“This project has uniquely allowed me to connect with patients around their own stories, view a side of healthcare rarely observed by students, and develop leadership skills that will be invaluable in my professional career.”
"This experience has sharpened my leadership skills, nourished my professional development, and inspired me to pursue a residency program to specialize in a very specific field where I can continue to serve patients suffering from oral pathology. Most of all, however, working with our patient population has given me a heart to serve."
“The reality of working with individuals affected by preventable complications—many rooted in systemic gaps in care—reminded me that healthcare is as much about listening, educating, and building trust as it is about diagnosing."
"I began to understand what Schweitzer was saying in developing a reverence for life. His vision made me understand that I could start giving back now and that as a privileged individual, this should be my duty."
BEN GILMER
2002-03 NC Fellow and 2004 Lambarene Fellow NC Albert Schweitzer Fellowship Board Member
SARAH GRUNDY
“There are a lot of things in the world that need to change and it easy to have opinions about what those changes are, but it is harder to actually make the change because that takes a lot of time and hard work. I have really appreciated having the opportunity this year to put my beliefs into action and feel like I was making a real difference in the lives of people I care about."
Academic and Site Mentors: Hal Atkinson, MD Site: Atrium Health Wake Forest Medical Center’s Acute Care of the Elderly unit
Improve mobility for hospitalized older adults and address their mobility challenges and social needs after discharge.
Breanne Bygrave and Salem Hailu
UNC SOD
NCOHC Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Kimon Divaris, DDS, PhD Site Mentor: Charlotte Makoyo Site: Boys & Girls Clubs of Durham and Orange Counties
Lead the Cavity Free Zone evidenced based oral health education program for youth, assist with dental insurance sign up, and connect to a dental home. This is an expansion of a 2023-24 project.
Emma Comadoll and Parsa Pazooki
UNC SOM
Academic Mentor: Michael Yeung, MD Site Mentor: Tammy Kiger, ND Site: Harvest Family Health Center and UNC Nash Cardiology
Lead a free cardiology clinic providing comprehensive cardiac care, preventive education, health screenings and personalized nutrition plans, especially targeting vulnerable populations. This is an expansion of a 2024-25 Schweitzer project.
Kyndal Fletcher and Richard Baddoo
UNC SOD
BCBSNC Foundation Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Wendy Clark, DDS, MS Site Mentor: Vincent Allison, DDS Site: CAARE Clinic and Local Start
Provide free cost dentures and other lab supported dentistry services for vulnerable community members which is building upon a 2024-25 Schweitzer project. The clinic will now be housed in Local Start.
Alexandra Hunter and Rebecca Zasloff
Duke SOM
Academic Mentor: Trinitia Cannon, MD and Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters, PhD Site Mentor: Cheyenne Corbett, PhD Site: Supportive Care and Survivorship Center at Duke Cancer Institute
Launch a head and neck cancer patient navigation and peer mentorship program to improve patient access to care and enhance overall well-being.
Arielle Johnston and Caleb Renner
UNC SOM
Academic Mentor: Benjamin Gilmer, MD
Site Mentor: Claire Hubbard, EMTP, NP
Site: Buncombe County Emergency Medical Services
Expand a Street Medicine clinic to address the health and wellness needs of those people experiencing homelessness.
Jaelen King and Avery Kerwin
Wake SOM
Academic Mentor: J. Brent Bond, MD Site Mentor: Monica T. Brown, MPH Site: Downtown Health Plaza
Hold free eye health screening events for the underinsured and uninsured population and referrals for follow up care to those who need it. They will also offer free eye prescription services and free or low-cost eyewear. This is an expansion of a 2024-25 Schweitzer project.
Megan Koceja and Anna Jones
UNC SOM
Academic Mentor: Benjamin Gilmer, MD Site Mentor: Emily Tipton, NP Site: Brie Faulkner MD Family Medicine Clinic
Develop and implement a program which addresses the mental health needs of patients affected by Hurricane Helene.
Sally Kuehn and Mindy Kim
Duke SOM
Academic Mentor: Rachel Wood, MD Site Mentor: J. Patrick Hemming, MD, MPH Site: Duke high-risk OB clinic Project FEED (Food Empowerment and Education Delivery)
Address food insecurity and maternal health disparities for high-risk pregnant women with gestational diabetes by providing them with fresh food at no cost and free nutrition counseling.
DaQuan Mebane and Joshua Williams
ECU SODM
ECU Health Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Roopwant Kaur, BDS, MS and Taneet Ghuman, BDS Site: MacGregor Downs Health Center, Cypress Glen Retirement Community and Pitt County Council on Aging
Lead formalized training of staff in providing oral health services. Educate residents and family members on oral hygiene practices to enhance their health.
Gabriella Morin and Maribel Reyes
ECU SOM
Jim Jones Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Gregory Kearney, DrPH, MPH Site Mentor: Tom Irons, MD Site: Access East, NC Farmworker Project, and Kinston Community Health Center
Launch a chronic disease self-management program for migrant and seasonal farmworkers in eastern NC.
Alison Morton and Wrenn Whitfield
UNC SOD
BCBSNC Foundation Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Allen Samuelson, DDS Site Mentor: Michael Baca-Atlas, MD Site: UNC REACH Enhanced Primary Care Clinic and UNC REACH Dental Clinic
Increase the capacity and efficacy of a free dental clinic for patients with mental health illness and substance abuse disorders by providing oral health education for patients, primary care providers, and student volunteers as well as streamlining the referral process.
Rachel Nguyen and Yushan Xie
ECU SODM
ECU Health Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Abrar Bakhsh, BDS, MS and Iquebal Hasan, BDS Site Mentor: Andrew Ju, MD
ECU School of Dental Medicine and Brody School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology
Accelerate the dental clearance process for cancer patients so that they can begin medical treatment earlier.
Frances Reed and Tanner Perschau
UNC Speech-language pathology and UNC School of Medicine
AHEC Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Meg Zomorodi, PhD, RN, CNL, FAAN; Ali Zomorodi, MD; and Katarina L. Haley, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Site Mentor: Meg Zomorodi, PhD, RN, CNL, FAAN; Ali Zomorodi, MD Site: Duke Brain Aneurysm Foundation
Provide peer mentorship and support for stroke survivors who experience a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Naimi Pothiwala
ECU SOM
ECU Health Schweitzer Fellow
Academic Mentor: Ashley Burch, Phd Site Mentor: Gerri Ashe and Shaivya Pathak, MD Site: Access East and the JOY Community Clinic
Provide rheumatology education and free joint relief tools for symptom management for low income, rural community members.
Madison Snyder and Madeline Sage
UNC SOM
Academic Mentor: Modjulie Moore, MD Site Mentor: Quirina Vallejos, MPH Site: North Carolina Farmworkers’ Project
Provide an education outreach for farmworkers addressing diabetes management, skin cancer awareness and pesticide prevention. This is an expansion of a 2024-25 Schweitzer project.
Megan Wu and Catherine Bennett
ECU SOM
ECU Health Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Allison Connelly, MD, PT Site Mentor: Candice Borunda Site: Pitt County Council on Aging and ECU Geriatrics Division of Family Medicine and the Physical Therapy
Address the fall prevention needs of older adults by providing fall and environmental risk assessments, conducting personalized counseling sessions, assessing assistive devices and leading Matter of Balance classes. This is an expansion of a 2024-25 Schweitzer project.
Fellows For Life: 2024-25
Kayla Gorham
ECU SODM
BCBSNC Foundation Schweitzer Fellow
Academic Mentor: Taneet Ghuman, BDS Site Mentor: Mark Moss, DDS, PhD
Kayla educated healthcare providers on the importance of establishing a dental home by a baby’s first birthday and created oral health messaging to make it easy to incorporate into their appointments. These providers committed to counseling their pregnant patients and new moms and to refer to the dental school for care.
47 healthcare providers committed to include oral health messaging into their appointments
32 health professional students gained training to improve their ability to educate
new parents on infant oral health
Created an educational in person presentation, an educational module, teaching posters and flyers, and an electronic referral toolkit for health care providers
Created an educational video for infant caregivers
Established a referral network between ECU SODM Pediatric Clinic and four primary care sites: Roanoke-Chowan Community Health Center, Pitt County Health Department Nurse Family Partnership,
ECU’s Student Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry will do quarterly check ins to monitor referral data.
Maya Grimes and Baldwin Bell
ECU SODM
Academic Mentor: Taneet Ghuman, BDS and Luis Sensi, DDS, PhD, MS Site Mentor: Kendrick Parker and J.P. Harrel Site: Wellcome Middle School
The Fellows launched an oral health education and oral trauma prevention program for middle school athletes using curriculums from Colgate and Crest+Oral B Dental Education. They addressed access to care by connecting those without a dental home to ECU School of Dental Medicine.
• 24 out of 24 middle school football athletes pledged to wear their mouthguards when practicing and playing their sport
• 23 out of 24 middle school football athletes consistently wore their mouthguards when practicing and playing their sport
• 0 athletes experienced a sports-related oral trauma
• 20 out of 24 middle school football athletes increased their oral health literacy over baseline
• 7 middle school football athletes were without a dental home and were referred to the ECU School of Dental Medicine for care
Maira Haque and Shailey Shah
Wake SOM
Academic Mentor: Suneet Kaur, MD, MHS Site Mentor: Iris Hubbard Site: Shelter Health Services
Maira and Shailey implemented a foot hygiene clinic at a residential facility for women experiencing homeless to meet their acute foot needs. The monthly clinic provided women with a warm foot bath, a visit with a doctor, and a care bag filled with foot essentials, socks, and a pair of tennis shoes. Before each clinic, they held “Talk with a Doc,” interactive, Q&A style educational sessions discussing different health topics relevant to their health.
$11,310 in free podiatric services to 128 patients over 10 clinics
2 out of 128 patients were referred to and seen at Myers Park Clinic for follow up care
128 out of 128 patients applied one or more foot care techniques on a weekly basis for 2 months or longer
128 out of 128 patients received a pair of properly fitted sneakers
Added skin cancer prevention education sessions
Held 3 general skin screenings serving 30 patients to date
51 out of 51 medical student volunteers were trained to perform foot and ankle exams
51 out of 51 medical student volunteers increase their efficacy in providing foot and ankle care and in serving people experiencing homelessness
The Charlotte Foot Hygiene Clinic exists as an independent student-run health clinic. The Fellows secured $3500 in funding from the Wake Forest Office of Student Affairs to be given annually.
Nashmil Islam and Angela Chen
UNC SOD
BCBSNC Foundation Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Dilek Uyan, DDS, PhD Site Mentor: Anna Krecklow Site: Families Moving Forward and Refugee Community Partnership
The Fellows expanded a student-led mobile dental clinic providing free dental care to under resourced communities that face transportation, financial, and language barriers. Unlike traditional mobile clinics, they travel to their community partner sites transforming an empty room into a fully functioning clinic with portable dental units, chairs and materials. This monthly clinic currently partners with community organizations that support refugees, individuals facing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, and those with mental and physical disabilities.
They provided multiple direct clinical care including fillings, extractions, and other prophylactic procedures. At each clinic, they saw 12 patients with the help of 19 dental student volunteers and 1 – 2 faculty volunteers.
$24,000 private practice ($8,000 dental school rates) worth of free oral clinic care for 81 patients
Added a third chair to clinic operations expanding capacity from 8 to 12 patients per clinic
Provided fillings, extractions, and other prophylactic procedures
Served 55 adults and 26 children
Created easy-to-read multilingual oral health education materials to be distributed to patients at clinics
Created a volunteer training curriculum for providing cultural and trauma informed care for refugee patients
Created detailed manuals for future leaders to run the clinics
Developed a referral network to help adult and pediatric patients establish a dental home (UNC Student Admissions, UNC Pediatric, Durham County Pediatric, SNDA CAARE Clinic)
The Asian Dental Student Organization is sustaining the clinic and the Fellowship provided $1,000 to purchase a high-speed handpiece and air compressor.
Katherine Kutzer and Eden Singh
Duke SOM
Academic Mentor: Dawn Coleman, MD and Thorsten Seyler, MD, PhD Site Mentor: Mamata Yanamadala, MD Site: Perioperative Optimization of Senior Health (POSH) Clinic at the VA Medical Center
The Fellows created a student-led initiative at the Durham VA Medical Center designed to bridge the gap in care for high-risk veterans over the age of 65 undergoing elective surgery. Each patient was paired with 2 medical students trained to provide personalized support and resource connection. Goals included: (1) screen for and address social determinants of health using a validated tool (ACORN) in the pre-operative setting; (2) follow up post-surgery; and (3) create an interprofessional and educational experience for medical students centered on geriatric surgical care; and (4) contribute to research evaluating social needs and resource connection outcomes in older adults. The Fellows found that although patients were worried about their medical conditions, they were most concerned about social needs and their ability to recover in the setting of their social environment.
144 patients were screened for social determinants of health needs
43 out of 144 screened positive and were connected to a VA or community resource
17 medical student volunteers were trained to provide support to veterans and increased their efficacy in doing so
The Fellows developed an abstract about social needs screening in older adults that was accepted by the American College of Surgeons to be included in a dedicated Scientific Forum session at Clinical Congress 2025 in Chicago, IL.
The Fellows created an interest group to sustain the initiative, and the Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding.
Emma Myers and Rashmi Deshmukh
UNC SOM and UNC SOD
NCOHC Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentors: Iquebal Hasan, BDS and Zachary Brian, DMD, MHA, FICD, FACD Site Mentor: Donna Culton, MD, PhD Site: UNC Hospitals Oral Medicine Clinic and UNC Dermatology
OASIS (Oral Autoimmune Support and Intervention Squad) is an interdisciplinary initiative created to improve the early recognition, diagnosis, and quality of life for women experiencing oral symptoms of autoimmune disease. Through weekly clinics at UNC Dermatology, the Fellows identified and supported over 100 patients, many of whom had previously gone years without a diagnosis. Patients received symptom relief kits, educational resources, referrals to national support groups, and the opportunity to participate in a virtual Mind & Body Wellness program. They saw measurable improvements in physical and emotional well-being, and through community partnerships, they expanded awareness across five health centers and seven providers statewide.
103 patients with oral symptoms were seen for care
84 patients already were diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and received follow up care
19 patients were seen for an initial consult
10 out of 19 received a new diagnosis
9 out of 19 are actively undergoing diagnostic workups
53 out of 103 patients scheduled and kept their follow up appointment
19 out of 53 patients returned for a third clinical visit and showed continued improvement
40 out of 53 patients improved their quality of life over baseline according to the COMDQ (Chronic Oral Mucosal Disease Questionnaire)
93 out of 103 patients were connected to a national support organization
97 out of 103 patients received an oral health kit to address symptoms
26 out of 50 patients in the previous Fellows’ cohort received follow up support
22 out of 26 patients either experienced symptom resolution or engaged in ongoing care
4 out of 26 patients were still symptomatic and were again referred to specialty care
Education video and materials were created
Jean Okonkwo and Davarion David
UNC SOD
Delta Dental Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Wendy Clark, DDS, MS Site Mentor: Vincent Allison, DDS Site: CAARE Clinic and Local Start
Davarion and Jean transformed lives for patients at the CAARE Clinic by providing free dentures and partials to those who could not afford to pay the $4,000-$6,000 dollars for basic teeth replacement. Unfortunately, many of these patients were without teeth years before they arrived at the clinic. It took 5 appointments to manufacture each dental appliance and an additional 3 appointments for follow up and adjustments. With their new smile, patients reported a restored confidence and function, and improved overall quality of life.
Clinics were held weekly from 6 pm – 11 pm. They were able to hold 20 clinic dates before their original site was closed due to mold issues. It took the Fellows 5 months to establish a memorandum of understanding to operate at a new site, Local Start.
$21,600 of free dental care was provided (private practice cost)
12 dentures and partials were created for 6 patients
2 patients are still undergoing treatment ($7,200 worth of free dentures still processing)
6 out of 6 patients increased their quality of life as measured by the OHIP-14
6 out of 6 patients reported an increase in two or more of the following:
Self-confidence, masticatory efficiency, speech, elimination of oral pain or discomfort, and ability to obtain employment
5 out of 6 physically demonstrated proper home-care techniques with their new appliance
A 2025-26 Fellowship was awarded to two UNC School of Dentistry students to sustain the project at Local Start.
Sydney Puerto-Meredith and John “Jack” Leland
UNC SOM
Academic Mentor: Modjulie Moore, MD Site Mentor: David Gasca Site: Manos Unidas at Black River Health
Migrant farmworkers face many barriers to accessing healthcare, most notably geographic isolation and lack of transportation. Jack and Sydney conducted outreach visits to farmworkers’ homes in New Hanover, Pender, and Bladen counties to address their needs concerning diabetes management and nutrition using the framework by the National Center for Farmworker Health. They distributed free glucometers and supplies, provided education on their use and how to interpret the readings, and created videos to help them manage their health needs. They also provided a long-sleeved shirt and hat for heat and sun safety.
22 farmworkers participated in the program and adopted two or more of the following behaviors for 3 months or longer:
increased their health literacy over baseline using the DKQ
increased their diabetes management self-efficacy using the DSES
checked their blood sugars when symptomatic
felt that glucose monitoring contributed to a healthier lifestyle
22 farmworkers adopted the following sun and heat safety behaviors for 3 months or longer
Wore a hat and long-sleeved shirt when in the sun
Increased their water intake over baseline when in the sun
A 2025-26 Schweitzer Fellowship was awarded to two UNC School of Medicine students to expand the initiative.
Dana Rowe and Antoinette Charles
Duke SOM
Academic Mentor: C. Rory Goodwin, MD, PhD Site Mentor: Katie Mackin Site: Spine Tumor Patient Support Group, Spine Director for the Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis and the Departments of Neurosurgery and Orthopaedic Surgery
Dana and Antoinette launched a patient navigator and social support program for patients with Metastatic Spine Disease. They trained medical and undergraduate student pairs to meet patients before surgery, visit them in the hospital, and maintain contact postoperatively to ensure continuity of care. They aimed to reduce patient distress, improve understanding of care plans, and build a sense of community, while also creating a sustainable framework for future growth.
A key feature of the program is its layered mentorship model: medical students oversee teams of undergraduate navigators, providing clinical guidance, debriefing after patient interactions, and supporting professional development. Weekly meetings are held for patient review, role-play training, and reflection, fostering a culture of compassionate care, leadership, and interprofessional collaboration.
31 patients enrolled to date
Distress scores significantly decreased from 5.2 pre-op to 3.6 post-op
17 out of 31 reported increased confidence using MyChart due to navigator support
26 out of 31 reported improved surgical experience
11 volunteers were trained and increased their efficacy to provide support to patients with Metastatic Spine Disease
Secured $30,000 in institutional funding and $1,000 in ASF sustainability funding
Two Duke School of Medicine student volunteers were trained to lead the initiative in the coming year.
Walter Scott Duy and Pinyu Chen
WAKE SOM
Academic Mentor: J. Brent Bond, MD Site Mentor: Monica T. Brown, MPH Site: Downtown Health Plaza
Walter and Pinyu created SEE: Screening Eyes and Education to provide retina and glaucoma screenings to under resourced community members. Attendees rotate through stations that screen their visual fields, visual acuity and eye pressure. The attending ophthalmologist interprets the results with the patients and give referrals for any necessary follow up care. Attendees made less than $15,000 a year and 84% had no vision insurance.
Screened 231 adults and 6 children through 4 screening events
51 out of 231 adults were referred to free follow up care at local clinics
13 out of 51 individuals attended their follow up appointment
Recruited medical student interpreters to provide Spanish interpretation
14 medical student volunteers were trained to perform basic vision screening
Developed a partnership with the Lions Club
700 glasses were donated and volunteers cleaned and categorized them to be given away at future events
Their academic mentor secured a photoropter for student use from the Department of Ophthalmology so future clinics can provide free prescriptions and eyewear
A 2025-26 Fellowship was awarded to two Wake Forest School of Medicine students to expand the clinic to provide free prescriptions and no cost eyewear.
Cristina Sorensen and Stefanie Ramsey
WSSU OT and WSSU Nursing
AHEC Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Dr. Megan Edwards Collins, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, CAPS, CFPS; Rebecca Thompson, MOT; and Dionne Roberts, PhD, FNP-C, CNE Site Mentor: Site: Forsyth County Health Department
When caring for babies and toddlers, lifting, carrying, bending, and twisting are common tasks that can lead to neck and back pain if not performed properly. The Fellows helped mothers learn proper positioning techniques to prevent strain and injury covering safe practices for feeding, carrying infant car seats, and transferring babies from cribs. By leading workshops and training health department staff at Forsyth County Health Department, they promoted behavior change that reduces the risk of chronic conditions, ultimately giving caregivers the tools needed for healthier, pain-free caregiving.
58 mothers and 27 fathers and grandparents attended educational sessions
58 out of 58 mother mothers indicated they were applying the techniques into their everyday life. Other caregivers were unavailable for follow up.
65 3D printed devices including 21 grocery bag holders, 14 stroller hooks, and 30 unbuckling devices were distributed
Public health department staff were trained to integrate ergonomic education into their public health programming
Ergonomic education materials were developed for the public health department staff
The curriculum is being added into a childbirth education series provided by the Forsyth County Health Department four times a year with the potential to be integrated in other parenting education offerings.
The Fellows were awarded a $2,500 Future Health Care Legends Award to support the project.
