The NC Albert Schweitzer Fellowship was delighted to honor Dr. Billy Fischer with the Albert Schweitzer Leadership award on Saturday, April 6, 2019 in Raleigh. The Award recognizes an individual who has done significant work to mitigate the social determinants of health in their community and whose commitment to service has influenced and inspired others, as Dr. Schweitzer did.

Little did he realize he would be impacting global health when, as a 2001 Schweitzer Fellow, he provided sexually transmitted infection education for teenagers in Murphy, NC. His commitment to service was further solidified as a 2003 Lambaréné Fellow. Now, Dr. Fischer, Professor at UNC Pulmonary Department, was one of the first doctors on the ground fighting Ebola.

To learn more about how Dr. Fischer is working within systems to build infrastructure and advocating for equitable standards of care, see this article in UNC’s Vital Signs.

In addition to honoring Dr. Fischer, the Celebration of Service recognized the work of the graduating 2018-19 Fellowship class, welcomed the incoming 2019-20 Fellows and thanked mentors and sponsors for their support.