lens to improve well-being and target the social determinants of health.

Looking for a meaningful way to support the next generation of aspiring health professionals? Consider sponsoring a Named Fellowship at the Health & Medicine’s Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program. For more information, please reach out to Shannon Sweetnam, Director of Development and Communications at ssweetnam@hmprgstage.wpengine.com.

Health & Medicine recognizes and honors the life and legacy of Tarik F. Ibrahim by naming an outstanding Fellow working with underserved populations the Tarik F. Ibrahim MD, MS Fellow. This honors Dr. Ibrahim’s calling of ensuring the health and well-being of underserved populations and his passion for service and charity within the field of medicine. 

Named in honor of Frank Indihar, MD—whose grandniece, Kelly Moore (née Koronkowski), was a 2020-2021 Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellow—the Frank J. Indihar, MD Fellowship was established to provide mentorship and support for those looking to make a difference in underserved Chicago communities, particularly in the fields of nursing, pharmacy, and medicine, and to honor Frank’s work as a physician and delight in mentoring and developing lasting friendships with prospective medical students.

Named by her family and friends, the Leslie Nickels MEd, PhD Fellowship honors the rich legacy of service, mentorship, and leadership of Leslie Nickels, MEd, PhD. Dr. Nickels championed the important role of government in worker health and safety, the need to empower workers, and working with the practice community. 

The Bob and Caryle Perlman Fellowship was established to provide mentorship and support to those looking to make a difference in underserved Chicago communities. Wishing they had access to a program like the Schweitzer Fellowship early on in their own careers, Bob and Caryle feel it’s important to give back now to the next generation of service-minded health and human service professionals.