Taylor Stamey and Kristen Armel
ECU SOM
ECU Health Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: David Collier, MD Site Mentor: Janet Moye Site: Community Crossroads Center Develop a medical respite and employability program for people experiencing homelessness.
Taylor and Kristen partnered with Community Crossroads Center, a local shelter, to launch Greenville’s first employability program for people experiencing homelessness holding career-readiness workshops, providing individualized mentoring, and hosting a job fair. Simultaneously, they helped re-establish a medical respite to provide medically fragile residents a safe space for recovery after hospital discharge. They equipped the space with essential resources, held CPR training, and linked residents with medical care. The respite now serves an average of 20 individuals per month for an average stay of 3 months.
Relaunched a respite program at the site
Acquired an AED and other essential resources
106 residents were served by the respite program
Serves 20 residents per month on average
5 out of 5 Community Crossroads Center staff were trained in CPR and demonstrated proficiency in the skill
13 out of 42 residents showed proficiency in employability skills
Obtained donations to start a professional attire clothes closet
A medical student run clinic, Greenville Community Shelter Clinic, will sustain the respite program. The Fellows started at interest group at the ECU School of Business that will sustain the employability program. The Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding.
Sonum Tharwani and Dalia Namak
UNC SOM and UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
Academic Mentor: Paula Miller, MD Site Mentor: Michael Yeung, MD Site: UNC Nash Cardiology
Dalia and Sonum launched a free cardiology clinic in partnership with Harvest Family Health Center to address Nash County’s high rates of heart disease and lack of accessible specialty care for uninsured and underinsured patients. They built a team of 40 medical students and formed an executive board focused on clinical coordination, education materials, insurance support, and outreach. The monthly clinic offered free EKGs and point-of-care ultrasounds. Over 120 minutes of personalized heart health education was delivered, and one-third of the patients enrolled in insurance for long-term care with a cardiologist.
Launched a free cardiology clinic in Nash County
Staffed by a cardiologist, mid-level provider, a 4 medical student volunteer team, and a MedServe Fellow
Four clinics were held after overcoming delays in obtaining approvals
22 patients received free cardiovascular care who would otherwise not be able to afford it
Medical exams/assessments and access to free testing such as EKGs
7 out of 22 patients were connected with charity care or Medicaid to receive affordable speciality follow up and procedures
11 out of 22 patients requested more education on their diagnosis and received 120 minutes of one-on-one hearth health education and counseling
40 medical student volunteers were trained in providing interdisciplinary, community-based cardiac care
One particularly meaningful moment was when one patient who had experienced persistent palpitations for years finally received a diagnosis of atrial flutter from the cardiologist. They were able to educate her on the condition, connect her to charity care, and help her receive an ablation procedure within three months—free of cost.
The Fellows integrated cardiology into Harvest’s scope of practice to allow for Saturday clinics and secured a grant for an echocardiogram machine to enhance diagnostics. Two 2025-26 UNC School of Medicine students were awarded a Schweitzer Fellowship to sustain and expand the clinic and the same Harvest Health staff will support the initiative for continuity.
Carlyn Uhlir and Myna Tirupattur
ECU SOM
ECU Health Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Cedric Bright, MD, FACP Site Mentor: Candice Borunda Site: Pitt County Council on Aging and ECU Geriatrics Division of Family Medicine and the Physical Therapy
Carly and Myna led an evidenced based fall prevention program for older adults. Matter of Balance is an 8-week series of classes focused on flexibility, balance, and strength exercises. Two Matter of Balance series was held at two Council on Aging sites. In addition, they held one-hour comprehensive falls prevention workshops at 2 assisted living facilities and 5 senior centers. As a result, participants increased their confidence in preventing falls as well as their physical ability to do so.
14 older adults participated in the 8-week Matter of Balance workshops
7 out of 14 improved in their Mini-BEST test (Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test) score over baseline
7 out of 14 improved in their Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale score over baseline at completion
6 out of 14 improved in their Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale score over baseline 3-months post program
0 out of 14 experienced a fall event or hospitalization within 6 months of program completion
2 out of 14 had a social determinants of health need identified
2 out of 2 had their social determinants of health need met
136 older adults participated in a fall prevention education workshop
68 out of 136 adults improved in their Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale score over baseline 3-months post program
18 out of 136 had a social determinants of health need identified
10 out of 18 had a social determinant of health need met
Two Brody School of Medicine students were awarded a Fellowship to sustain and expand the program.
Mohsen Zakaib and Aliyah Young
ECU SOM
ECU Health Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Brandon Kyle, PhD Site Mentor: Susan Husson and Mohammad Shams Site: Interfaith Refugee Ministry and Islamic Association of Eastern North Carolina and Islamic Association of Eastern North Carolina
Mohsen and Aliyah addressed the health literacy and social needs of recently arrived Syrian and Colombian refugee families through monthly group workshops and personalized coaching and resource connection. As many of the refugee family had experienced significant trauma, they focused on mental wellness and healthcare access. They also addressed non-medical needs with practical support such as college application mentorship and green card application assistance. Most importantly, the Fellows provided the refugees with an opportunity to build relationships and foster community connection.
11 out of 16 adult Syrian refugees increased their health literacy over baseline as measured with S-FHL scale and HLS-EU-Q16 scale respectively
10 out of 14 adult Colombian refugees enrolled increased their health
literacy over baseline
10 and out 10 Syrian and Colombian refugees were referred to a community-based organization and accessed services
10 Syrian refugees are attending ESL classes led by one refugee volunteer who has experience in this area
2 refugees were aided in applying to college and received an acceptance from the school
25 refugees received a free eye exam from In Her Vision mobile unit
15 individuals received prescription eyewear who needed it
15 out of 15 refugee children received back to school backpacks filled with school supplies
20 out of 30 Syrian and Colombian refugees were referred ECU School of Dental Medicine Clinic
10 out of 20 made an appointment at the dental school
5 out of 20 kept their dental appointment and access services
The Fellows established an interest group to sustain the project
Fellows For Life: 2023-24
Robin Bilodeau and Ashanti Williams
WSSU OT & WSSU PT
AHEC Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor and Site Mentors: Megan Edwards-Collins, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, CAPS, CFPS and Judy Foxworth, PT, Ph.D Site: Winston-Salem State University’s RAMS Know HOW Mobile Unit
Robin and Ashanti launched a no cost fall prevention program for older adults in East Winston-Salem through educational outreach, vision tests, and fall risk screening events. They used the CDC’s STEADI assessment and visual acuity and peripheral vision field screening tools. Balance was further evaluated through a 9-point assessment, examining stability from various positions. Community members identified to be at risk of falls were connected to free and low-cost resources for follow up care.
The screenings identified individuals with unexpected needs. One woman experiencing frequent falls wasn’t flagged as a balance risk, but a vision test revealed significant reduced acuity which likely contributed to her falls. She was connected to a Schweitzer project which provided her with a free acuity screening and free prescription glasses.
1 out of 35 adults were connected to a Schweitzer project for a free acuity test and no cost prescription eyewear
35 older adults received a free vision test and fall risk screen
3 out of 35 adults were connected to the REACHE Clinic for follow up care
Jeanie Chung and Esther Lee
UNC SOD
BCBSNC Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Dilek Uyan, DDS, Phd Site Mentor: Anna Krecklow Site: Families Moving Forward
Jeanie and Esther expanded the work of the SMILE (Serving Through Mobile Dentistry to Inspire, Lift, and Empower) clinic, the UNC Adams School of Dentistry’s first mobile student run dentistry clinic which was launched by two 2022-23 BCBSNC Foundation Schweitzer Fellows.
Care included prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, direct restorations, radiographs, screenings, and extractions.
Free clinical care was provided to 118 patients at a value of $7,565 dental school rates ($22,695 private practice rates):
38 adults were screened at a value of $835
21 adults received $5,225 worth of free clinical care
40 children were screened at a value of $363
80 children received $2,340 worth of free clinical care
99 dental student volunteers had an opportunity to provide care to community members transitioning from homelessness and community members who are refugees
99 dental student volunteers increased their efficacy in providing treatment to community members transitioning from homelessness and community members who are refugees
12 faculty volunteers served as attendings
Expanded care at an emergency homeless shelter to include pediatric patients
Established a Memorandum of Understanding with a new site, Refugee Community Partnership
Created a trauma informed care training module for student volunteers
Two 2023-24 BCBSNC Foundation Fellows were awarded a Fellowship to continue to expand the work. Jeanie and Esther will continue to volunteer with the clinic until their graduation.
Naiya Dalce and Krystal Smith
NCCU SOL
Academic Mentor: Crystal Todd-Yelverton Site Mentor: Claude Archer Site: Shepard Magnet Middle School
Naiya and Krystal led a weekly enrichment program for 7th and 8th grade girls to improve their social and emotional skills in nurturing self-esteem, making healthy choices, and defining healthy relationships based on the Dove Body Confidence curriculum.
12 out of 12 girls increased their self-esteem over baseline
7 out of 12 girls increased their confidence when public speaking:
9 out of 12 girls maintained eye contact
8 out of 12 girls maintained good posture
6 out of 12 girls consistently spoke clearly
5 out of 12 girls reduced or stop using filler words when speaking
Avani Desai and Lisa Regula
UNC SOM and UNC PH
Academic and Mentor: Trista Reid, MD, MPH, FACS Site: Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Clinic at UNC Medical Center
Avani and Lisa provided social and financial support for trauma surgery patients who are low-income to reduce post-surgical financial toxicity, improve post-surgical health outcomes, and support patients’ return to independence. They connected medical and public health students with recently discharged trauma surgery patients to offer post-discharge support and ensure continuity of care for 2 – 4 months. Trained student volunteers provided educational support, appointment reminders, wound care support and connection to community resources such as UNC FoodWell program and food bank partners.
Recruited 17 patients for the program (8 patients were lost to follow up)
7 out of 9 patients had minimal or no issues following wound care recommendations
7 out of 9 patients had a social need met
17 out of 17 medical and public health student volunteers increased their efficacy in providing support to post-surgical trauma patients
Note: Due to IT challenges, the Fellows were delayed in the program’s launch. Patients will complete the program in July. Data regarding post operative appointment attendance, meeting post-surgical discharge instructions, quality of life and efficacy in handling their post-operative care will be obtained at that time.
The program is sustained by two medical students and there was no need for sustainability funding.
Ashkan Habib and Rayad Shams
UNC PH and UNC SOM
UNC IPE Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Karin Yeatts, PhD, MPH Site Mentor: Jan Lee Santos, MD, MHA, MA Site: Piedmont Health Services
The Fellows coordinated free mobile health clinics staffed by PHS to offer basic health services to migrant farmers in medically unserved areas and farms in Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, and Lee counties in rural NC. The mobile clinic provided free-of-charge health screenings, physical exams, blood pressure measurements, eye exams, education, and referrals to community clinics for farmworkers who otherwise lacked access to health insurance and care continuity. Their work highlights the grassroots impact health services outreach can have on the health outcomes and quality of life of underserved patient communities.
The Fellows were able to identify health issues that otherwise would not have been found. One farmworker was shocked to learn that his blood pressure was in the range of hypertensive urgency making him at risk for stroke. He was subsequently seen at the clinic and now is regularly followed up for medication management.
204 farmworkers were screened for health needs
68 out of 204 were referred to PHS for follow-up care
55 out of 68 kept their follow-up appointment
36 new farms were connected to the PHS referral network for future visits and referrals
PHS sustained the project. There was no need for sustainability funding as PHS has incorporated the project into their budget.
Anuj Jailwala and Harrison Huang
Wake SOM
Academic Mentor: Matthew Giegengack, MD Site Mentor: Lea Thullbery Site: City With Dwellings
Anuj and Harrison provided people experiencing homelessness with free vision exams, eyewear, and referrals for patients that need more help. With the help of attending/resident ophthalmologists and medical student they held six clinics at a local community. Given approximately half of the community members needed glasses and quarter of them needed specialized care for their ocular illnesses, there is a significant need for vison care among individuals experiencing homelessness in Winston-Salem.
6 vision clinics were held providing free vision exams to 27 patients valued at $2,000.
15 patients needing prescription eyewear were provided it for no cost. The clinic purchased glasses through Zenni valued at $300.
Established a referral process to the Wake Forest Ophthalmology resident clinic for any needed follow up care
7 patients who needed follow up care for more complex pathology (cataracts, glaucoma, etc.) were linked to care
3 out of 7total patients followed through on their follow up ophthalmology resident clinic appointment
1 out of 3 total patients scheduled for a needed surgery received it
11 medical student volunteers were trained in conducting a basic eye exam and identify common ocular pathologies
11 medical student volunteers increased their efficacy in providing eye care
DEAC sustained the project and Fellows will continue to lead the clinic until they graduate. ASF provided $1,000 in sustainability funding for glasses for patients and new lenses for the clinic.
Phoebe Jollay-Castelblanco and Francisco Reyes
ECU SOM
Academic Mentor: Sravanthi Utpala, MD Site Mentor: Diannee Cardan Glenn Site: ekiM for Change
Phoebe and Francisco created a Narcan training program for people who use substances and members of the community with limited exposure of drug use. They increased awareness in the Eastern North Carolina community about harm reduction and its utility in preventing overdose deaths and emergency department visits.
Created a presentation and written training materials for two separate audiences: one for individuals who use drugs and one for community members who have limited exposure to drug use
Worked with Jakob Bower Multimedia Creative to create an animated video that teaches how to administer Narcan and what to do when witnessing an overdose
Increased the capacity of eKim to provide harm reduction services such as needle exchange and Narcan distribution
40 self-reported reversals due to Narcan usage
Laid the foundation for launching a provider led wound care clinic in July 2024
Doctors for Harm Reduction interest group at ECU SOM sustained the initiative. The Fellows will serve as clinic coordinators and trainers in the 2024-25 year.
Ijeoma Okons and Kala Gause
ECU SODM
BCBSNC Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Taneet Ghuman, BDS Site Mentor: Linda May, PhD, MS, FAHA Site: Nurse Family Partnership (FNP) of Pitt County, ECU Health, the ECU Midwifery Program, and Pitt County Health Department (PCHD)
The Fellows educated pregnant moms about the importance of good oral hygiene and the impact it has for both mom and their baby using the PregNancy and Prenatal Oral Health Program curriculums. In addition, they established partnerships with the FNP of Pitt County, ECU Health, the ECU Midwifery Program, and PCHD to educate prenatal providers on oral health. This training enables them to properly educate, screen, and refer their patients to local dentists. Educating both pregnant women and their providers is critical, as providers have the most interaction with these women.
ECU Midwifery program incorporated prenatal education into their curriculum
ECU Health OB/GYN residential program incorporated a prenatal oral health educational session into their training
42 moms increased their oral health literacy and their efficacy in meeting the oral health needs of their infants
Created a prenatal oral health postcard linking to education and access to affordable dental care.
ECU Women’s Physicians and FNP include the postcard within their prenatal bags for patients
68 OB/GYN residents and attendings, FNP staff, PCHD, and ECU midwifery students increased their oral health literacy over baseline and committed to oral health counseling and/or screens into their prenatal care.
Educational video was created and distributed to partnerships.
The Fellows launched an ECU Prenatal Oral Health Club interest group to sustain the program and ASF provided $1,000 for oral hygiene kits for the moms and for lunch and learns for dental and medical students and prenatal providers.
Palak Patel and Hannah Dibble
Wake SOM
Academic and Site Mentor: Christine Ahn, MD Site Mentor: Leah Thulberry Site: City With Dwellings
The Fellows led a skin cancer awareness program for people who are experiencing homelessness. A three-workshop series was held a day shelter using materials from the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide campaign and IMPACT Melanoma. Participants learned sun-protective behaviors and how to identify skin cancer, and were given sun-protective gear including sunscreen, UV protective shirts, UV protective sunglasses, and UV indicator wristbands.
162 participants engaged in 1 workshop and increased their sun safety knowledge
42 participants out of 162 engaged in 2 or 3 workshops
39 out of 42 participants increase their efficacy in sun safety
Participants engaged in sun safety behaviors for 2 months or longer:
26 out of 42 sought shade when they otherwise would not have
19 out of 42 sought shade while wearing a UV bracelet
23 out of 42 covered their skin from the sun
22 out of 42 used sunscreen they otherwise would not have
20 out of 42 wore a hat in the sun when they otherwise would not have
30 out of 30 volunteers have increased in their efficacy of providing sun safety education.
The Fellows created an interest group which continueed the project. They were awarded $1,000 in ASF sustainability funding for sun safety UV materials.
Raven Selden and Jada Graham
UNC SOD
Delta Dental Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Marinee Lees, DDS Site Mentor: Regina Lindsay Site: Boys and Girls Clubs of Durham and Orange Counties
The Fellows launched the Cavity-Free Zone oral health education program for elementary age children at the Boys and Girls Clubs Chapel Hill location. Children were broken into two groups: K-2 and 3-5. Each group participated in 13 sessions discussing the importance of oral hygiene, proper brushing and flossing techniques, and the effects of diet on oral health. Curriculum was derived from Crest and the American Dental Association. Delta Dental provided toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss so the children could practice what they learned while at home.
Established an evidenced-based oral health curriculum (Cavity-Free Zone) at the Boys and Girls Club
Established a referral network from the Boys and Girls Club to Durham County Health Dept for urgent care
80 out of 80 children increased their oral health literacy over baseline
Held a screening day in conjunction with another Schweitzer project, the SMILE mobile clinic. 30 children received $2,000 in free screenings and fluoride varnish
The Student National Dental Association will sustain the program and NCASF awarded $1,000 in sustainability funding for supplies and snacks. Two UNC School of Dentistry students expanded the Cavity-Free Zone program to the Boys and Girls Durham location.
Vaishnavi Siripurapu and Elisabeth Whitfield
ECU SOM
Academic Mentor: Lisa Moreno, MD, MS, MSCR, FAAEM, FACEP, FIFEM Site Mentors: Hannah Florida, MD; Lauren Sastre, PhD, RDN, LDN Site: ECU Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit
The Fellows launched the East Carolina Cardiovascular Health Initiative, an intervention for
patients at the ECU Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit focused on intensive hands-on nutrition education, individualized goal setting, behavioral health, and community support. Participants reported participating in the program was beneficial to their health journey, highlighting the importance of culinary medicine education for patients with cardiovascular disease. They also launched weekly interactive nutrition education sessions for all patients on the floor who wished to participate increasing their ability to incorporate heart healthy nutrition behaviors into their daily routine. The Fellows used the ECU Fresh Start Program and Meant2Prevent materials into their curriculum.
The Fellows increased the capacity of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Inpatient Unit to meet the needs of patients with severe cardiovascular disease through the following:
OT Therapy incorporated the heart healthy recipes into their nutrition session for patients
Weekly SmoothieRx education sessions were launched
25 out of 25 patients increased their knowledge and efficacy in incorporating a heart healthy diet into their lifestyle
25 out of 25 patients increased their intake of cruciferous green vegetables over baseline
The ECU Lifestyle Medicine interest group will sustain the SmoothieRx initiative.
Josh Tanner
UNC SOM
Academic Mentor: Benjamin Gilmer, MD Site Mentor: Abraham Bombeck, MD Site: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Justice Center and the Cherokee Indian Hospital
Josh aimed to establish more comprehensive mental health care for inmates at a detention while laying the foundation for medication for opioid use disorder (UOD) treatment. At the time. there was no option for inmates who were identified as having UOD to start treatment while they were incarcerated. His intervention focused on incorporating assessments and screeners in intake to make the case for the need for initiating UOD treatment. As a result of his advocacy, a policy change occurred with inmates now being allowed to initiate treatment while incarcerated.
16 individuals booked at the EBCI correctional facility received a psychiatric assessment
11 out of 16 were identified as having moderate to severe generalized anxiety (per GAD-7)
7 out of 16 were identified as having moderate to severe depression (per PHQ-9)
9 out of 16 were identified as having an opioid use disorder
15 out of 16 endorsed daily illicit drug use before being incarcerated
A policy change incurred to allow inmates to begin UOD treatment while incarcerated
Dr. Bombeck will continue to provide thorough psychiatric care and OUD in the jail and continuity of care for those transitioning out of custody to the tribal behavioral health facility.
Disha Thakkar and Pinar Adimci Doganci
UNC SOD
NCOHC Schweitzer Fellows
Academic and Site Mentor: Iquebal Hasan, BDS Site: UNC Hospitals Oral Medicine Clinic
The Fellows partnered with the UNC Oral Medicine Clinic to help women get diagnosed earlier by looking at the oral symptoms of autoimmune diseases like painful ulcers and chronic dry mouth so they can begin treatment. They also collaborated with health care providers and community health workers to increase awareness of the oral symptoms of these diseases. They aimed to improve quality of life and develop a plan for long term management of the patient’s systemic disease.
80 patients are seen for an initial consult
34 out of 80 patients received a diagnosis and were given appropriate referrals to specialists
9 additional patients have clinical symptoms but needed further follow up to obtain a diagnosis. They will be followed up by the 2024-25 NCOHC Schweitzer Fellows
Administrative approval of Consult Form in Epic
Patient education video created to be played in waiting room
Patient education brochures created
Two NCOHC Schweitzer Fellows were awarded a Fellowship to sustain the project and expand to dermatology patients.
Nicola Young and Siera Lunn
DUKE SOM
Academic Mentor: Andrea Dotson, MD, IBCLC, MSPH Site Mentor: Courtni France, BS, MBE Site: MAAME, Inc.
Nicola’s op-ed helped inspire the Duke Surgery Department to develop a Lactation Task Force to improve access to pumping accommodations for lactating people employed by Duke.
Nicola and Siera piloted a volunteer postpartum doula program that offers emotional support, infant feeding, and resource connections to underserved families of color in Durham during the vulnerable time following childbirth. They partnered with MAAME, Inc., a community-based doula organization in Durham that primarily serves people of color and those historically excluded from services, to develop the COMPASS (Community Outreach and Maternal Postpartum Assistance by Student Support) program. A cohort of interprofessional graduate health professions students attended a 16-hour professional postpartum doula training led by a Doula Trainings International instructor to serve 10 families in the Durham community who otherwise would not have had access to postpartum doula support. Medical student volunteers offered four 4-hour postpartum doula home visits to their paired family. During the visits, the volunteers provided support in any of the following ways: watching the infant while the parent rested/took time to care for their own needs, provided emotional support for the parent, entertained older children while the parent cared for the newborn, performed light cleaning, helped with meal preparation, assisted the parent with infant feeding, and connected the parent to other community resources.
10 out of 10 families in the Durham community who otherwise would not have had access to postpartum doula support received this service through the COMPASS program.
10 out of 10 postpartum parents utilized a health-promoting service outside of their standard postpartum visit, including working with a lactation consultant, mental health professional, social worker and food nutrition programs
Of the 8 families that completed the feedback survey:
8 out of 8 postpartum parents reported increased confidence in their ability to navigate the postpartum period
7 out of 8 postpartum parents reported an increase in efficacy with infant feeding (including both breast/chest and bottle feeding)
6 out of 8 postpartum parents attended their standard 6-week postpartum visit
9 medical and nursing student volunteers were professionally trained in postpartum doula care
8 out of 9 provided postpartum doula support to at least one family
9 out of 9 experienced a change in perspective surrounding supporting historically excluded communities and learning in an interprofessional setting
MAAME, Inc. incorporated the project into their programming and ASF provided $1,000 for student volunteer postpartum doula training. The project is also becoming an elective course housed within the Duke Health Center for Interprofessional Education and Care.
Fellows for Life: 2022-23
Carrie Alspaugh and Jeannie Salisbury
UNC Public Health
UNC Rural IPE Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Rachel Wilfert, MD, MPH, CPH Site Mentor: Thava Mahadevan, MS, LCAS, Clinical Instructor and Director of Operations Site: UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health
Jeanie and Carrie expanded the Heat and Eat program from Chatham County to Wake County to assist Assertive Community Treatment Teams in delivering healthy, nutritious meals to those living with serious mental illness to build rapport and trust in a non-traditional setting. This type of engagement resulted in increased retention in the ACT team program and enhanced the ability of the ACT team to meet participants’ needs.
72 patients, all of whom are food insecure, received 100 meals per week October – April with 1,188 meals served in Q4 2022. It is projected that 5,200 meals will be served in 2023.
72 out of 72 patients who received meals stayed under ACT team care.
72 out of 72 patients served saw at least one other clinician.
All ACT team members felt the program enhanced their ability to build trust between the clinicians and patients.
The Fellows continued the project for the 2023-24 academic year and it is being funded through a grant from Wake County.
Ray Cheever and Callan Loflin
UNC School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Tolu Oyesanya, Ph.D., RN Site Mentor: Laurie Leach, Ph.D., ABN, Program Director, Brain Injury Rehabilitation System Site: Brain Injury Association of North Carolina (BIANC) and the WakeMed Brain Injury Rehabilitation System
Ray and Callan created BrainSTORM (Brain Injury Support To Optimize Recovering Minds) to provide crucial education and social support to moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and their caregivers discharging home from inpatient rehabilitation or receiving outpatient rehabilitation. They conducted monthly educational needs assessments, created individualized educational flyers and facilitated monthly group-based educational webinars. In addition, they hosted peer support groups led by a BIANC-affiliated TBI patient or caregiver of a TBI patient which allowed participants to converse with others who have experience with and understand their condition.
21 patients/caregivers increased their efficacy in managing TBI.
21 patients/caregivers developed their sense of community with other individuals who have experienced brain injury.
21 patients/caregivers increased their awareness of TBI and TBI-related resources.
BIANC hired a new staff member to continue the BrainSTORM program and to expand it to other hospitals across the state. The Fellows and current peer support group leaders will remain involved. There was not a need for sustainability funding.
In recognition of their work on BrainSTORM, the Brain Injury Association of NC gave the Fellows an “Emerging Leader” award at their 40th year of service celebration event on October 21, 2023.
Manthi Dissanayake and Julianna Roupas
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Kathy Kolasa, MD Site Mentor: Rich Zeck Site: Pitt County Council on Aging (PCCOA) and Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina (FBCENC)
Manthi and Julianna launched Food is Medicine to reduce food insecurity in low-income older adults through improved access to healthy foods, nutrition education, cooking instruction, and budgeting workshops. They led weekly classes at a PCCOA senior center using low-cost grocery and food bank items to make healthy, delicious, and culturally appropriate meals. Each workshop consisted of four weeks of one-hour sessions. At the end of every class, each participant received a grocery bag full of the low-cost items used to make the recipes as well as additional fresh produce, all of which was provided by donations and funds from the FBCENC.
Anecdotally, participants shared stories of using the items to create healthy, home cooked meals. Many individuals tried new foods for the first time, found the courage to go to the doctor, started going on walks with a new friend from class, and learned how to roast vegetables in a way they really enjoyed. Surveys allowed the Fellows to learn that participants were applying their newfound knowledge, but the stories they heard showed that trust and connection magnified that impact.
As a result, adults developed the tangible skills required to achieve their health goals despite their socioeconomic status and limited access to nutritious food. Most importantly, a warm community of individuals emerged that supported each other on their journey towards nutrition self-efficacy.
57 out of 57 participants implemented one or more dietary suggestions from a healthcare professional that helped them achieve one or more personalized goals.
57 out of 57 participants increased their nutritional health literacy.
57 out of 57 participants increased their confidence to budget and purchase healthy, affordable food items.
The Fellows launched a medical student interest group to sustain the program and the Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding. Both community partners are committed to continuing their participation.
Anna Dodson
UNC School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Sue Tolleson-Reinhart, PhD Site Mentor: Alice Ammerman, DrPH Site: Equiti Foods
Anna reduced hunger among low-income community members in Chatham County by expanding and transforming the capacity of a meal donation program, Equiti Foods’ Pay-it-Forward Program, through social entrepreneurship and public-private partnerships. In addition to providing fresh meals to community members, the program provided both social and financial benefit to diverse community organizations and local farmers. The program also donated healthy frozen meals to food insecure residents of Chatham County via the Cora Food Pantry, Communities in Schools of Chatham County, and the Chatham Chuckwagon.
Donated 513 meals to food insecure individuals.
Purchased produce from 3 new farm partners and 1 new farm aggregator which include Black, BIPOC and women farmers.
Recruited 4 new church partners.
All new community partners felt that this partnership has either contributed substantially to their organizations’ social mission or has provided important sales avenues for their produce.
Established the program as a new subsidiary of a non-profit (The Alliance Serving Chatham County, Chatham Community Harvest).
The program was embedded as a subsidiary of a non-profit to bolster donations, provide grant opportunities, solidify their role in the broader community, and strengthen their long-term sustainability. Donation and distribution under the new model began in July 2023 and occur quarterly.
Uma and Shantell launched ECU Birth Companions, a volunteer birth doula program, to address the lack of support and advocacy for birthing patients that often lead to adverse health and birth outcomes. They specifically targeted high-risk OB patients. They developed their training program to cover the stages of labor, practice comfort measures, discuss the importance of advocacy, and learn about the challenges and benefits of breastfeeding.
A patient story: A patient, who had been in labor for 36 hours, was from Haiti and predominantly spoke Creole and French. There was a bit of a language barrier between the patient and the providers, and she was having a lot of anxiety about being in labor for so long. Her provider wanted her to have a C-section, but she experienced trauma from her last C-section and was insistent on continuing to labor naturally. Shantell spoke French and was able to communicate the patient’s concerns. This action alleviated some of the patient’s fears, reinforced her wishes and she ended being able to have the natural birth experience she desired.
Launched a volunteer birth doula program at Vidant Medical Center
Developed a 3-day volunteer doula training program.
Trained 39 volunteer doulas who committed to providing care 2 shifts per month.
Developed a monthly educational curriculum for trained volunteers.
Provided doula care to 121 high-risk laboring mothers over 8 months.
The Fellows launched a student interest group to sustain the program and the Fellowship provided $1,000 of sustainability funding. The Fellows continued to provide volunteer doula support and serve as a resource for new leadership.
Kelly Goo and Dana Rubenstein
Duke School of Medicine
Academic and Site Mentor: Howard Eisenson, MD, Supervising physician and faculty member Site: Lincoln Community Health Center
Kelly and Dana launched a pilot hybrid telehealth/home visitation program for medically fragile, low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities living in subsidized housing who had a mobility barrier to accessing primary care. Teams of two trained medical student volunteers facilitated synchronous video telehealth encounters with an office-based provider who guided them in real time to:
collect vital signs and conduct basic physical exams.
conduct an assessment of the patient’s physical and social environment.
assist with medication reconciliation.
observe the patient’s technique of glucose self-monitoring, insulin administration, inhaler use, etc.
provide education and coaching to the patient.
As a result of the home-based visits conducted every other month:
8 of 8 patients felt the visits were useful in managing their health.
1 of 1 health care provider reported greater clinical efficiency involving health professional students and telehealth in the overall care of their patients.
8 of 8 medical student volunteers increased their efficacy in:
Identifying and addressing medication use discrepancies.
Identifying and addressing significant changes in vital signs.
8 of 8 medical student volunteers reported better understanding of the real-world challenges faced by the Durham community’s most vulnerable patients.
The Fellows launched a medical student interest group to sustain the program. The Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding for internet hot spots and medical equipment. Through a Duke AHEAD grant, the program expanded to include graduate nursing students as members of the team.
Caroline Minnick
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Kimberly Montez, MD Site Mentor: Maria Stockton, Pediatric Parenting Connection Director Site: Imprint Cares
Caroline led free, bilingual infant safety training to young, low-income mothers and families in Winston-Salem. The Safe At Home course consisted of two 90-minute sessions.
35 out of 35 demonstrated proficiency in CPR/choking rescue skills, determined through direct demonstration and observation.
35 out of 35 participants reported improved feelings of confidence in caring for their infant and seeking support from peers or providers.
35 out of 35 participants reported improved feelings of confidence in knowledge and skill-utilization in the event of infant health emergencies (CPR/choking).
29 out of 35 participants reported active (or active steps towards) implementation of at least 2 home safety strategies.
1 mother used her newly acquired choking safety skills in a restaurant with her infant.
The program was established as an official student group within the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and leadership was transitioned to a new executive team of 4 medical students. There was not a need for sustainability funding.
LydiaPaige Moffett
NCCU School of Law
Academic Mentor: Phyliss Craig-Taylor, JD Site Mentor: Paul Johnson, MSW Site: Durham Charter School
LydiaPaige led an afterschool program for 7th and 8th grade African American and Hispanic girls who are being raised by single mothers to improve their social and emotional skills in nurturing self-esteem, making healthy choices, and developing professional communication skills. The weekly 1.5 hour sessions were held throughout the academic year at a Title 1 school.
15 out of 15 girls improved their communication skills in speaking clearly and maintaining eye contact.
15 out of 15 girls had an increase in self-esteem.
10 out of 15 girls engaged in professional behavior skills observed in a mock career fair and mock interview.
LydiaPaige sustained the program during the 2023-24 academic year and will be partnering with the Durham Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. for the 2024-2025 school year. The Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding.
Gabriela Parpia and Danielle Nicholson
UNC School of Dentistry
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Wendy Clark, DDS Site Mentor: Vincent Allison, DDS, PA, Faculty Director of SNDA’s CAARE Clinic Site: CAARE Clinic, Absolute Dental Services, Dental Design Labs and Local Start Dental
Gaby and Dani led Complete Smiles to restore the smiles, confidence, and dignity to people without teeth by providing high quality complete and partial dentures to vulnerable community members, primarily Black, at no cost. Free services included health screenings, extraoral/intraoral evaluations, comprehensive dental treatment, and oral health education. Patients received denture kits consisting of the following donated materials: a container for the denture(s)/partial(s), a cleaning brush, denture-cleaning solution, denture adhesive, and an educational brochure on how to maintain their prosthesis and any remaining teeth.
Clinic nights ran from 6 – 11 pm. Each patient required 5 appointments plus 1 – 3 post-op appointments to ensure a proper fit. Dental Designs Lab in Cary donated the majority of the prostheses.
This was a continuation of a 2021-22 Schweitzer project.
$17,000 value of free oral health services and prosthesis.
8 patients received 13 new denture prosthesis (8 partials and 5 dentures) fitted, fabricated and inserted.
4 additional patients are in process of dental treatment to receive 6 dentures and 2 partials.
8 out of 8 patients reported an increase in their self-confidence, masticatory efficiency, speech, elimination of oral pain or discomfort, and ability to obtain employment as measured by the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14).
The project was sustained by the SNDA CAARE Clinic and the Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding.
Angeliz Rivera-Concepcion and Skylar McGaughey
UNC School of Dentistry
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Tim Wright, DDS Site Mentor: Jenice Ramirez, ISLA Executive Director and Susana Benites. ISLA Program Director of Education Programs Site: ISLA NC
Angeliz and Skylar created Sonrisas Saludables (Healthy Smiles) to address the need for culturally appropriate oral health education and disease prevention in the Hispanic community by creating a Spanish language intervention program that empowered elementary age students and their families to take action toward better health outcomes. Their program consisted of three parent workshops and a series of three hands-on oral health education lessons for each grade.
80 out of 100 elementary age students adopted healthy oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily for one month or more.
80 out of 100 students substituted a healthy snack for an unhealthy one for one month or more.
The Fellows sustained the project next year and received funding for materials from the Shils Entrepreneurial Fund.
Abigail Sepulveda and Lindsay Greenwood
NCCU Communication Sciences and Disorders
Academic and Site Mentor: Kellyn Hall PhD, CCC-SLP Site: NCCU Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic
Abby and Lindsay created a free singing-based therapy group, ParkinSongBirds, for people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in rural, low-income neighborhoods in Durham. They led evidence-based group vocal chorus therapy addressing both the mechanics of voice along with social and emotional wellbeing. Singing and breathing exercises were used to strengthen the muscles responsible for breathing, and the research supported principles of the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) and SPEAK OUT! Therapy for PD served as the foundation of the program. Participants met weekly for 1.5 hours over 42 weeks.
One participant’s story highlighted the dramatic impact of the program. This participant had a PD diagnosis for over 30 years and at the beginning of the initiative, he was shy, difficult to understand, and choked and coughed when drinking thin liquids. As the weeks progressed, his kind and humorous personality emerged. By the end of the program, his voice was noticeably stronger, clearer, and more intelligible. He stated he rarely, if ever, coughed when drinking liquids.
10 out of 10 participants increased their voice volume.
9 out of 10 participants increased their breath control.
6 out of 10 participants improved their swallowing ability.
4 out of 10 participants experienced less voice cracking.
10 out of 10 participants had an improvement in their social-emotional health.
The North Carolina Central University Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic sustained the program. There was not a need for sustainability funding.
Meg Smith
UNC-Pembroke Social Work
AHEC Schweitzer Fellow
Academic Mentor: Summer Woodside, PhD, MPH Site Mentor: Jacqueline Davis, PhD, MPH and Erica Little, Director, Healthy Start Robeson Site: Community Health and Wellness Institute at UNC – Pembroke Healthy Start Corps
Meg addressed childhood trauma, and its impact on overall wellness throughout the lifespan, by leading parenting classes in rural Robeson County. As individuals who have a high number of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are more likely to suffer poorer physical and behavioral health conditions throughout their lifespan, education regarding toxic stress experienced during childhood can help clients from underserved communities learn resiliency. Expectant moms and parents with babies up to 18 months of age participated in a series of four one-hour education sessions on ACEs, protective factors, and positive parenting practices in one-on-one and group settings. Participants learned the value of relationships in strengthening their connections with their children and the importance of engaging with their children before birth and during the first five years of life.
Increased the capacity of the site to serve the needs of at-risk mothers with children up to 18 months.
Established an internship placement at the site to provide education and advocacy regarding ACEs.
7 out of 7 participants were committed to applying their knowledge about ACEs and the importance of protective factors when parenting.
7 out of 7 participants were committed to engaging with their children through positive parenting practices.
Community Health and Wellness Institute at UNC – Pembroke Healthy Start Corps agreed to support an a MSW intern dedicated specifically to education and advocacy surrounding ACEs with a 500-hour field placement for the 2023-2024 academic year. The Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding to purchase educational toys for clients to utilize with their babies to strengthen attachment between parent and child.
Meg was hired by the UNC-P Department of Social Work to be an OPTIMISE Student Success Advocate (Opportunities To Integrate Mental Health in SouthEastern Rural NC).
Annie (Maddy) Thurman and Siena Hapig-Ward
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Matthew Giegengack, MD Site Mentor: Lea Thullberry Site: City With Dwellings
Maddy and Siena launched a free vision care and eyewear clinic for people experiencing homelessness. The Fellows acquired the proper legal compliance necessary to launch the clinic, obtained both donated and purchased ophthalmology equipment worth $24,500, and outfitted the space to house a clinic.
They held their first clinic in March 2023. Each patient was welcomed, served breakfast and coffee, and received a free vision exam, eyeglasses, and follow up if needed.
Launched a free vision clinic within City with Dwellings.
Created a Memorandum of Understanding between Wake Forest School of Medicine and City With Dwellings.
Received a $20,000 grant to purchase ophthalmology equipment.
Obtained a donated slit lamp and clinic chair worth $4,500.
Readied the space to house the clinic.
Establish referral process for patients needing more extensive treatment.
3 patients seen at the first clinic in March 2023.
5 health professional student volunteers were trained and able to perform basic eye exams.
Two Wake Forest School of Medicine students were awarded a 2023-24 Fellowship to sustain and expand the project.
Alexander Whyte and Joshua Walker
ECU School of Dental Medicine
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Mark Moss, DDS, PhD Site Mentor: Bill Milner, DDS, MPH, President at Access Dental Care and Betsy White, Access Dental Care COO Site: Access Dental Care, New Hanover Health Department, New Hanover Senior Resource Center, New Hanover Dental Society, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, MedNorth and Elderhaus
Alexander and Joshua improved the quality of life of older adults in New Hanover County living at or below the federal poverty line by providing oral health education to the community and their caretakers and linked those in need to free dental care at a new dental clinic. Their educational outreach was based upon the Mouthcare Without A Battle program. Using the Oral Health Impact Profile, they connected participants to resources in the community to help reduce barriers to care and improve overall health.
73 out of 73 older adults increased their oral health literacy over baseline.
30 out of 30 caregivers increased their oral health literacy over baseline.
30 out of 30 caregivers increased their efficacy in administering oral hygiene to residents.
1 healthcare employee agreed to become an oral health champion at their facility.
The Undergraduate Student National Dental Association at UNC-Wilmington sustained the project and the Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding for oral health supplies.
My-Lan Young and Karen Zhao
UNC School of Dentistry
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Dilek Uyan, DDS, Phd Site Mentor: Anna Krecklow Site: Families Moving Forward
Karen and Mylan were the founders of the SMILE Clinic, a free mobile dentistry clinic in the Triangle area, to provide dental care to vulnerable community members who face physical, financial, and social barriers to accessing care. After months of planning, fundraising, and obtaining legal compliance, they launched in March 2023 and ran 2 clinics before turning leadership to two 2023-24 Schweitzer Fellows. This is the first student run mobile dentistry clinic at UNC.
Launched a free mobile dental clinic.
Created a Memorandum of Understanding between UNC School of Dentistry and Families Moving Forward.
Obtained site approval from NC State Board of Dental Examiners.
Acquired malpractice insurance coverage and created an electronic patient record Epic system through UNC SOD.
Raised over $34,000 in funding.
Held two clinics providing $1913 (UNC SOD rates) worth of limited care exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, and extractions for 9 distinct patients.
19 dental student volunteers received trauma informed care training and experience serving this population.
A patient story: One of the patients had her jaw broken due to domestic violence 3 years ago and had not seen a dentist since after the surgery. Although she remained in constant pain, she was unable to access care to address it until being seen at SMILE. This encounter highlights the difficulties the residents face and underscores the clinic’s impact.
Two dental students were awarded a 2023-24 Fellowship to expand the clinic.
Fellows For Life: 2021-22
Serene Ahmad and Kacey Wyman
UNC School of Medicine and UNC School of Social Work
Academic and Site Mentors: Donna Culton, MD and Heather Holahan, MD Academic Mentors: Iquebal Hasan, BDS Site: UNC Autoimmune Specialty Clinics
Serene and Kacey improved the quality of life of patients who have autoimmune blistering disease by addressing social isolation and providing education and support. They identified barriers to care, increased access to follow up care, and established a greater sense of community support for people with the diagnosis. Each month, they offered a virtual support group and a separate education session led by medical professionals and experts in the field.
Of particular importance, several patients compared the diagnosis process to the stages of grief, and as a result of their participation, they found comfort in knowing that they were not alone.
15 of 22 adults adopted the following behavior changes for 6 consecutive months:
Demonstrate increased efficacy by engaging in:
reaching out to providers when they experience side effects
increase communication with their provider
Improvement of physical symptoms
Improved capacity for community support via peer support groups measured by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support
5% increase in sense of social support overall
7 out of 22 experienced up to a 25% increase in sense of support
The UNC Dermatology Interest Group has adopted the project as a service initiative. The Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding for program incentives and resource subscriptions.
Al-Amin Aminu and Michael Denning
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Tom Irons, MD Site Mentor: Atlas Kelly Site: Building Hope Community Center
Al-Amin and Michael led AIMM High (Achievement in Minority Men), a year-long health and wellness initiative and mentoring program for black adolescent males at an after-school community center focused on developing their individual and professional identities. Each weekly session was 2-hours.
Personal Identity
10 out of 12 adolescent boys engaged in three or more behaviors for 3 months or longer:
Identify and address common stereotypes/ microaggressions
Identify and utilize ways to resolve conflict
Engage in two behaviors from their personalized self-care plan 4 times weekly for 3 months or longer
Engage self-reported stress management activities 3 or more times per week
Professional Identity
10 out of 12 adolescent boys adopted 4 more or more professional communication behaviors for 3 months or longer:
Make eye contact when speaking or when being spoken to
Use an appropriate choice of words when communicating
Utilize proper voice level in tone when communicating
Control facial expression and body language
Communicate issues/concerns that are clear, concise and calm
Display active listening when a parent, teacher, or mentor is speaking
The Student National Medical Association Chapter at the Brody School of Medicine will sustain the program and the Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding.
Kathryn Benson and Jack Leschisin
Duke School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Barbara Sheline, MD, MPH Site Mentors: David Regan (Benefits Enrollment Center), Jacquelyn Blackwell (Feed My Sheep of Durham food pantry) Site: Benefits Enrollment Center and Feed My Sheep food pantry
Kathryn and Jack expanded the reach of the Well Check Call (WCC) program, a volunteer initiative that calls low-income seniors each week to address social isolation and assist with food and essential item supply, medication and healthcare access, and resource connection. Volunteers were Duke university students from medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy, as well as undergraduates. WCC was launched as a 2020-21 Schweitzer project.
284 seniors received weekly well check calls
55 out of 64 seniors surveyed reported reduced isolation (86%)
Increased number of seniors receiving food deliveries once a month from 18 to 60
Incorporated community organization referral protocols within volunteer responsibilities (prior to the intervention no volunteer referrals were made)
105 out of 207 referrals resulted in a need met in one of the following areas: healthcare, housing/utility, food security, employment/finance, transportation, COVID19 resources
Increased volunteer team from 50 to 76
61 out of 65 volunteers (94%) increased comfort in two or more of the following areas:
talking with older adults (89%)
making referrals to community organizations in Durham (89%)
conversing about social determinants of health (76%)
Created a formalized social determinants of health volunteer training program
The program will be sustained by the Duke Medicine Benefits Enrollment Center Fellows which is an interdisciplinary leadership team of medical and graduate physical therapy students. The Fellows created an undergraduate liaison leadership position to optimize undergraduate engagement. There was not a need for sustainability funding.
Tamar Chukrun and Trisha Dalapati
Duke School of Medicine
A.C. Reid Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Donna Biederman, MD Mentor: Sally Wilson Site: Project Access of Durham County
Tamar and Trisha expanded the WellNest Housing Support Program which provides social, financial, and goal-oriented support to newly housed community members with a history of homelessness. They aim to break the cycle of chronic homelessness, alleviate health risks associated with housing insecurity, and fill a gap in the homelessness care continuum. They developed a system to efficiently onboard volunteers, expanded the leadership team, sourced large volumes of furniture, and reduced move-in time to within one week of notice. They continued tenancy support by checking in on tenants monthly.
Program elements:
Supported community members in the move-in transition through at least one year after move-in to include help with the move and donation of furniture and household items
Trained all volunteers to understand the relationship between housing and health
Addressed the gap in the homelessness care continuum, allowing partnering community organizations to devote more resources to those who have not yet been housed
Expanded community partner network for referrals and for food and furniture donations: Duke Outpatient Clinic, Benefits Enrollment Center, Fresh Produce Program and Project FEED of Root Causes, The Original Mattress Factory, Healthcare for the Homeless, Reinvestment Partners, and the City of Durham Community Development Department.
Outcomes:
26 Durham community members received move-in assistance to their new homes
20 out of 26 people received furniture. The remaining 6 persons only needed moving help
11 out of 26 people were connected to a resource to receive grocery assistance
Formal partnership established with a sister organization, Project FEED
Expanded leadership team by 10 volunteers and recruited 70 volunteers (a 30 person increase)
Two research positions were added to the volunteer team to administer the CDC’s Healthy Days Measure to participants and the New General Self Efficacy Score to longitudinal volunteers
A Duke School of Medicine Interest Group, Wellnest, will sustain the program. The Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding.
Zachary German
Wake School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Ashleigh Wells-Medda, DPM Site Mentor: Lea Thullbery Site: City with Dwellings and Delivering Equal Access to Care (DEAC) Clinic, a student run organization
Zach led a free Foot and Ankle clinic and educational outreach for community members experiencing homelessness. The Clinic is staffed by volunteers from Wake Forest School of Medicine and is overseen by staff and residents from Wake Forest Baptist Health’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Clinics were held monthly and lasted for 3 hours. In addition to no cost medical services, each patient receives a pair of properly-fitting sneakers and a bag of foot related supplies to care for their feet. This is an expansion of a 2020-21 Schweitzer project.
People experiencing homelessness often walk miles in ill-fitting shoes. One patient who was a size 16 presented wearing size 13 sneakers. Fortunately, the shoe closet had the proper size which made a huge impact in his comfort and health.
134 patients received free foot and ankle-related services
107 out of 134 patients received a properly-fitting pair of new sneakers donated by Fleet Feet at a retail cost of over $1070.
27 out of 134 patients wore sizes which the clinic had run out off; therefore, patients were referred to local organizations that distribute free/deeply discounted sneakers
24 of 26 volunteers reported experiencing an increase in comfort performing foot and ankle exams as wells as in taking a relevant foot and ankle history
Extended the Memorandum of Understanding between City with Dwellings and the DEAC clinic
The Foot and Ankle Clinic is affiliated with the DEAC clinic who adopted it within their programming. Sustainability funding was not needed as the DEAC Clinic has agreed to provide financial support. A 2022-23 Schweitzer Fellowship was awarded to two Wake Forest School of Medicine students to launch a free ophthalmology clinic at the site.
Ricky Ghai and Cody Phen
ECU School of Dental Medicine
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Thomas Tempel, DDS, MSS; Andres Flores, DDS, MS; and Wanda Wright, RN, DDS, MS, MSD Site Mentor: Ford Grant, DMD Site: Bertie County School-Based Oral Prevention Program (BCSBOPP), Bertie Health Dept., and ECU Community Service Learning Center (CSLC) – Ahoskie
Cody and Ricky created an avenue for parents and guardians of the children being seen at the BCSBOPP to receive reduced cost dental care and establish a dental home at CSLC-Ahoskie. Screening appointment consisted of:oral cancer screening, oral health education, assessing and addressing any social determinants of health needs, and connecting the patient to a dental home.
20 patients requested a screening appointment
14 out of 20 received oral health screenings and hygiene instructions
12 out of 14 patients linked directly to care and a dental home
Onboarded CSLC – Ahoskie to the NCCare360 Platform
An ECU Chapter of the American Student Teledentistry Association will sustain the project. There was not a need for sustainability funding.
Paul Johnson
NCCU School of Social Work
Academic Mentor: James E. Robinson, MSW, LCSW Site Mentor: Teron McFadden, Principal
Paul launched a mentoring and enrichment program for minority fifth and sixth grade males who come from single-parent households to help them make better decisions, healthier behavior choices, and cope with any challenges they face from their social environment. The program consisted of 24 weeks of group meetings held twice a week for 2-hours per session. In addition, the students received weekly one-on-one wellness check-ins. Participants consisted of six African American and eight Hispanic mentees and mentors from the NCCU Male Achievement Center. The curriculum addressed the social-emotional and communication domains. The Fellow partnered with the AYA Center, a community mental health agency and licensed psychological testing center, to administer BASC-3 testing to measure success.
10 out of 14 boys adopted four or more new healthy behaviors in the following areas:
Adaptivity
Social skills
Leadership skills
Functional communication
Activity of daily living
11 out of 14 boys increased or maintained their level of communication skills according to surveys completed by parents, teachers and mentors
8 increased their level from moderate to good
3 maintained a good or moderate level
The program will be sustained by the NCCU Male Achievement Center and the Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding. Paul will continue to oversee the program.
The Fellow inspired two 2022-23 NCCU School of Law Fellows to launch a similar initiative for seventh and eighth grade girls from single parent households at the school. Paul will be the site mentor for the new Fellows.
NCCU awarded him both the Dr. Odessa Lemay Smith Character Award and the John B Turner Award for Leadership Excellence in recognition of his work as a Fellow.
Serena Mooney and Karen Semaan
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Jill Sutton, MD Site Mentor: Angela Still, MSN, RN Site: ECU OBGYN Clinic and Vidant Medical Center
Serena and Karen improved the health and well-being of postpartum mothers by providing free 2-hour infant and child CPR and choking rescue classes and educational support. The Fellows used manikins from the ECU SIM Center and held 30 sessions over the course of a year.
107 out of 112 participants demonstrated competence with CPR skills as evidenced by a hands-on skills assessment
107 out of 112 participants increased confidence in performing infant CPR and choking rescue
The program will be sustained by Happy Hearts, an ECU medical student interest group. $800 in sustainability funding was awarded to allow the Happy Hearts leaders to be trained to offer Basic Life Support classes.
Chinemerem Nwosu and Camille Robinson
Duke School of Medicine
A.C. Reid Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Sarahn Wheeler, MD Site Mentor: Joyce Jiggetts, RN and Tasha Allen, RN Site: Duke High Risk Obstetrics Clinic
Cheeny and Camille launched the Black Maternal Health Equity Initiative to provide patient advocacy, social support, and a link to community resources for Black pregnant women at a high risk clinic. Patients are paired with Duke medical student advocates who assist them with navigating the healthcare system, address their social determinants of health needs and provide the support during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The program provides patient-centered care and advocates learn to identify implicit biases and discrimination that contribute to poor Black maternal health outcomes.
11 patients were paired with 11 medical student advocates
Medical student advocates conducted 60 weekly check-in meetings and prenatal appointments with their patient
11 out of 11 patients felt their advocate provided a support system
10 out of 11 patients felt a student advocate:
Positively influenced the outcome of their pregnancy
Helped them gain access to a community resource
8 out of 11 patients felt an advocate helped them receive adequate healthcare
6 patient deliveries were attended by 6 medical student advocates
Patients received a starter kit of pregnancy and newborn supplies such as multivitamins, diapers, baby wipes, baby lotion, bibs, baby clothes etc.
A comprehensive volunteer training program to help prepare them for their role as advocates
10 out of 11 student volunteers felt comfortable being an advocate for Black pregnant mothers
The program was adopted by the Duke OB/GYN interest group as a service initiative. There was not a need for sustainability funding as they received assistance from local community organizations.
Callie Ollish
Wake School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Claudia Tussey, MD, MPH Site Mentor: Elke Bachman, CNM Site: Birth Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Called expanded Deacon Doulas, a volunteer program providing continuous support – both physical and emotional – to laboring Medicaid and under-insured patients which launched as a 2019-20 Schweitzer project. She created a volunteer training program and expanded the number of trained doulas who committed to providing one 12-hour on-call shift per month for 9 months. Nursing staff, midwives, and obstetricians were all receptive to having an extra set of hands helping their patients throughout their labor.
A new in house volunteer doulas curriculum was developed which eliminated costs associated with using an outside trainer
45 doulas were trained
14 laboring patients were served
45 out of 45 doulas increased their efficacy in providing labor support as measured by the Self-Efficacy in Labor Support Scale
33.8% increase over baseline
Callie will continue to lead Deacon Doulas over the next two years and will transition to new interest group leaders once she graduates. The development on an in-house curriculum eliminated the need for sustainability funding.
Meghan Pavelka and Benjamin Succop
UNC School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Rita Lahlou, MD Site Mentor: Seth Berkowitz, MD Site: Bloomer Hill People’s Free Clinic
Meghan and Ben launched a care coordination project to meet the social health needs of their patients by establishing a case manager position within the clinic and onboarding the site to the NCCare360 platform. They screened patients using PRAPARE and followed up to ensure appointments were kept and needs met.
44 patients were screened for social determinants of health using the PRAPARE Screening Tool
14 screened positive and were referred to a partner organization or clinic resource
13 out of 14 patients were connected with referred organization/resource
12 out of 14 patients received longitudinal support through a referral/resource that successfully addressed their screened need.
8/9 supported food needs
1/2 supported utility needs
1/1 supported transportation needs
2/2 supported medication needs
Two permanent volunteer social needs navigator position were created within clinic programming
Clinic was onboarded to the NCCare360 resource platform
Protocol was created to incorporate PRAPARE screening directly into patient intake
Community referral network was established
The average clinic attendance doubled from roughly 3.33 patients per clinic pre-pandemic to 6.6 patients per clinic in the Fellowship year
The project will be sustained by the UNC SOM Student Rural Health Coalition. Sustainability funding was not needed as the project was incorporated into the overall clinic volunteer infrastructure.
Sylvette Ramos-Díaz and Arlet Montes Sanchez
UNC School of Dentistry
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Apoena Ribeiro, DDS, MSD, PhD Site Mentor: Steve Kiser, MD Site: Vidas de Esperanza Clinic, a free clinic
Sylvette and Arlet launched the Hispanic Oral health Prevention & Education (H.O.P.E.) program to address the oral health needs of the growing Hispanic population in Siler City by partnering with a free clinic to launch an oral hygiene and education program and to increase access to care. They saw patients during 8-hour clinic days on Saturdays for 2 months to clear the backlog of existing patients to be seen and continued to see patients once or twice a month depending on faculty coverage.
1.5 hour appointments consisted of:
● initial baseline visit: an initial survey, hands-on oral health education, thorough medical history review, in-depth dental history review, plaque and saliva sample collection and testing, acquisitions, and improved intraoral and extraoral hard and soft tissue exams and development of a treatment plan
● disease control phase appointment: adult prophylaxis or scaling and root planning if the patient has periodontal disease, sealants, fluoride varnish
As a result:
● $12,182 worth of free dental services was provided
● 72 patients (mixture of new and existing patients) were seen for their H.O.P.E. baseline appointments
● 23 out of 60 new patients completed their first recall appointment
● 23 out of 23 new patients started their disease control phase
● 17 out of 23 new patients completed their disease control phase.
● 7 out of 12 existing patients completed their first recall appointment.
● 8 out of 60 new patients received definitive dental care such as extractions and dental restorations
● 3 patients were linked to UNC Adams School of Dentistry as their dental home and received definitive dental care
● An oral health education video was created and is played on a loop in the waiting roo
Sylvette presented H.O.P.E. at the American Dental Education Association Annual Session, March 2022.
The Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA) is sustaining H.O.P.E. The HSDA is also going to combine a H.O.P.E. liaison and hygiene representative positions to ensure all DDS students and dental hygiene students follow the same workflow for intaking patients and providing a disease control phase. The Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding for clinic supplies.
Adam Robinson and Glenn Baldwin
UNC School of Dentistry
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Wendy Clark, DDS, MS Site Mentor: Vincent Allison, DDS, PA and Davia Nickelson, DDS Site: CAARE Clinic, Absolute Dental Services, Dental Design Labs and Local Start Dental Clinic
Adam and Glenn launched Complete Smiles to restore the smiles, confidence, and dignity to people without teeth by providing high quality complete and partial dentures to vulnerable community members at no cost. Free services included health screenings, extraoral/intraoral evaluations, comprehensive dental treatment, and oral health education. Thirty-two clinic nights were held lasting 4 – 6 hours at a time. Each patient required 5 appointments.
Patients expressed how profoundly the project changed their lives including securing new employment, feeling a new willingness to smile, having a vastly improved ability to eat and an experiencing a decrease in chronic pain.
$17,000 value of free oral health services and dentures provided
11 patients had a new denture prosthesis fitted, fabricated and inserted at CAARE
2 patients had a new denture prosthesis fitted, fabricated and inserted at Local Start Dental
1 patient is in process of denture treatment at CAARE. Three of the five appointments were completed; 2022-23 Schweitzer Fellows will complete care.
6 out of 11 patients served demonstrated proper home-care techniques with their new prostheses.
5 out of 11 patients failed to return for follow up after denture was delivered
10 out of 11 patients reported an increase in their self-confidence, masticatory efficiency, speech, elimination of oral pain or discomfort, and ability to obtain employment as measured by the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14).
1 out of 11 patients was lost to follow up survey
Established partnerships with Absolute Dental Labs and Dental Designs for donations of their time and in-kind lab work. Dental Designs has already given a verbal agreement to continue offering their support for future Schweitzer Fellowships during the 2022-23 academic calendar year.
New volunteer student coordinator positions was created to sustain the project within the CAARE Clinic. Coordinators will complete one-year post-treatment assessments and determine the need for additional care.
Increased the capacity of the clinic to see patients by outfitting an additional room using portable equipment.
Established protocols for tracking treatment plan progress and streamlined processing, handling and tracking of lab work.
A 2021-22 Fellowship was awarded to two UNC School of Dentist students to strengthen the foundation of the project.
Richa Vyas and Kari Wordsworth
ECU School of Dental Medicine
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Matt Causey, DDS, MAEd Site Mentor: Iquebal Hasan, BDS Site: ECU School of Dental Medicine, ECU ENT, ECU Department of Radiation Oncology
Richa and Kari accelerated the dental clearance process for cancer patients so that they can begin medical treatment earlier. Building upon a 2018 and a 2020 Schweitzer project, they expanded the services to include the more frequent cleanings and follow up care cancer patients need to help avoid serious problems and infections and to manage any dental issues that arise. This included cleanings every three months, replacement of any extracted teeth, and restorative treatment for new carious lesions.
30 patients were cleared for cancer treatment
15 out of 30 patients increased their confidence in taking care of their oral health
14 out of 15 patients received additional care such as management of
Trismus (1)
Mucositis (1)
dry mouth (12)
3 out of 15 patients received prophylaxis
1 out of 15 patients received a denture due to post treatment complications
A follow-up AxiUm code was established to track and follow up with cancer clearance patients post treatments.
An educational video was created explaining the importance of follow up care for patients post radiation and chemotherapy
$19,000 was raised for patients who could not afford care and will continued to be raised through an annual fundraising event
Interdisciplinary Oral Medicine Study Club at the ECU School of Dental Medicine raised $19,000 in support of the cancer patients through an inaugural fundraising event which will continue annually and they adopted the project as a service initiative.
Fellows For Live: 2020-21
Rachel Cantrell and Ashley Huff
ECU School of Dental Medicine
J Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Ramiro Murata, DDS, MS, PhD Site Mentor: Iquebal Hasan, BDS Site: ECU School of Dental Medicine Oral Medicine Clinic
Cantrell and Huff educated women about the signs and symptoms of autoimmune diseases to help facilitate a diagnosis so they can begin treatment and have a more active role in their healthcare. Fellows assisted with assessment and diagnostic testing. Referrals to a rheumatologist were made when the diagnosis was clear.
Through their efforts, patients’ lives were substantially altered. For example, a patient was suffering with symptoms for almost 15 years that she assumed they were due to aging. After testing was conducted, a diagnosis of Sjögren’s Syndrome was reached. After following recommendations, the patient experienced an 80% improvement of her symptoms.
30 patients were seen for an initial consult
27 out of 30 patients were seen for follow-up visits
20 out of 27 patients reported an improvement in systems:
Increase in salivary flow from baseline
Decrease in fungal infection from baseline if tested +
7 out of 27 patients received a diagnosis and referral to a rheumatologist
3 out of 7 patients followed through on the referral
Administrative approval of Oral Medicine Consult Form in Axium
Patient education video was developed
Patient education brochures were created
Dental students in ECU SoDM clinic were observed providing information brochures to their patients depicting oral symptoms of a possible autoimmune disease
Two ECU SoDM students were selected to sustain the project and were added to the existing IRB.
Lauren Halsey
UNC School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Alice Ammerman, DrPH and Amir Barzin, DO, MS Site Mentor: Dan Schnitzer, Chapel Hill Carrboro City School Sustainability coordinator Site: Frank Porter Graham Elementary School
Halsey originally planned to help 4th and 5th grade children and their families eat healthier by increasing access to fruits and vegetables and providing hands on nutrition education during the school day. The pandemic forced her to modify her plan of leading in person school-based activities. She pivoted to distributing home garden kits and providing nutrition lessons via Zoom, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and the web. Halsey had difficultly achieving measurable results as the children suffered from pandemic related zoom fatigue and obtaining data from the parents was unsuccessful.
Distributed garden kits to 28 families
Created nutrition lessons and videos on Zoom, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and a website she developed
Stephen Himmelberg
UNC School of Medicine
J Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellow
Academic Mentor: Quang Pham, MD Site Mentors: Quang Pham, MD and Amy Prentice, LCSW Site: UNC Hospital, IFC Homeless Shelter, the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness, and the HOME Committee
Himmelberg partnered with the care team at UNC Hospital to connect both inpatient and ED patients experiencing homelessness to community housing services before discharge through the OCPEH Coordinated Entry Process. He was trained to administer a screening tool and enroll patients in a coordinated community-wide intake process to match people experiencing homelessness to existing community resources that best fit their situation. The Fellow discovered many individuals just wanted to be treated for their acute concerns and were not interested in accessing housing. As a result, he launched a qualitative study to help identify what people feel are their biggest barriers to care to increase the capacity of UNC Hospital to meet the needs of patients who are experiencing homelessness.
10 patients were connected to community housing services
A new longitudinal plan of care was developed for UNC patients experiencing homelessness
A policy change will be implemented in the UNC Healthcare system to administer the plan
UNC ED Care management now has a homeless patient call housing hotline/street outreach program
A qualitative study was launched to gain feedback and shape future direction on how to address the needs of UNC patients experiencing homelessness
Zhaojing Liu
NCCU Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Academic Mentors: Sheila Bridges-Bond, Ph.D. CCC-SLP and Ruixia Yan, Ph.D. CCC-SLP Site Mentor: Elisha Blankson, M.Ed. CCC- SLP Site: NCCU Bilingual Speech and Language Clinic
Liu partnered with the NCCU Bilingual Speech and Language Clinic which is an early intervention program to enhance the clinic’s capacity to meet the needs of children ages two through five. Through her efforts, the current Spanish bilingual clinic added a Chinese bilingual component. The Fellow designed the Chinese course curriculum and strengthened the clinician’s Chinese language proficiency. Her efforts helped the underserved Chinese bilingual children improve their speech, language, and communication and strengthened their cultural identity by improving Chinese language ability and set up a Chinese bilingual environment.
The Spanish bilingual clinic now has a Chinese language component
Developed a Chinese course curriculum
Developed a clinician training curriculum
Conducted clinician language proficiency training
Created a Chinese cultural environment by designing classroom decorations
$1,000 in sustainability funding by the Fellowship for clinic materials
The Fellow will continue to lead the project in the upcoming Fellowship year.
Sumaiya Mubarack
UNC School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Andrea Dotson, MD, MSPH Site Mentor: Siobhan Wulff, RN, IBCLC Site: UNC Family Medicine Center
Mubarak initially planned to do a home visitation program focused on the health needs of new mothers, but pivoted to launching a virtual postpartum support group, the UNC Mother’s Collective, to help support birthing parents during the pandemic. The Fellow also conducted one-on-one sessions with participants to build relationships, identify needs, and provide education. The program served 33 new parents and their babies, creating an opportunity for collaboration and community building, while allowing space to address stigmatized topics like postpartum mental health, breastfeeding challenges, wellness, and stress-management. The challenges of the pandemic inhibited her ability to collect data to assess measurable impact.
Built an online community through which post-partum mothers could receive education and provide support for one another
Alexis Musick and Sara Shilling
Duke School of Medicine and UNC School of Social Work
Academic Mentor: Paul Lanier, MSW, PhD Site Mentor: Samantha Schilling, MD, MSHP Site: UNC Children’s Primary Care Clinic
Musick and Shilling created a free six-week program to teach parents positive parenting techniques and ways to identify and respond to signs of mental health concerns in their children. Each virtual session was 2 hours, co-facilitated by a clinical social worker, and included didactic teaching, roleplaying, modeling, and home practice assignments for parents to apply core skills and build stronger relationships with their adolescents. The Fellows developed a comprehensive 119-page manual for the program to be held in person or virtually.
Created a 6-week positive parenting curriculum for parents of children 11 – 14 years old
Developed a manual so future leaders could conduct the program virtually or in person
9 out of 10 parents improved their parenting skills, parenting attitudes, and knowledge of adolescent mental health
8 out of 10 parents increased parenting self-efficacy
In a moving testimony, one parent shared, “I think had I been in this class early fall, we wouldn’t have ended up in the Psych ER, which I do not recommend for anybody unless it’s absolutely required, because it was not a good space … Had we had AMP-CARE [the program] before and learned the tools and was able to talk a little bit more about suicidality then, I think we could have chosen a different path. But at the time, I was just lost. And scared.”
The UNC Pediatric Primary Care Clinic will sustain the program and plans to offer four parenting workshops in the upcoming academic year.
Joshua Parke
ECU School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Tom Irons, MD and Michael Lang, MD Site Mentor: Diannee Carden-Glenn, eKim Director Site: eKim Syringe Exchange Program
Parke partnered with eKim Syringe Service Program to increase their capacity to serve the community. He originally wanted to expand the hours the site was providing harm reduction supplies; however, when the pandemic hit, he pivoted to a capacity building model through a variety of initiatives.
COVID safety protocols were developed
A home delivery system was created to provide access to harm reduction supplies while the site was closed during the pandemic
516 home deliveries
eKim became a certified Hepatitis C/HIV testing site in NC
Fellow will lead volunteer training in the upcoming year and order test supplies
9 people were referred to a local clinic for Hepatitis C treatment
6 out of 9 have begun affordable Hep C treatment
Partnership with the Pitt County Health Department was established to provide vaccines
34 people received an influenza vaccine
Hepatitis A vaccine clinic is scheduled for July 2021
A safe injection education video was created
17 people demonstrated safe self-treatment techniques for abscess care
Formalized the volunteer onboarding process
$1,000 in funding by the Fellowship provided for harm reduction supplies and Hepatitis C and HIV tests.
Pitt County Coalition on Substance Use volunteers will sustain the project. Fellow will lead volunteer training, see above.
Anna Paschall and Sara Grundy
Duke School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Viviana Martinez-Bianchi, MD and Evan Ashkin, MD Site Mentor: Jennifer Jackson, Executive Director IPMW Site: Interfaith Prison Ministries for Women and Formerly Incarceration Transition (FIT) Program
Paschall and Grundy launched Duke Health Collaboration and Re-Entry Support (Duke Health CARES) to pair first and third year medical/PA students with women transitioning from incarceration to assist with healthcare navigation, and connections to community resources, health education, and financial assistance. Each team met weekly with their partner to discuss participant’s health needs and goals, provide health education, assist with appointment scheduling, and connect to community resources. $200 of financial assistance was provided to each participant for transportation, co-pays, and medication costs.
Medical student volunteers participated in monthly meetings to increase knowledge of racism and bias in healthcare, healthcare needs and treatment of formerly incarcerated patients, and the structure of the United States Incarceral System.
8 out of 11 women completed two or more personalize smart goals
7 out of 11 women were linked to a medical home
7 out of 11 women obtained health care through a low cost/sustainable source
Duke Charity Care (1)
Low cost clinic/health department (5)
Insurance (1)
11 out of 11 women felt their needs were met and did not require a second year in the program
One participant was linked to another 2020-21 Schweitzer project which was able to provide $2,500 in free oral health care
22 out of 22 student volunteers reported an increased understanding of the healthcare needs of this population and awareness of local resources
Sessions on incarceration and health was approved to be incorporated into two classes in the Duke School of Medicine curriculum
Student interest group was created and approved as part of the Duke APPLE program
$1,000 in sustainability funding by the Fellowship for for the individual healthcare needs of the participants
Duke Health CARES is a recognized Duke student interest group which will sustain the program. It will function as an APPLE program, which incorporates student participation into the first-year curriculum for medical students.
Scott Philips and Christopher Lane
UNC School of Dentistry
J Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Allen Samuelson, DDS Site Mentor: Jim Hoke. DDS Site: Samaritan Health Center
Phillips and Lane provided free dentures, comprehensive oral health care, and oral hygiene/home-care education for homeless patients of the Durham Rescue Mission. They addressed the unmet need of subsequent replacement of those teeth in this patient population, restoring both patients’ masticatory function and self-confidence, while ensuring all who receive a prosthesis have the knowledge and motivation to engage in proper daily oral hygiene and care. Dental Designs Laboratories provided services at no charge.
Due to the pandemic, the Fellows spent much of the Fellowship year planning how the clinic could safely re-open. They took on additional administrative duties such as patient scheduling and health screening to expedite the process. To support the reopening, the Fellowship provided $1,000 in funding for PPE supplies.
One of their patients, who was connected to the program through another pair of 2020 Fellows, shared at the beginning of treatment how she felt that her teeth were the last thing holding her back. By the time they finished with delivering an immediate denture, she had landed her dream job, and with her new smile she stated she felt more joyful and confident.
Provided $36,000 in free denture care
Clinical services provided include complete denture fabrication, removable partial dentures, immediate dentures, pre-prosthetic extractions, direct restorations, and oral debridement and prophylaxis
9 patients received 13 dentures/partials
Initiated treatment for 4 additional patients for 7 dentures. Volunteers will complete treatment
9 out of 9 patients demonstrated proper denture home-care knowledge and techniques
9 out of 9 patients reported elimination of oral pain or discomfort, and increased self-confidence, chewing abilities, chances of obtaining employment, and better speech
Developed educational materials to facilitate instruction of proper home-care of dental prostheses
$1,000 in funding by the Fellowship for personal protective equipment (PPE)
A group of UNC dental student coordinators will complete the treatment on 4 patients who have 1-2 remaining appointments. These volunteers will continue the free comprehensive and urgent oral care services. Plans have been initiated to partner with Local Start Dental for denture fabrication once the new clinic opens in the fall of 2021.
Meghan Price and Pratik Doshi
Duke School of Medicine
J Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Barbara Sheline, MD, MPH Site Mentor: Jacquelyn Blackwell, Executive Director Feed My Sheep Food Pantry Site: Duke Benefits Enrollment Center, Feed My Sheep Food Pantry and Walltown Community Center
In response to the pandemic, the Fellows developed a Well Check Call program for low-income senior residents in the Durham Community to address social isolation and connect to community resources. In addition, they provided an opportunity for healthcare professional students to learn how to provide culturally competent care in settings outside the hospital and engage with and learn from the Durham community members. They recruited a team of 60 student volunteers to provide weekly calls, resource connection, and emergency food and supply deliveries to those residents in need. Students were paired with the same seniors over time to allow longitudinal relationships to form.
257 out of 345 seniors received weekly check in calls for 4 months or longer
18 seniors routinely received food deliveries every 2 weeks
301 seniors were served with more than 500 food deliveries
18 seniors routinely received monthly senior box deliveries
181 served since inception
29 seniors received assistance with medical needs
48 seniors had housing related needs met
143 seniors received COVID-related resources
210 seniors received assistance with other social determinants of health needs
54 out of 60 student volunteers increased comfort discussing food insecurity, medications, senior loneliness, and answering questions about Covid-19 with community members
In a year where social support was difficult and loneliness was prevalent, the impact on both the seniors and volunteers was highlighted through quotes and stories of the relationships that were formed.
A 2021-22 Schweitzer Fellowship was awarded to two Duke School of Medicine students to sustain and expand the program.
Anna Robertson and Grant O’Brien
ECU School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Marissa Carraway, Ph.D. Site Mentor: Shantell Cheek, Manager, Access East Site: Greenville Community Shelter Clinic, Pitt Community Care Clinic, Oakmont Medical Clinic, Access East
Robertson and O’Brien provided healthcare to the residents of the Community Crossroads homeless shelter. When the pandemic hit, they pivoted to launching a free prescription refill program and facilitated the clinic reopening through telehealth services.
Launched a free prescription refill program for residents
$1,000 of funding was provided by the Fellowship to launch the pandemic-related initiative
42 patients received 125 free prescriptions at a value of $1,286.55
Launched a telehealth program
11 virtual clinics hosted with the help of physician, pharmacist, social worker, and medical student volunteers
Provided COVID vaccinations through a partnership with the health department
24 residents received a Johnson and Johnson COVID vaccine
Developed plans to launch a shared Electronic Health Record (EHR) for the free clinics in Greenville. This system should be live by the end of 2021
$1,000 sustainability funding was provided by the Fellowship for EHR costs
Developed plans for the health department to provide the flu vaccine and Hepatitis A vaccine to shelter residents in the fall of 2021. Ultimately, plans are to administer these vaccines during normally scheduled clinics.
An ECU SOM interest group will sustain the project.
Laura Silla
Wake School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Nancy Denizard Thompson, MD and Ashleigh Wells, DPM
Site Mentor: John Gladman, Director, A City With Dwellings Site: A City With Dwellings and Wake Forest School of Delivering Equal Access to Care Clinic
Silla implemented a free clinic to meet the acute foot needs of people experiencing homelessness by providing education about foot health and disease prevention, offering practical tools such as free shoes, socks and a foot kit, and connecting patients to community resources. In addition, students gained medical knowledge and experience pertinent to foot health and the homeless population. The volunteer experience was approved to be part of the Wake Forest School of Medicine health equity curriculum for third-year students.
Established the site as the first outreach/special clinic hosted by Delivering Equal Access to Care (DEAC) Clinic, a free student run clinic
Established a partnership with Fleet Feet which resulted in $40,000 in shoes and supplies.
Fleet Feet committed to continuing to provide shoes as needed
A system was created to track the flow of shoes
Established a partnership with Hanes Brands who provided hundreds of socks
Renovated a closet to house the donated shoes and socks
Established a student volunteer role to provide patient navigation to meet clients’ medical health and social determinants of health needs
130 medical students volunteered 4+ hours at City with Dwellings, amassing 520 service hours of patient navigation
Volunteer experience was integrated into the Wake SOM health equity curriculum so all third-year medical students will rotate through the site
Established a student interest group
Renovated a room within the site to serve as a clinic
Initiated the process of securing a memorandum of understanding between DEAC and CWD to provide monthly in person student run clinics at CWD as well as a telehealth services
Created training videos for student volunteers
Developed foot education materials and foot kits
A 2021-22 Fellowship was awarded to sustain and expand the project. In addition, volunteers will be supplied through the Wake Forest healthy equity course and the student interest group.
Josh Stewart and Victoria Long Brotzman
ECU School of Dental Medicine
J Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Stevan H. Thompson, DDS Site Mentor: Iquebal Hasan, BDS Site: ECU School of Dental Medicine, ECU ENT, ECU Department of Radiation Oncology
Before cancer patients can begin chemotherapy or radiation treatment, they need a dental evaluation and removal of both existing or potential oral infection to avoid complication. Brotzman and Stewart accelerated the dental clearance process so patients can begin treatment earlier. They also provided patient education to improve oral hygiene during cancer treatment, and led student and provider education sessions to improve the delivery of medical and dental care to these patients.
22 patients were seen for diagnosing what they need for clearance
20 out of 22 patients were seen for actual dental clearance
12 out of 20 Patients increased their confidence in taking care of their oral health
2 out of 20 patients were seen for post-radiation complications
1 out of 20 patients is being seen for follow-up denture fabrication
1 out of 20 patient no-showed for their dental clearance twice
Implemented a process to track and follow up with cancer clearance patient post-treatment
Dental clearance education is being incorporated into the Oral Medicine Course and Cliic Orientation for second-year dental students.
A 2021-22 Schweitzer Fellowship was awarded to two ECU School of Dental Medicine students to sustain and expand the program.
Amanda Swanson and Micayla Jones
UNC School of Dentistry and UNC School of Medicine
J Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Paul Chelminski, MD, MPH, FACP and Jennifer Brame, RDH, MS Site Mentor: Jennifer Brame, RDH, MS and Jamie Burgess-Flowers, MSW, LCSW Site: UNC School of Dentistry Clinics
Swanson and Jones addressed uncontrolled hypertension in patients by establishing an interdisciplinary virtual based 8-week program, “No Wrong Door to Hypertension Control,” which provided direct patient education, devices, and follow-up support to address the need for at-home hypertension management among dental clinic patients. By helping patients lower their blood pressure, increase physical activity, and develop healthier diets, they improved patients’ self-efficacy and facilitated safe delivery of dental care. Patients frequently cited improved accountability and awareness, greater motivation to make healthier choices, and increased medication adherence as benefits from their participation.
Patient story illustrating the profound impact of the program:
During one of the sessions, the Fellow and the patient analyzed blood pressure and activity logs to understand why the blood pressure measurements were so variable over the previous weeks. It emerged that the patient was skipping doses of medication and did not realize it. They discussed ways to improve medication adherence which resulted in a significant improvement in blood pressure during the patient’s time in the program.
17 out of 20 patients tracked their at-home blood pressure readings a minimum of 5 times per week for 8 weeks or longer
15 out of 20 patients saw a primary care provider within the past year
15 out of 20 patients reduced their consumption of fast food 2 or less times per week for 4 weeks or longer
11 out of 15 patients reduced their fast food consumption throughout the duration of the program
5 out of 15 patients substituted water in place of soda (or other sugary beverages) 5 days per week for 4 weeks or longer
7 out of 15 patients decreased their soda intake compared to baseline
13 out of 20 patients engaged in 30 minutes of physical activity 3 times or more times per week for 4 weeks or longer
Case study about management of hypertension and its relevance for all health professions will be incorporated into the “Better Together” course all first-year health profession students take at UNC
Poster Presentations:
UNC-ASOD Dental Research Day (March 2021)
National Oral Health Conference (April 2021)
Nexus IPE Summit (Sept/Oct 2021)
Two UNC School of Medicine students will be sustaining their project within the new UNC Medical Center Hypertension Clinic.
Their project video was incorporated into the IPE population health online modules (part of the first-year health professions IPE curriculum) demonstrating an example of student collaboration/leadership.
Akhila Boyina and Kychelle Del Rosario
Wake School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Alain Bertoni, MD, MPH Site Mentor: Julienne Kirk, PharmD, CDE, BCPS Site: Wake Forest School of Medicine – Department of Family and Community Medicine at Piedmont Plaza
Boyina and Del Rosario launched “Dance for Diabetes,” providing dance workshops and diabetes education to people with diabetes and prediabetes who lack the resources and support to manage their medical condition. They empowered participants to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, while providing a supportive community. Plans were for in person sessions, but quickly pivoted to virtual ones due to the pandemic. Due to the virtual format, participants’ family and friends participated in the session. They held two 8-week workshops which consisted of one-hour of dance followed by a 30-minute education and discussion session. The Fellows supplemented the sessions with weekly one-on-one coaching via calls and emails.
As a result of their efforts, participants:
Increased their body confidence
Learned and applied diabetes self-management skills
Increased weekly physical activity
Fellows for Life: 2019-20
Megan Barnes and Katherine Miller
UNC School of Medicine
J Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Dr. Amy Weil Site Mentor: Dr. Savannah Crites Site: UNC Chatham Hospital
Megan and Kate partnered with a rural hospital in Siler City to identify high utilizers of the emergency room who presented for non-emergent reasons and who have underlying socioeconomic issues. They launched a home visitation program to conduct social determinants of health (SDOH) assessments and identify and work toward patient centered goals. Home visits of 1 – 2 hours were conducted every 2 months with phone call follow ups every 3 – 4 weeks.
16 patients were connected with 45 community based organizations and resources
11 out of 16 patients received two or more referrals
9 different types of SDOH were addressed
16 patients were connected to a primary care physician or urgent care clinic
For long term sustainability, the project will be integrated into the UNC Interprofessional Hotspotting course. Sustainability funding was not required.
Academic Mentor: Dr. Gayle Thomas Site Mentor: Anna Jensen Site: North Carolina Farm Workers Project (NCFWP) as well as the Benson Area Medical Center (BAMC)
Emma and Michael addressed barriers to healthcare faced by farmworkers by providing assistance with health insurance enrollment and twice-weekly medical interpreter services at a Spanish-speaking clinic and mobile clinic events held throughout the growing season May – October 2019. Each clinic ran from 6 pm to midnight. They recruited 17 UNC School of Medicine students to support them in providing services. This was impressive consider the 1.5 hour drive from Chapel Hill to Benson presents an extra difficulty for student volunteers especially on evenings in the middle of the work week when the Spanish-speaking clinics take place.
Launched and staffed 11 insurance recruitment events at 9 farmworker camps which are now incorporated in the volunteer schedule for each growing season.
47 farmworkers were enrolled in health insurance and disenrolled at the end of the growing season when they returned home.
Their efforts helped expand the impact of the NCFWP in enrolling 270 farmworkers in the 2019 growing season which is a 20% increase over the 225 enrolled in 2018.
On average, the farmworkers they enrolled paid $2 per month for health insurance, with a mode of $0. Without health insurance, a clinic visit and pharmaceuticals would cost 5-10 times more, and a trip to the hospital could cost tens of thousands of dollars compared to the $250 cap with insurance.
108 out of 270 farmworkers enrolled by their efforts with NCFWP attended medical appointments at the BAMC.
Interpreters were provided for 51 clinic nights (25 at the NCFWP mobile clinic and 26 at BAMC).
Interpreters were provided for 206 out of 328 patients seen at NCFWP.
Interpreters were provided for 301 appointments for 297 patients seen at BAMC.
With the additional assistance from the Fellows teams of interpreters, the BAMC Spanish-speaking clinic almost doubled its capacity to care for patients from an estimated 190 patients in 2018 to 354 patients in 2019.
The UNC Medical School Farmworker Student Health Alliance will sustain the project. The Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding which was used for COVID-19 related support:
Created COVID education videos to be played on farmworker buses and housed on the NC DHHS website
Created COVID-19 education video and information for Spanish-speaking meat packing employees
Created COVID-19 education videos for Karen, Burmese and Haitian-Creole farmworkers
Created COVID-19 education videos for Kinyarwanda and Mandarin farmworkers
Masks and disinfectants were provided for worksites and the mobile clinics
Academic Mentor: Dr. Roytessa Savage Site Mentor: Heather Joyner Site: Boys & Girls Clubs of Pitt County- Jack Minges and Ayden Units
Camille and Olivia addressed reproductive education and domestic violence prevention needs by leading 8-week interactive sessions for high school students at two Boys & Girls Clubs in eastern NC. They promoted positive, healthy relationships by focusing topics such as healthy dating, contraception, sexually transmitted infection and domestic violence prevention. They used the Common Sense Education and the Rights, Respect, Responsibility curriculum that meets the National Sexuality Education Standards which address both the functional knowledge related to sexuality and the specific skills necessary to adopt healthy behaviors. This was an expansion of a 2018 Schweitzer project.
53 of 70 high school students adopted one or more of the following sexual behaviors:
Increase in condom use and comfort asking about a condom (42/60)
Increase in birth control use and comfort about asking about it (38/53)
Increase in screening of STIs and HIV of sexually active individuals (53/70)
46 of 64 high school students adopted one or more of the following healthy relationship behaviors:
Increase in the ability to identify resources for help when scared or upset (46/64)
Increase in identifying abusive words and actions at school, home, or on social media and can feel comfortable having a discussion about it (46/56)
Increase in ways to resolve conflict (40/51)
Boys & Girls Club Teen Director Anastasia Hunter will sustain the program at both locations. The Fellowship will provide $700 funding for anatomical models and other teaching resources.
Academic Mentor: Dr. David Paquette Site Mentor: Dr. Shivajirao Patil Site: ECU SODM and ECU Family Medicine
Brittanie and Monique conducted oral disease prevention and nutrition education for patients with Type 2 diabetes and linked them to a dental home. They also educated primary care providers and health care professions about the oral manifestations of diabetes and created a referral pipeline between the patient’s primary care provider and the dental school.
An oral health screening protocol was developed at ECU Family Medicine Center
A referral pipeline was created between the ECU Family Medicine Center and the ECU School of Dental Medicine
27 patients were linked to ECU School of Medicine for their dental home
15 primary care providers, faculty, providers diabetes educators received oral health training
COVID19 related closures prevented the Fellows from completing their oral health education to patients and health care providers and collecting impact data. The Fellows pivoted to providing telephone educational support to patients and remote support to the community through volunteerism with local community based organizations.
The Fellows will sustain the project in the upcoming year. There was not a need for sustainability funding.
Academic Mentor: Dr. Sylvia Ramos Site Mentor: Haley Leazer Site: Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC)
Margo and Noa established a Gender Affirming Care Clinic (GACC) under the SHAC umbrella to provide free, culturally sensitive, gender affirming care and primary care services to the trans community. During clinic, a team of medical and other allied health professions students under the supervision of an attending provider provide gender affirming care, including hormone therapy, and primary care. Given the interdisciplinary nature of SHAC, the clinic is also an entry point for this underserved population to access other medical, mental health, and social services. For the first year, Nessim and Faulk acted as the only two student providers, seeing on average six patients per clinic night. Each patient is seen for an initial 1.5-hour intake visit, and then 1-hour follow up visits as is necessary. For patients who are initiating gender affirming hormone therapy, at minimum they are seen at initiation of therapy, at 3-months, at 6-months, and at 12-months for laboratory monitoring. Many of the patients required additional primary care services and were seen more frequently. During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Fellow moved entirely to virtual clinics for their established patients. GACC held 9 in person clinics and 3 telehealth ones.
Established a gender affirming clinic under the SHAC umbrella
Modified clinic forms to include pronouns and culturally sensitive language
116 SHAC volunteers were given an opportunity to participate in clinical care for trans patients and participated in a 2.5 hour gender affirming education workshop
61 out of 116 (52.5%) improved their knowledge of transgender health
76 out of 116 (65.5%) increased their comfort providing care for transgender patients
24 patients received gender affirming care
23 out of 24 patients were prescribed hormone therapy
18 of 24 also received primary care services (defined as receiving 2 or more preventative services or management of chronic health conditions).
5 out of 24 patients successfully transferred care to permanent community based providers
The Fellows received UNC’s 2019-20 LGBTIQA+ Advocacy Award for their Gender Affirming Care Clinic.
The GACC will be continued by 14 health professions students, supported by the guidance of a newly established Community Advisory Board consisting of patients at the clinic and representatives of partnering community organizations. The clinic received $1,000 in Schweitzer sustainability funding.
Academic Mentor: Dr. Marissa Carraway Site Mentor: Maudia Ahmad Site: Greenville Community Shelter Clinic, Vidant Family Medicine Behavioral Health Division, Pitt County Health Department
Ryan and Duy addressed the need for coordinated care and mental health for patients at GCSC. This free clinic serves the adjacent homeless shelter and patients of low socioeconomic status throughout Greenville. They partnered with Health Assist/Access East to create a care manager volunteer position, link affordable clinics and resources within the community, and incorporate a free EHR in order to keep track of patients, provide supportive care, and assist in finding a permanent care provider for recurring patients. Ultimately, the project not only helped to develop coordinated care while patients are at GCSC but aimed to link patients to resources and clinics that can provide sustainable health care for their chronic conditions.
In addition, the Fellows worked with ECU’s Clinical Health Psychology program to have CGSC established as a community site for off campus rotations. Those highly qualified students now volunteer for 3-month rotations to address patients’ mental health needs.
102 out of 151 patients were screened for depression and anxiety along with social determinants of health
A screening protocol was established and is incorporated into patient intake so all patients are now screened
80 out of 102 were enrolled in Health Assist/MEND, an integrated, coordinated system of donated or reduced-fee health care services for low-income, uninsured community members
Newly implemented clinic operations data collection system improves tracking
Received $1500 in funding from the NC Associated of Free & Charitable Clinics
Improves ability to apply for additional funding opportunities
For sustainability, the care manager coordinator role was made a permanent part of the GCSC Board of Operations and a new coordinator and a team of care managers were trained. The Referral Coordinator will serve as a liaison between the Clinical Health Psychology students and clinic leadership. The Fellows will continue to serve on the board until graduation in 2 years.
With the clinic temporarily closed due to COVID-19, a Prescription Refill program was launched by two 2020-21 Schweitzer Fellows and the Fellowship provided $1,000 in funding support.
Academic Mentor: Dr. Alison Clay Site Mentor: Dr. Alex Cho Site: Duke Outpatient Clinic
The Duke Hotspotting Initiative (DHSI) addresses the needs of socially and medically complex patients from the Duke Outpatient Clinic by partnering 20 first-year medical students with 10 patients to assist in their longitudinal care coordination and address social barriers to health. Their program:
benefits patients by providing consistent outpatient follow-up and improving health outcomes;
benefits students by providing opportunities to apply advanced motivational interviewing and health behavioral coaching;
benefits the health system by adjusting these patients’ healthcare utilization to be more cost-efficient and sustainable.
As a result:
8 out of 10 patients were seen in the ED fewer times (40% reduction) during the intervention period than in the cognate period before they joined DHSI.
8 out of 10 patients were seen in the ED 2 or fewer times, which far surpassed their goal of 2 out of 10 patients.
8 out of 10 patients reduced their no-show rates at outpatient physician appointments by 25%.
10 out of 10 worked on SMART goals with their student partners and made progress on them over the course of the year.
20 out of 20 students saw an improvement in their ability to assess and manage chronic diseases, engage in goal setting with patients, connect patients to community resources or navigate electronic health records.
The project will be sustained by the DHSI student executive board which runs the daily operations of the program, planning out classes and events throughout the year while also mentoring first-year medical students. The 8-member student board is selected through a competitive application process. There was not a need for sustainability funding.
Academic Mentor: Dr. Andrea Fernandez Site Mentor: Elke Bachmann Site: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Abby launched a volunteer doula program at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital to provide physical and emotional support during childbirth for Medicaid insured patients. The program was modeled after one the Fellow participated in as an undergraduate, Birth Partners at UNC Chapel Hill. She raised over $3,000 for training to be provided by a DONA certified doula trainer.
A volunteer doula program was established at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital
24 volunteers received doula training and committed to serving one 12-hour shift per month for 12 months
Volunteers completed 405 hours from December until March when COVID-19 temporarily suspended the program
22 patients were served from December until March
Abby will sustain the program through her graduation in May 2022. She is developing a Wake Forest specific doula curriculum to decrease the overhead costs of training new volunteer doulas. Abby is also currently working with a team of NC doulas to create a statewide professional organization, founded on anti-racist principles, that will help coordinate doulas across the state. There was not a need for sustainability funding.
Academic Mentor: Dr. Walter S. Davis Site Mentor: Dr. Cynthia Bell Site: Community Care Clinic of Forsyth County, Winston-Salem State University Occupational Therapy Program, The Helping Hand Project
Jeff addressed the inequalities in access to occupational therapy resources in Forsyth County through occupational therapy student education, the use of 3D printing to increase access to occupational therapy tools for patients at the Forsyth Community Care Clinic, and delivery of OT telehealth to children with upper-limb differences. The project has established a sustainable program which empowers OT students, improves OT client outcomes, and pioneers OT resources for the limb-difference community.
6 out of 9 clients received a 3D printed OT device to achieve their health goals. Unable to attain further data due to COVID-19.
6 3D printed assistive devices were delivered on a service trip to Ecuador.
2 novel devices were designed and released online through open-source licensing.
8 telehealth OT meetings were conducted for children with limb differences.
13 WSSU Occupational Therapy students were trained in 3D printing of OT devices and expressed growth in 3D printing, CAD, device design, and self-guided learning competencies and confidence.
13 additional WSSU Occupational Therapy students were being trained when COVID-19 interrupted the educational series.
WSSU Department of Occupational Therapy will sustain the 3D printing program serving patients at the Community Care Clinic through a mandatory course requirement. Pfeiffer University Occupational Therapy program will sustain the telehealth aspect of the program. A student-volunteer chapter of The Helping Hand Project has been formed at WSSU to support children with limb differences. There was not a need for sustainability funding.
Academic Mentor: Dr. Barbara Sheline Site Mentor: Katrina Holt Site: Freemont Clinic
Spencer and Elise expanded the reach of rural clinic to serve significantly more patients in the Freemont community. Their primary objectives focused on chronic disease management and improving consistency and continuity of care, enhancing medical student training for clinic, and expanding patient health resources. Over this past year, they observed several behavior change outcomes, including improved blood pressure control for several patients, improvement in clinical competency for all medical student volunteers, and increased number of patient follow-up appointments and outside referrals placed.
33 new patients and 20 returning patients served
Improved chronic disease management and linkage to new resources (including Pneumovax vaccine, lab testing, monofilament exams, and blood pressure cuffs) for over 30 patients
9 out of patients were paired with a medical student volunteer and made progress toward a self-identified health goal
Incorporated a Common Protocols checklist into the exam
Incorporated in-depth health education counseling into the exam and created new patient education materials
Improved tracking of patient demographics and completion of health maintenance measures
Expanded curriculum for medical student volunteers to include motivational interviewing, social determinants of health and principles of chronic disease management
A team of four Duke third year medical students will sustain the program next year. The Fellowship will provide $1,000 in sustainability funding.
Academic and Site Mentor: Dr. Glen Karunanayake Site: Student Action Health Coalition (SHAC)
Damian and Dani launched a free root canal clinic within SHAC. They screened patients who were in pain, provided a dental diagnosis, and educated patients about the benefits of staying dentate vs becoming edentulous. They secured funding for clinic supplies from the Dental Foundation of North Carolina.
Through their efforts:
A free root canal service program was established under the SHAC umbrella.
21 patients received a free diagnostic exam and an education session worth $3,150 in free care.
5 out of 21 patients exhibiting pain of odontogenic origin needed root canal therapy.
3 out of 5 patients were scheduled to have root canal therapy. However, due to the pandemic, the clinic was closed before services could be provided. A new student leader will provide the care once the clinic is able to reopen.
2 out of 5 patients were referred to the UNC School of Dentistry’s endodontic clinic.
5 out of 21 patients elected to have the tooth extracted rather than undergoing root canal therapy receiving $1,000 in free care.
11 out of 21 patients were not appropriate candidates for root canal therapy.
Identified a possible malignant oral lesion in a patient and arranged a free biopsy with the dental school’s oral pathology faculty.
A fourth year dental student will be sustaining the project under Dr. Karunanayake’s guidance. There was not a need for sustainability funding.
Samantha Sloand and Trenton Bottoms
UNC School of Dentistry
J Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Dr. Beau Meyer Site Mentor: Dr. Jim Hoke Site: Samaritan Health Center
Samantha and Trent provided free dentures and partials to homeless residents of the Durham Rescue Mission. Each denture took about 6 appointments to be completed.
Secured partnership with a lab to provide the prosthetics free of charge.
Provided an estimated $40,000 in free dental care.
Provided free dentures/partials for 13 patients.
Initiated treatment for 7 additional patients; however, COVID-19 interrupted care.
Extracted teeth on 10 patients that needed proper time to heal to receive dentures at SHC in the future.
According to post-treatment surveys, all 13 patients reported increased self-confidence, chewing abilities, chances of obtaining employment, and better speech.
A 2020-21 Schweitzer Fellowship was awarded to sustain the project. The Fellowship will provide $1,000 in sustainability funds for personal protection equipment and clinic materials.
ECU Brody School of Medicine – Public Health/Environmental Health
J Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellow
Academic and Site Mentor: Dr. Greg Kearney Site: Medical-Legal Partnership of Eastern North Carolina
Constantine partnered with the Medical-Legal Partnership of Eastern North Carolina to address childhood asthma and the social determinant of health (SDOH) factors that effect it. Families initially seek services for their children from a Vidant Pediatric Asthma clinic and receive asthma education and complete a SDOH screening tool. On the SDOH screening tool, there is a portion that highlights the need for housing security and an environmental assessment of the home if they feel there are triggers present that are contributing or worsening their children’s asthma symptoms.
Next, an environmental assessment is conducted and an in-depth asthma trigger educational session takes place. The assessment is sent to a lawyer who contacts the family’s housing administration and demands remediations be implemented before legal action will be taken against the housing administration (all legal representation is free of charge to the families). In the event the situation is not rectified, the landlord is taken to court using the home assessment report as evidence of neglect. In many cases, the resulting action would either be extreme modifications to the home to remove all environmental triggers or the families would be relocated into new housing units that were free of harmful environmental triggers.
13 families took their landlord to court using the Fellow’s home assessment as evidence of neglect with the help of the free legal team
5 families were relocated to new housing
6 families received extreme home modifications
1 family’s case was denied
1 family’s landlord remedied the home after the threat of legal action
34 out of 35 families increased the control of the child’s asthma as evidenced by achieving 2 out of 4 of the following activities:
34 out of 35 used a rescue inhaler less than twice a week
10 out of 35 reported the reduction of coughing episodes at night
26 out of 35 reduced one or more environmental triggers in their home
ED visits have been reduced to an all-time low with only 1 child reporting to the hospital after participation in the program partly due to the child’s severe case of asthma and his extensive list of health complications
Constantine presented his project at a poster presentation at the 2019 American Public Health Association annual conference.
Constantine’s mentor, Dr. Kearney, will continue the project to ensure future children with asthma will benefit. There was not a need for sustainability funding.
Hear the Fellow talk about the impact of his project.
ECU School of Dental Medicine and ECU Brody School of Medicine
J Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows
Academic Mentor: Dr. Tom Irons, Dr. Thomas Tempel and Dr. Alison Yeung Site Mentor: Dr. Ji Lim Site: Bernstein Clinic
Helina and Julianne developed a care manager and social determinants of health screening program in a federally qualified health center serving dental patients. Using the PRAPARE survey, they screened dental patients on topics regarding food insecurity, housing instability, medical service accessibility, and mental health needs. Those patients interested in participating were linked to a Care Manager or directly to community resources.
Established a care manager and SODH screening program within the dental clinic
489 patients were screened for SDOH needs
40 out of 489 were connected to community resources
11 out of 40 met their set health goal
18 Bernstein Dental Clinic staff were trained in care management and screening for social determinants of health. Staff indicated an increase in efficacy and comfort.
The Fellows will continue to sustain the program and work with the Bernstein staff so patients can continue to screened and connected to resources. There was not a need for sustainability funding.
The Fellows will present their project at the 2020 Clinical Conference on Quality and Chronic Disease for the North Carolina Community Health Center Association to be held in October 2020.
Academic Mentor: Dr. Robert Keim Site Mentor: Dr. Virginia Stage Site: Head Start site in Pitt County
Scarlett and Will worked to improve oral health and nutrition literacy of Head Start children at six sites. The program consisted of four 30-minute lessons to children and education to parents through mandatory Head Start programming. Education was based on information from the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry and topics for parents included finding a dental home, proper oral health care at various ages, nutrition information, and resources where families could seek care.
Four hundred children at five Head Start sites participated in the four lesson program
Lessons did not take place at one site due to the pandemic
One parent education session was held at all six of the Head Start sites
Four educational videos were created which will be available on the Head Start site
The program was interrupted by COVID-19 and outcome data was unable to be obtained.
The ECU School of Dental Medicine DMD club has adopted the program as a service initiative and will continue the lessons once the Head Start sites reopen. The Fellowship will provide $600 in sustainability funding for tooth brushing teaching puppets.
Academic Mentor: Dr. Martha Carlough Site Mentor: Dr. Jeffrey Walden and Dr. Quang Pham Site: Cone Family Medicine and Piedmont Health Services
Legal Partners: Church World Service and Elon University’s Immigration Law Clinic
Nicole and Yousef worked to address medical barriers to naturalization through a no cost medical-legal volunteer clinic for refugees who require medical exemption from the English and/or civics exams needed for citizenship application. Fellows identified and scheduled people needing the service and recruited and trained volunteers. Interpreter services and transportation were arranged in advance for all clients. Interviews took approximately 1.5 hours, and included a medical history, immigration history, physical exam, and follow-up on identified medical issues. The most common relevant diagnoses included depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, dementia and cognitive decline, and chronic pain. Following the clinic, medical students and physician volunteers work together over the next 2 weeks to complete the N-648 form and submit it to their legal contact in making their appeal.
Six six-hour clinics were held in Greensboro and Carrboro which were identified as two areas with significant need for this service. In addition to supporting clients in completing the N-648 form, the Fellows also uncovered additional health concerns that required connection to further medical services, including tuberculosis, cancer, domestic violence, and mental illness.
60 refugees with chronic medical conditions were given the medical exam, have a completed N-648 form, and were connected with legal representation to pursue exemption from the civics and language requirements of naturalization.
The Physicians for Human Rights, UNC School of Medicine Chapter, sustained the project as a service initiative. The program received funding from outside sources; therefore, the Fellows did not apply for sustainability monies.
As of June, 2020, a total of 123 refugees have been served through the clinic, 60 of whom have achieved naturalization.
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellow
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic and Site Mentor: Dr. Michael Milano Site: Triangle Down Syndrome Network and Gigi’s Playhouse
J Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Meagan Inclan and Katrina provided oral health instruction and screenings for people with downs syndrome as well as connected them to a dental home. They led workshops teaching about ways caregivers can assist their child with their oral hygiene, as well as empowered the special needs members to actively take part in their own oral care. In addition, they increased the comfort level of Downs Syndrome in visiting the dentist through activities that mimic the dental environment.
An oral health instruction flip chart was developed to be used in educating parents and guardians at the UNC Special Healthcare Needs Clinic
32 people with Down Syndrome received free oral health screening and education about ways to improve their oral hygiene
32 people were referred to dentists in their specific area of the Triangle
Due to difficulty in site staffing, the project is unable to be sustained.
Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
Gabriel Beattie-Sergio
ECU Brody School of Medicine – Public Health/Environmental Health
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellow
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic and Site Mentor: Greg Kearney, DrPH, MPH Site: Medical-Legal Partnership of Eastern North Carolina
Gabriel addressed childhood asthma in Eastern North Carolina by continuing and expanding the activities of the Medical-Legal Partnership which included providing asthma education and conducting in-home visits. In addition to educating families with children who have asthma about proper medication use, the Fellow conducted environmental home assessments to review factors in the home contributing to the child’s asthma. Ultimately, the program aimed to reduce the number of asthma attacks as well as improve the families’ understanding of the condition and provide an avenue for families to receive legal aid in necessary situations.
One major success story illustrates the project’s profound impact. Environment factors in the home were causing a child to miss multiple days of school due to doctor’s appointments and overnight hospital stays. The legal team took the landlord to court using the assessment as evidence of neglect and won resulting in the family being relocated to new housing and the child hadn’t missed a day or school all year.
34 out of 35 families increased the control of the child’s asthma as evidenced by achieving 2 out of 4 of the following activities:
30 out of 35 used asthma medication as prescribed, following their asthma action plan
20 out of 35 used a rescue inhaler less than twice a week
24 out of 35 woke up less than once a month from asthma symptoms
31 out of 35 reduced one or more environmental triggers in their home
An ECU Public Health/Environmental Health student was awarded a 2019-20 Fellowship to sustain the project.
Click here to see a poster summary of his project.
Hudson and BellJ. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellow
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor: Dr. Amna Hasan Site Mentor: Dr. Iquebal Hasan and Dr. Nada Fadul Site: ECU SoDM and ECU Adult Specialty Care (formerly ECU Infectious Diseases)
Briana and Akeadra educated HIV patients on the oral health ramifications of their disease through one-on-one counseling sessions held at the ECU Adult Specialty Care Clinic twice a week for 3 months. Patients who opted to register for the oral screening on the same day received the following free services: a full head and neck exam, oral cancer screening and comprehensive oral exam Patients referred to ECU SoDM Comprehensive Care Clinic, Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency or the General Practice Residency (Hospital), depending on the complexity of their medical history and expected treatment needs. The project was limited in accessing patients due to an 8 month IRB delay.
Referral process created at ECU Adult Specialty Care to connect patients to HIV SMART
Oral health education curriculum developed for HIV patients at ECU Adult Specialty Care
35 HIV patients received oral health counseling at no charge
3 out of 35 patients were referred and screened at no cost at ECU SoDM
Free screening consisted of a full head and neck exam, oral cancer screening and comprehensive oral exam
3 out of 3 patients received Ryan White Funding which provides $1,000 for dental treatment per year. Patients can reapply for the funding.
3 out of 35 patients became patients of record and began receiving treatment
The East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine chapter of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) has committed to sustaining the HIV SMART Project.
Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
Hannah Conley and Hannah Smith
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Kerianne Crockett, MD Site Mentor: Anastasia Hunter Site: Jack Minges Boys and Girls Club
The Fellows provided comprehensive reproductive health education to groups of 2nd through 12th grade students who were separated by age and gender.
18 out of 41 middle and high school students regularly participated in the twice weekly semester long program
12 out of 18 saw an increase in self-efficacy from baseline to post-assessment
16 out of 18 had an increase in condom use and comfort asking about using a condom
Educational Goals:
18 out of 41 middle and high school students regularly participated in the twice weekly semester long program had an increase in mean knowledge score from pre to post-class
30 out of 40 2nd – 7th grade students at the IGCC regularly participated in the twice weekly program and had an increase in mean knowledge score from pre- to post-class
Two 2019-20 NC Schweitzer Fellows will sustain the project at the Boys and Girls Club and add a domestic violence educational component.
Crystal Cox and Brandi Montgomery
NCCU Communication Disorders
Academic Mentor: Dr. Sheila Bridges Bond Site Mentor: Sheena Brooks Site: Riverside High School
The Fellows led Speaking In Color to help African American students in Durham achieve academic and professional success by providing them with strategies to know when it is appropriate to use Standard American English (SAE) versus their home dialect, African-American English (AAE). Speaking In Color was able to create an inclusive environment within the classroom to promote learning, mentorship, and cultural awareness. The Fellows met with 3 classes on a weekly basis for 4 months.
30 out of 30 students were able to identify differences between SAE and AAE and choose the language style most appropriate for the setting.
23 out of 30 students demonstrated the ability to introduce themselves during mock interviews through application of SAE, eye contact, intonation, overall confidence, and introduction formats.
24 out of 30 students were able to independently demonstrate their ability to code-switch using SAE and AAE.
The Fellows’ mentor, Dr. Bridges-Bond, sustained the program in the 2019 fall semester. Her students enrolled in the Multicultural Issues in NCCU’s graduate program in Communication Disorders, designed, developed, and implemented a series of lessons pertaining to language variations, self identity and code switching during the Friday afternoon, Career and Management Classes.
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellow
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic and Site Mentor: Dr. Allen Samuelson and Dr. Beau Meyers Site: UNC SHAC Dental Clinic
Beth and Minka expanded the Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC) dental clinic to serve teens 14-17 years old that do not have a dental home or regular access to dental care. The Fellows provided oral health education, free preventive services and dental treatment, and a link to a permanent dental home. Services included screening and diagnosis, cleaning, restorations, and extractions. They also referred to the UNC School of Dentistry Student Clinics for root canal therapy.
25 patients received $12,416 worth of free dental services
24 out of 25 patients completed their treatment plan
The one remaining patient is currently finalizing treatment
10 dental student volunteers received experience serving teens
A past SHAC coordinator/current 4th year student sustained the project and provided $5,000 in free care. No need for sustainability funding.
Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
Jiwon Lim and Niki Winters
ECU Brody School of Medicine and ECU School of Dental Medicine
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellow
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentors: Dr. Claudia Daly and Dr. Kimberley Gise Site Mentors: Dr. Kimberley Gise, Dr. Robert Doherty, and Maudia Ahmed Site: James D. Bernstein Community Health Center, East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine Emergency Dental Clinic, Community Crossroads Center, Greenville Homeless Shelter Clinic, Vidant’s Minor ED, AccessEast
As a continuation of a 2017-2018 Schweitzer Fellowship project, this medical and dental student pair delivered person-centered, interprofessional care through free emergency dental treatment, full medical analysis, and social work services for the homeless population. They screened for dental emergencies at two local free medical clinics, established emergency dental referrals from Vidant Medical Center’s Emergency Department to the ECU School of Dental Medicine’s Emergency Clinic, and trained medical professionals and students to spot dental emergencies in order to provide or refer to necessary care.
Established a referral system from Vidant’s Minor Emergency Department to the ECU SoDM Clinic
18 patients were referred and seen from Vidant’s Minor Emergency Department.
35 patients were referred and seen from two free clinics
24 patients were referred to Greene County Health Care for further medical services
11 patients were referred to Bernstein Dental for continued care
53 patients received free emergency dental treatment worth $7,867
Free testing worth $2,192 was delivered which consisted of 16 A1c tests and 17 HIV screening tests worth
$120 worth of prescription medications (paid for by Access East) was provided
Emergency dental screening question was incorporated into the intake form at GCSC and PCCC
ECU SoDM continues to provide free emergency dental treatment, A1C and HIV tests. ECU medical and physician assistant student volunteers at the two free clinics screen homeless patients for emergency emergencies and provide referrals. The social worker site mentor, Maudia Ahmad, continues to transition patients to Bernstein Dental for comprehensive care.
Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
Caitlin Melvin and Bryan Yang
ECU School of Dental Medicine
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellow
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor: Dr. Nikki Tucker Site Mentor: Dr. Kylie Dotson-Blake and Lesha Ann Rouse Site: ECU Community School housed within South Green Elementary School and ECU School of Dental Medicine
The Fellows led a year-long health education program using a validated curriculum to teach elementary aged students about tooth decay, proper nutrition, and preventative dental care. In addition, they launched biweekly tooth brushing sessions. The Fellows designed a 3D printable toothbrush to store the children’s toothbrushes. For long term sustainability, each classroom was given a cart filled with supplies. In recognition of the Fellows’ efforts, the Kindergarten class awarded them one of their class heroes of the year.
As a result,
126 students in grades kindergarten through fifth demonstrated proper brushing techniques and brushed independently for 2 minutes during biweekly sessions
50 out of 126 students substituted one unhealthy snack habit for a healthy one
$1300 worth of materials were donated to launch the tooth brushing program and provide classroom carts for long term sustainability
Pediatric physician residents received oral health training
The ECU Chapter of the Student Academy of Pediatric Dentistry sustained the program and $500 in sustainability funding was awarded for classroom supplies. The project was featured in the May 2020 issue of Pediatric Dentistry Today. Go here to read the article.
Fellow Bryan Yang’s poster of the project was presented at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry annual session in May, 2020.
Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
Jamie Prince and Susan Zhao
UNC School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Karen Halpert Site Mentor: Dr. Scott Phillips Site: Orange County Health Department Immigrant and Refugee Program and U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
Susan and Jamie designed a customized health literacy curriculum for resettled female refugees in the Raleigh area in the participant’s native language. Participants identified personal health goals. By engaging them with active weekly demonstrations and field trips, the Fellows fostered a sense community and empowered participants to make long-lasting changes towards better health. One cohort consisted of Afghan women while the other was Congolese. Two to three hour weekly classes were held over a course of 8 to 10 weeks. Topics included healthcare utilization, first aid basics, heart disease and diabetes, nutrition & exercise, prescriptions and over the counter medications, oral hygiene, and reproductive health and contraception.
As a result of our efforts, 30 out of 30 participants successfully achieved at least one lifestyle goal established at the beginning of the course and were able to maintain the behavior change. Ancedotal stories also confirmed lifestyle changes and sharing of knowledge with family and friends.
12 participants make at least one grocery purchase decision per week based on reading a nutrition label
8 reported engaging in physical activity for 20-30 minutes, 3x a week, for two or more months
18 participants reported being able to identify a symptom of a common or chronic illness in self or family member and manage symptoms using an OTC medication or appropriate utilization of health services (family doctor vs. emergency room vs. urgent care)
16 participants report incorporating vegetables into family meals at least once a day
12 participants engage in an oral health activity (brush teeth/floss/mouth rinse) at least once a day
28 participants report confidence and success in treating minor cuts, burns, and sprains with a first aid kit.
6 participants report successfully filling a prescription on their own
5 participants started utilizing a method of contraception for family planning
14 participants report substituting one ingredient in a traditional dish with a healthier option
Schweitzer Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding to USCRI for interpretation services and course supplies.
As of June 2020, USCRI followed up with 15 class participants to provide additional educational support. USCRI received a $25,000 grant to develop a Sustainable Wellness Initiative focusing on health, well-being, and emergency preparations using the Fellows’ workshops as a foundation and reached an additional 75 refugees.
Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
Maya Talbott
Duke School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Anh Tran Site Mentor: Aronda Hill and Magun Lacson Site: Healthy Start Academy – Durham and Student U middle school
Maya addressed health literacy disparities by serving as a Co-Founder and Program Coordinator for the Durham Health Literacy Initiative (HLI). HLI’s volunteer training, eight-part curriculum and capstone Health Fairs seek to 1) strengthen the health literacy of Durham youth, 2) empower Durham youth to become health literacy ambassadors, and 3) enhance the communication skills of Duke Health students. Topics including nutrition, chronic illness, mental health, substance abuse, hygiene, exercise, and emergency medicine. Sessions include didactic learning, small group problem-solving, interactive activities, and reflection. Students benefited from an interdisciplinary team of graduate health volunteers from Duke and North Carolina Central University’s nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy, social work, speech pathology and medical specialties and a 4:1 student to teacher ratio.
24 of 28 middle school students scored high health literacy in at least one of three scales (Communication, Confusion, Functional Health Literacy) measured on the Health Literacy Assessment Scale for Adolescents (HAS-A) after program completion.
6 out of 28 scored high health literacy in all three scales.
16 out of 28 scored high health literacy in at least two scales.
A Student Steering Committee and Stakeholder Advisory Board sustains the program and the School of Medicine Multicultural Resource Center (MCRC) provides leadership and organizational support. Durham HLI is offered as an option for Duke SOM first year medical students to fulfill the service requirement in the new Cultural Determinants of Health mandatory course offering. Volunteers were trained and ready to begin classes when the pandemic temporarily suspended activity. The program will resume next year.
The Schweitzer Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding for course materials.
Click here to see a poster summary of her project.
Christelle Tan and Jackée Okoli
Duke School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Sarah Armstrong Site Mentor: Jan Dillard Site: Duke Outpatient Clinic
Jackee and Christelle created Fresh Produce Program, a clinic based food share that provides free bags of fruits and vegetables to patients experiencing food insecurity at the Duke Outpatient Clinic. Distribution of food, cooking demonstrations, and nutrition education was provided every other week.
763 bags of produce were distributed to 235 patients over 36 distribution days
25 patients received 5 or more produce bags
15 out of 25 patients had an improvement in their food security score
18 out of 25 patients reported eating more vegetables
23 out of 25 patients reported cooking more meals at home
20 out of 25 patients reported feeling healthier since joining the program
In the second half of the program, the number of patients receiving 5 or more produce bags increased from 25 to 45.
The program became a Bull City Bucks enrollment site which helps SNAP beneficiaries who are patients of select health care providers sign up to get $40 for extra fruit and vegetables at all 12 Food Lion stores in Durham County.
100% of money disbursed to patients’ SNAP accounts through the Bull City Bucks program have been spent
A sixth month pilot was launched where health providers enrolled patients in a program where Duke students were matched with participants to deliver nutrition lessons and bags of produce one or more times a month. Curriculum used was the validated Cooking Matters. Students also connected with their patient weekly to encourage progress on a SMART goal.
Teams of 14 Duke MD/PA and 14 NCCU dietetic intern students were matched with 14 participants:
55 bags of produce were delivered
Student volunteers achieved a statistically significant increase in confidence surrounding teaching patients about nutrition
Regarding sustainability, the Duke Outpatient Clinic agreed to fund the costs of maintaining the program which includes 2 distribution days per month. Student volunteers will receive credit for a requirement for a clinical course for first years. New student leadership has been identified.
Click here and here to see poster summaries of their project.
2020 update:
The Fresh Produce Program continued to distribute food to 30 – 40 patients from the clinic every other week
After COVID-19 restrictions, they changed to a home delivery model. A surge in donations and volunteers allows us to deliver ~20lbs of produce to 70-100 households every week.
Pediatric referrals receive a home garden kit.
Through a partnership with the Duke Hotspotting program, each new referral receives a bag of essential household items like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, masks, and cleaners.
Project FEED served 18 patients this year which represented both new patients and some of the original cohort of 14. Again, patients were paired with a Duke MD/PA student and a NCCU dietetic intern.
Greyson Vann and Ashton Lyle
ECU School of Dental Medicine and ECU Brody School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Iquebal Hasan Site Mentor: Dr. Iquebal Hasan , Dr. Suzanne Lea. and Janet Reimer Site: Leo Jenkins Cancer Center, ECU ENT, and ECU SoDM
Ashton and Greyson initiated a program to accelerate the dental clearance process for cancer patients so that they can begin treatment earlier, provided patient education to improve oral hygiene during cancer treatment, and led student and provider education to improve the delivery of medical and dental care to these patients. Education included the effects of radiation therapy and chemotherapy and best oral health practices for cancer patients. On average, two to four appointments were necessary to clear a patient for cancer treatment, depending on the extent of treatment needed.
The process was as follows:
Examined by a dentist for dental clearance within one week of cancer diagnosis
Begin treatment within 2 weeks from exam
Receive follow-up dental care during and within 3 months after completing cancer treatment
Provide patients with tobacco cessation protocols during treatment and for at least 6 months after finishing treatment when appropriate
Services provided:
Problem Focused Detailed Limited Oral Evaluation
Panoramic Radiograph
Periapical and Bitewing Radiographs
Routine Extractions
Surgical Extractions
Adult Prophylaxis
Full Mouth Debridement
Tobacco Cessation
43 patients were served by the program. Delays in obtaining IRB approval negated the ability to track clinical data
A bidirectional referral and tracking process was created between ECU School of Dental Medicine and referring medical and cancer treatment facilities
A standardized protocol was developed for expediting the time it takes from cancer diagnosis to dental clearance before life-saving medical treatment can begin
Dental clearance education has been incorporated into the Oral Medicine Course and Clinic Orientation for second year dental students
Two students were identified to sustain the project and the Schweitzer Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding for patient supplies such as dry mouth products and lunch and learn educational opportunities for the students. In addition, the Fellows helped create the Interdisciplinary Oral Medicine Study Club to provide oral medicine education to students across all programs on ECU’s Health Sciences Campus and fund raise to reduce the financial burden of dental clearance on patients.
Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
A 2020-21 Fellowship was awarded to Josh Stewart and Virginia Long to expand the project.
Kevin Wang and Brittany Liebenow
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Stan Hill and Kelsey Doolittle Site Mentor: Kimberly Campbell Site: Carver High School and Center of Excellence for Research, Teaching and Learning
Brittany and Kevin are leading a science curriculum for students at a historically under-resourced high school to encourage critical thinking and academic exploration. They focused on Chemistry and AP Environmental Science classes.
Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
2020 update:
Two Wake Forest School of Medicine students, Stan Green and Michael Jones, sustained the program and expanded it to include Anatomy classes as well. The program will be led by Wake Forest School of Medicine students Rachel Jeffries, Irina Gavrila, and Geeth Kondaveeti in the 20-21 academic year and the Center of Excellence for Research, Teaching and Learning will continue to provide administrative support.
Abigail Wehner and Kshipra Hemal
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Julie Linton and Dr. Karen Geranch Site Mentor: Robin M. Lester Site: Forsyth Adolescent Health Coalition (part of the Forsyth County Health Department) and Carver School Road Branch, Library
The Fellows addressed gaps in sexual health education in Northeast Winston Salem, with the goal of empowering adolescents to prevent unplanned pregnancies, HIV, and STIs. By implementing the Making Proud Choices (MPC) Curriculum, an evidence-based intervention with an established track record in empowering vulnerable high school adolescents, they reached 31 adolescents at 4 different sites and were able to track positive changes in knowledge, behavior, and attitudes for 21 of them. MPC consists of eight 1-hour sessions customized to fit the needs of participants. The Fellows were also available for “Office Hours” where participants were welcome to ask questions privately.
By the end of the 8-session curriculum, the following participants demonstrated one or more changes in behavior:
21 out of 21 students used or will use condoms when having sex during the course of the curriculum or after completion
14 out of 21 used or will use birth control other than condoms when having sex during the course of the curriculum or after completion
15 out of 15 has had a conversation about condom use with partner if sexually active
15 out of 21 sought out condoms or birth control for themselves or their partner
17 out of 21 felt comfortable going to a doctor or clinic to get STD testing
15 out of 16 scored 75% or higher on the condom demonstration skill
16 out of 16 participants who were present that day scored 75% on the negotiation skills roleplay
Increased confidence in being able to talk about sex, contraception, and condom use with partners, peers, or doctor.
19 out of 21 were comfortable talking to their peers
15 out of 15 participants were comfortable talking to their partner
19 out of 21 participants were comfortable talking to adults (parents, doctors, teachers)
The Fellows formed a MPC Steering Committee which consists of stakeholders from: Forsyth County Public Library, Forsyth County Department of Public Health, Forsyth Adolescent Health Coalition, Planned Parenthood, Wake Forest Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Wake Forest School of Medicine. The Steering Committee will continue to provide support for future iterations of MPC curriculum to community organizations. The current plan includes a course in July partnering with Forsyth County Public Libraries, as well as a course in late summer partnering with Imprints Cares.
Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
Fellows for Life: 2017-18
Allen Bunch and Morgan Stroud
ECU School of Dental Medicine
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Site: ECU SoDM Pediatric Dentistry Clinic and the ECU Department of Pediatrics
Academic Mentor: Dr. Robert Keim
Site Mentor: Dr. Amanda Higginson
Allen and Morgan launched the Baby Oral Health Program (bOHP) to link patients at ECU Pediatrics to the ECU School of Dental Medicine (SoDM) to establish a dental home by the child’s first birthday. Establishing a dental home at a young age provides an opportunity for patients and caregivers to receive important education on the importance of baby/toddler oral health. Education was provided to the children and their parents during appointments.
Through their efforts:
A referral system was established from ECU Pediatrics to ECU SoDM Pediatric Dentistry Clinic
105 total patient referrals
32 out of 105 followed up on the referral to receive treatment.
145 procedures were delivered for a cost of $3,946
108 procedures are scheduled.
50 dental students entering clinic received bOHP training
bOHP training was incorporated into the annual D2 clinical orientation.
bOHP educational flip charts were created to use during the appointment by the student provider
32 ECU pediatric residents received bOHP training
ECU Pediatrics expanded the residency training to now include oral hygiene, fluoride application, nutritional counseling and dental trauma
Regarding sustainability, bOHP training will continue to be provided to D2 students and ECU pediatric residents. Formal educational materials will be used during the dental appointment. A social worker at ECU Pediatrics will sustain the referral system. An interest group is being launched to expand bOHP to all the service learning centers.
Academic and Site Mentors: Dr. Rupal Yu and Dr. Abigail DeVries
Molly and Nicholas led a multifaceted diabetes education program for Spanish-speaking patients with type 2 diabetes. Through monthly group visits, monthly insulin education clinics, and educational home visits, they provided interactive teaching sessions that addressed barriers to care faced by this patient population, and they empowered patients to manage their disease.
As a result of their efforts:
25 out of 27 patients achieved follow-up visits
9 out of 27 patients self-reported progress of a patient identified SMART goal at follow-up visits
A comprehensive home visit protocol was made to facilitate the project implementation in the future
Two UNC medical students were identified and trained to sustain the group visits and the insulin clinics for the following year.
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Site: Greene County Health Care and Pitt County Public Schools
Mentors: Dr. Geri Crain, Dr. Rob Doherty and Andrea Snead
Kevin and Trevor provided oral hygiene education to Pitt County elementary students and recruited them into a school-based screening and sealants intervention, Greene Access Program (GAP).
Through the 2017-18 school year,
GAP treated 177 children in the six schools at which recruitment efforts were made and placed 506 sealants at a value of $17,204.
4 of the 177 children were referred to the Bernstein Clinic for follow up care.
Fellows provided oral health instruction to all K-5 classes in four different public schools reaching 1,420 students.
The ECU DMD student organization and SAAPD, a Hispanic Student Dental Club, will be sustaining the program.
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Site: SNDA CAARE Clinic
Academic Mentor: Dr. Vincent Allison
Site Mentor: Carolyn Hinton
Keyachtta and Tariq launched Smile T.I.M.E. (Treatment through Interdisciplinary Methods of Education), which expanded the free emergency dental care at the CAARE clinic to include no cost comprehensive oral health services. Wellness screenings were also provided which include high blood pressure, blood glucose, HbA1c testing and medication list analysis. Before receiving the comprehensive care, patients were required to complete four education workshops which included topics such as pharmacy/medications, nutrition, and oral hygiene.
As a result of their efforts:
12 patients completed all four sessions and were eligible for the comprehensive care
12 patients received 83 procedures/treatments for a total of $23,816 in free care
10 out of 12 patients received 2 or more of their comprehensive dental needs from their treatment plan.
5 out of 12 patients completed their treatment plan and are on recall for hygiene appointments.
25 extractions
15 fillings
4 prophylaxes
21 scaling and root planning
12 radiographs
1 complete denture
3 partial dentures
2 periodontal maintenances
The program will be sustained by the Student National Dental Association Chapter at UNC SOD. Fellow Tariq Jah and another UNC SOD student will be leading the program in the upcoming year. The Fellowship provided $1,000 in clinical supplies.
Site: Wake Forest Students United for Immigrant Transitional Services (SUITS) Clinic, YMCA Literacy Initiative at the Ledges and Annoor Islamic Center
Academic Mentors: Dr. Julie Linton
Site Mentors: Dr. John Spangler, Dr. Shayla Namak, Dr. Julie Weber and Habib Bendaas
Mustafa and Ziyad co-led SUITS Clinic which provided free medical screenings for immigrants who needed to complete the N-648 form as part of their citizenship application. This form provides an exemption from the English and civics portions of the citizenship exam for citizenship applicants with dementia or other medical condition that would prevent them from completing these portions of the citizenship exam. Six clinics were held which offered client assessments by volunteer medical students, followed by an assessment by an attending physician, and linked them to Elon School of Law for follow up.
Mustafa and Ziyad also helped immigrants and refugees access our U.S. health care system by holding 6-week discussion based workshops, attending medical appointments with participants, and conducting home visits for families with complex needs.
As a result of their efforts:
19 SUITS clients were determined eligible for an N-648 and are currently filing applications for citizenship. Elon School of Law has confirmed that each client for whom they filed an N-648 is progressing through the system.
SUITS clinic was expanded to a larger space to clear up the back log of immigrant needs for evaluations and added an additional referring partner to increase its reach.
9 out of 26 participants attended all six health literacy workshop sessions.
7 out of 9 participants demonstrated an increase in functional health literacy.
7 out of 9 clients demonstrated an increase in comprehensive health literacy.
2 out of 2 families with complex medical needs met their personalized goals and demonstrated growth in their health literacy, appointment attendance, insurance enrollment, physical navigation of the hospital and managing care scheduling on their own. They met with the families for one to two hours each week over 8 months.
Explicit examples occurred of the families advising and assisting other families, and each other, demonstrating that their improvement in health literacy had a ripple effect.
Regarding sustainability:
The Fellows will continue to co-lead the SUITS clinic in the upcoming academic year with the intent of transitioning into the free student run clinic or into the Wake Forest curriculum the following year.
The health literacy workshops will be sustained by a Wake Forest medical student.
Mustafa, Ziyad and an additional medical student will sustain the home visitation program.
Katherine and Yasamin addressed the need for coordinated care for patients at the Greenville Community Shelter Clinic (GCSC). This free clinic serves the adjacent homeless shelter and patients of low socioeconomic status throughout Greenville. Their GCSC Continuity of Care Project partnered with Health Assist/Access East to create a care manager volunteer position, link affordable clinics and resources within the community, and incorporate a free EHR in order to keep track of patients, provide supportive care, and assist in finding a permanent care provider for recurring patients. Ultimately, the project not only helped to develop coordinated care while patients are at GCSC but aimed to link patients to resources and clinics that can provide sustainable health care for their chronic conditions. The care manager coordinator role was made a permanent part of the GCSC Board of Operations and a new coordinator and care managers were trained to keep the Continuity of Care Project sustainable.
As a result of their efforts:
21 out 40 patients had chronic health concerns or needed referral and were seen by care manager
17 out of 21 were able to be followed
15 out of 17 were successfully enrolled in Health Assist/MEND within 1 month
14 out of 15 got an appointment within 6 months of being seen
7 out of 14 attended their appointment
Average cost per referral appointment per patient was decreased from $90 to free
Electronic Health Record system was established
4 care managers were trained
Applied for and received grant funding for a hemoglobin A1c machine for use in the clinic
Created a standardized application and training process for sustainability of care manager positions within the Greenville Community Shelter Clinic. The care management program at GCSC is self-sustaining and did not require funding for any of its operations.
A 2019-2020 Fellowship was awarded to Ryan Hatfield and Duy Huynh to expand the program.
Reena Patel and Rebecca Jones
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Site: ECU Women’s Health Clinic, ECU Pediatric Clinic, Vidant Hospital
Academic and Site Mentor: Dr. Jill Sutton
Reena and Rebecca addressed the high infant mortality in Pitt County by helping vulnerable mothers improve their babies’ health both before and after delivery. They provided free prenatal and post pregnancy education for at-risk mothers to promote healthy pregnancy and newborn care, infant safety, and CPR training. Their data indicates that prenatal support and education can affect mothers and partners by decreasing anxiety, increasing confidence and competence with critical skills, and contributing to beneficial lifestyle changes, which can greatly assist in decreasing infant mortality. Additional benefits of maternal participation appear to be interaction, bonding, and friendships between mothers in the program.
As a result of their efforts:
For their 3 class education series,
29 of 45 reported decreased anxiety
29 of 45 reported one or more beneficial lifestyle changes (smoking, exercise, alcohol consumption, etc.)
For their breastfeeding class:
28 of 32 reported increased confidence with breastfeeding
For their infant CPR class:
All 103 participants demonstrated competence with CPR skills as evidenced by the hands-on skills assessment skills assessment:
95 of 103 participants recorded increased confidence with CPR and choking rescue
Forty medical students have been trained to sustain the free infant CPR course. It has become incorporated into the Vidant Hospital perinatal curriculum and is now collaboration between various ECU BSOM and Vidant Health Care stakeholders. Classes are offered twice monthly with the intent of adding Spanish speaking classes in the coming year. The Fellows received a grant from the Dean of ECU SOM for $2600 to support the classes.
Academic and Site Mentors: Dr. Julie Ann Sosa and Dr. Lola Fayanju
Cierra and Kristen launched SOARR (Surgical Oncology Ambassadors Redefining Recovery) to help underserved endocrine and breast cancer patients receiving surgery at the Duke Cancer Institute improve outcomes and navigate the complex health system by partnering medical student ambassadors (a first year and third year student team) with patients and their families. Many of patients who enrolled in SOARR had a history of no-shows to appointments and/or had delays in surgery due to complications such as uncontrolled diabetes.
Five training sessions were held to prepare the student volunteers. They provided assistance with services such as appointment and medication reminders, arranging transportation and confirming locations, as well as providing a familiar face perioperatively to ensure patients have a clear understanding of the many moving parts in their healthcare. The goals were to reduce anxiety and help patients troubleshoot their care and have an uncomplicated surgical recovery.
As a result of their efforts:
12 out of 12 patients complied with NPO (no food/drink after midnight) status prior to surgery
An additional 3 patients are still waiting for their surgeries
1 additional patient has had multiple delays in her surgery
12 out of 12 patients arrived on time for surgery
An additional 3 patients are still waiting for their surgeries
1 additional patient has had multiple delays in her surgery
16 out of 16 have an established PCP prior to surgery
12 out of 12 patients presented for post-operative surgical follow-up appointments
12 out of 12 patients did not have an operation-related readmission within 30 days post-op
12 out of 12 had no issues complying with wound care recommendations. No infection or hematoma formation in any of the patients.
SOARR is currently a student interest group supported and recognized by the Duke University School of Medicine Davison Student Council and Cierra Hong and another SOARR member will co-lead the program next year. The Schweitzer Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding for student related events.
Kwone and Brandon led Supporting Young Scholars Through Empowerment and Mentorship (SYSTEM) which is a mentoring program for 3rd and 4th grade minority males who face social, behavioral, and academic challenges. SYSTEM paired 21 scholars with a Wake Forest graduate student mentor who imparted life skills, built self-esteem, and provided male guidance to stimulate emotional and intellectual growth. The program consisted of weekly group discussion and activities as well as weekly one-on-one mentoring.
As a result of their efforts:
Teachers report better behavior habits, less classroom outbursts, and increased academic performance
Mentors have seen a dramatic increase in the amount of reading time and their ability to focus
Two medical students have agreed to take the program on in upcoming academic year. The Student National Medical Association (SNMA) at Wake Forest and has agreed to incorporate it into their service programming.
Vinayak launched a limb rehab program to promote a healthier recovery after surgery for patients with severe vascular disease. His program addressed risk factors and promoted independence.
As a result of his efforts:
50 patients developed individualized limb rehab plans focused on mobility, exercise and tobacco cessation.
26 out of 50 patients made progress on their plans.
15 out of 26 patients made progress longitudinally over a 9-month period to increase their level of physical activity.
A video series of joint and limb strengthening exercises as well as videos describing the connection between diseases in the different vascular beds and its impact on overall health and function are under production to help future patients.
Site: Duke Outpatient Clinic and Lincoln Community Center
Mentors: Dr. Philip Goodman, Dr. Gregory Brown andDr. Howard Eisenson
Aarti led the Duke Hot-Spotting Initiative which helped patients with complex healthcare needs by partnering them with Duke medical students to improve access to care. This model worked to increase patient adherence and trust in the healthcare system for Durham’s most vulnerable residents while also offering first year students a clinically focused opportunity to exercise their strength with a patient population where they are needed. The students met with patients in their homes to help identify the patient’s needs and barriers to health care. The students then assisted the patients in setting goals and getting connected to resources to help them achieve their health aims.
As a result of her efforts:
Patients:
Average 23% decrease in patient ED utilization rates during intervention vs 6 months prior to enrollment (n=12)
Average 13% increase in no-show rates during intervention vs 6 months prior to enrollment (n=12)
4 out of 8 patients with hypertension were controlled (140/90) after 6 months vs 2/8 prior to enrollment
4 out of 7 patients with diabetes had HbA1c under 6.5% vs 3/7 prior to enrollment
Students:
Increase in overall student comfort in AAMCs core competencies (n= 24)
Increase in students’ overall comfort with SMART goals, case presentations, EMRs, and community resources (n= 24)
Expansion:
Largest cohort of students (n=24), patients (n=12), and care managers/mentors (n=4)
Launched a new curriculum for 5 Nursing students in the Fall, aiming to revise program with a new hand-off structure during Summer 2018
Successfully passed paperwork for collaboration, but awaiting pilot at LCHC
Increase in professional diversity with mentors who from nursing, social work, and pharmacy, as well as a Masters in Social Work (MSW) student from North Carolina Central University
Established partnership with Fresh Food Program at DOC to help patients access fresh produce every month
Opportunity to share work with DHSI at the Consortium for Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships (CLIC) Conference in Singapore in October, 2017.
The curriculum is well-integrated within the Clinical Skills Foundation 1, as a separate branch of the Community Partners program. This program has also begun to inspire other student groups to begin a more systematic patient centered approach towards training students in community health, prevention, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
A 2019-20 Fellowship was awarded to Thomas Bunning and Sachi Oshima to expand the project.
Shian Williams
NCCU Communication Disorders
Site: National Stuttering Association (NSA) chapter in Raleigh and Chapel Hill
Academic Mentors: Dr. Sandra Jackson and Dr. Sheila Bridges-Bond
Site Mentor: Rita Thurman
Shian conducted a public speaking group for children and adults who stutter by partnering with the National Stuttering Association (NSA) chapter in Raleigh and Chapel Hill. She taught participants skills to manage negative attitudes and emotions and provided them with a safe space to practice public speaking.
As a result her efforts:
The National Stuttering Association has a greater capacity to help improve the public speaking abilities of people who stutter. The curriculum was enhanced to include public speaking opportunities such as table topics, introductions, and discussions to help participants to become comfortable with the uncomfortable.
The addition of the public speaking group resulted in a 30% increase of participants in public speaking opportunities outside of National Stuttering Association meetings.
Increased awareness regarding stuttering
2 children, 1 teen, and 6 adults educated fluent peers about stuttering at the public speaking showcase.
1 adult educated parents and speech-language pathologists about stuttering at the Friends One Day conference.
An annual public speaking showcase will be led by the National Student Speech-Language Hearing Association chapter at North Carolina Central University.
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor: Dr. Rocio Quinonez Site Mentor: Sara Juarez Site: UNC School of Dentistry Clinics and Durham Technical Community College
Erica and Ivette addressed the Spanish language barrier at the UNC School of Dentistry by interpreting for Spanish speaking patients as well as organizing volunteer medical interpreter students from Durham Technical Community College to provide Spanish interpretation services. The goal was to decrease the wait time for interpretation at the student clinics from the average reported 40 minutes to less than 15 minutes.
The project impacted three populations:
70 Spanish-speaking patients at the UNC School of Dentistry clinics
50 UNC dental students during their clinic time
13 students of the Translation/Interpretation Program at Durham Tech Community College
As a result of the project:
90.9 % of the dental students reported no wait while the remaining 9.1% reported waiting less than 15 minutes for an interpreter which was a great improvement over the previous average 40 minute wait time. The patients and students report high satisfaction level for the services provided.
An online training module was developed to provide adequate oral health and dental terminology training for volunteer interpreters.
The program will be sustained at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry by the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) as a service initiative. The Schweitzer Fellowship will provide $1,000 in sustainability funding for orientation sessions for the new interpreters and a thank you dinner for the volunteer interpreters at the end of the academic year.
Erica Afanador: “Participating in the Schweitzer Fellowship this year provided me with excellent leadership skills that I will forever implement in my professional life. Starting a service project from scratch was a feat that I am so proud to say Ivette and I conquered.”
Ivette Landrian: “This experience showed me that I have the leadership skills needed to begin a project from the ground up and see it through to the end until it was a success…With our program we were able to increase the efficiency of dental care at the school while fabricating meaningful dental student/patient relationships. Hopefully, this is a model that can one day make a difference in other dental schools.”
Carli Antor and Jamie L. Molina
UNC School of Dentistry
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor: Jennifer Harmon Site Mentor: Sarah Hartsock Site: Residential Services Inc.
Carli and Jamie improved the oral health of 46 adults with intellectual and physical disabilities by creating individualized oral health protocols at a residential care facility which were incorporated into the patients’ daily care plan. This was an expansion of a 2014-15 Schweitzer project. The Fellows gave caregivers specialized oral health training so that they may properly care for residents who are unable to brush and floss on their own and supervise those more independent residents in performing those tasks. They also worked directly with residents who are able to conduct their own oral hygiene on proper techniques. They also incorporated an occupational therapy student to address the physical needs of the patients as a whole. In additional to proper personalized oral hygiene routines, they provided education on nutrition and how it affects oral health. They made three home visits every 2 weeks each being 2 hours in length and observed both residents and caregivers in action to ensure that protocols are being followed and to reinforce the adopted oral health behaviors.
As a result of their efforts:
40 out of 46 residents had an improvement in oral health measured by a decrease in at least one of the following: plaque score, gingival index or caries risk; within one month from the initial visit.
6 residents were unable to be evaluated (due to unavailability or personal reasons).
19 out of 20 Direct Support Professionals (DSP) reported via a pre and post survey that they feel more comfortable in assisting the residents with their nightly routine. An additional 25 surveys were inconclusive (due to the DSPs not being available to take one of the surveys or omitting taking the survey).
46 out of 46 residents had an individualized implemented oral hygiene and occupational therapy protocol.
Created guided voice-over training on oral hygiene and nutrition for DSPs for future use.
The program will be sustained through the service organization ENNEAD at UNC SOD. UNC dental students on the ENNEAD board will oversee coordination of continued visits to the residential facilities along with an occupational therapy student. There was no need for sustainability funding. Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
Carli Antor: “Through this experience I was challenged to no longer think of a patient as the disease they are diagnosed with, but rather a human with a disease. The difference, however simple it may seem, can make a huge impact on how I view my patients in the future and will change how I discuss treatment options with them. The person is not the disease, and thus the disease should not define the person.”
Jamie Molina: “The current and future state of the Affordable Care Act and what it means to serve others – really emphasized the responsibility that we have to positively impact the welfare of others. It is not enough just to discuss these ideas though. Taking concrete actions like the Schweitzer program enables us to make these positive changes.”
Nicholas Brazeau and Anna Kahkoska
UNC School of Medicine
Academic Mentors: Drs. John Buse and Laura Young Site Mentors: Tracy Salisbury Site: Open Door Clinic of Alamance County
Anna and Nick implemented shared medical appointments (SMA) as the standard of care for diabetes at the Open Door Clinic (ODC) of Alamance County, a free clinic in Burlington, NC. They worked closely with the clinic’s Prevention Program (DMPP) to improve outcomes of patients with type II diabetes by offering monthly SMA for patients with Type 2 diabetes as well as enhanced screening, group education, and a reserved quarterly SMA for patients with prediabetes. At baseline, patients have suffered from poor clinical outcomes, loss-to-follow ups, and patient dissatisfaction from long wait-times and lack of accessibility. SMA intervention was found to be acceptable to patients and was associated with an aggregate improvement in glycemic control over 6 months. Students involved in SMA gained exposure to novel models of care, the challenges of other aspects of diabetes care, and the complexities of the patient-perceived experience of diabetes.
The DMPP-ODC occurs once a month and usually involves 6-15 patients that take part in the shared medical appointment (SMA). Patients are typically seen every three months — as recommended by the American Diabetes Association — and are triaged, participate in the SMA and are seen by a provider individually at the end of the night for medication adjustment during a given visit. Overall, the clinic lasts approximately 3-5 hours per session.
As a result of their efforts:
Implemented SMA as the standard of care at the DMPP-ODC.
Overall, saw a statistically significant 0.5% reduction in HbA1c when controlling for individual patient levels and with SMA intervention as a binary variable using linear mixed-effect modeling with varying (random) interepts.
Overall, analysis of qualitative scores are ongoing, as Fellows are waiting for full 6-month and 12-month follow-ups, but preliminary records indicate that peer support has improved and diabetes distress has decreased through the SMA intervention.
The UNC MD/PhD program has made a commitment to sustaining the program, and Nick and Anna are currently training a first year MD/PhD to lead DMPP-ODC. The Fellows will continue to be involved as they finish the last two years of their PhD program. Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
Anna Kahkoska: “Working through a project like this changes the way that I think about health inequity and gives me the proof of principle and self-efficacy to continue addressing the problems I see through service to those in need.”
Nick Brazeau: “The Schweitzer Fellowship was crucial in affording me the opportunity to learn how to implement a program in a resource limited setting and administer change in a nontraditional patient population…My view on helping those in needs has been shifted greatly by this project, as I have come to realize that although there is a great patient/care need, we also greatly rely on the patients to trust us and let us be involved in their lives. I hope the warmth that we feel in lending a hand is conveyed back in terms of our appreciation to each patient.”
Heather Burrell and Jing Han
Duke School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Drs. Monica Slubicki and Lawrence Greenblatt Site Mentor: Dr. Steven Worringham Site: Carolina Outreach
Jing and Heather partnered with Carolina Outreach’s Assertive Community Treatment Teams (ACTT) to provide medical and mental health care coordination to the outpatient psychiatric population in the Durham community through home-based visits. The project, Community Care Coordination (C3), was designed to (1) empower patients to effect change in their health behaviours to improve health outcomes; (2) destigmatise mental illness; and (3) help medical students build leadership skills through service learning in a multidisciplinary healthcare team. Five teams of student pairs (1 first year medical student and 1 third year medical student) were partnered with a patient with severe mental illness, and conducted once-monthly visits with their patient from mid-October until June. First year students also attended weekly discussions/lectures for 8 weeks in the fall as part of the core curriculum. Topics covered included: introduction to ACTT, psychiatry, severe persistent mental illness, psychiatric interventions, motivational interviewing, the patient interview and exam, and healthcare coaching. These didactics were continued on a monthly basis in the spring, with invited speakers from the community to continue in-depth discussion on topics such as motivational interviewing, shared decision making, and tools to track behavior change.
Students worked with patients on behaviour changes through shared decision making, and report improved understanding of mental illness and increased comfort with psychiatric patients.
As a result of their effort:
5 out of 5 patients identified specific health goals
1 out of 5 patients achieved a health goal
2 out of 5 patients achieved progress toward a health goal
Feedback from ACT teams suggested even broaching behavior change is considered a success as patients often struggle with illness insight
Students reported greater understanding of psychiatric illness and comfort with psychiatric patients
Program has been integrated into the Duke School of Medicine curriculum
The Fellows have identified two third year medical students who will lead the program next year. The program has been incorporated into the “Introduction to the Practice of Medicine” course for all first-year medical students and for third-year students. First-year medical students who participated have been encouraged to continue in the program and serve as student facilitators during their third-year. During the 2016-17 academic year, the Fellows received additional grant funding from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation Helping Hands Grant, which will provide additional funding for supplies for next academic year. Therefore, there was no need for additional sustainability funding. Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
Jing Han: “The psychiatrists I have worked with in C3 have modelled the sort of commitment to their patients that I strive for in my own practice [in surgery]. Moreover, they offer a tempered perspective when it comes to approaching care for marginalized and difficult patients, and I have relished the opportunity to learn from many different people as I work to finesse my own relationship with patients.”
Heather Burrell: “This year has taught me that I am passionate about the care of patients with severe mental illness, and that I can affect change in their care through innovation.”
Vinay Choksi and Kyle Freischlag
Duke School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Katja Elbert-Avila Site Mentor: Lorraine Galkowski Site: Durham VA Medical Center
Kyle and Vinay helped older adults with memory loss improve their health and well-being through personalized music therapy. With feedback from the participants, staff, and families, the Fellows create titrated personalized music tracks downloaded onto iPods to connect patients with memories triggered by music cues. Volunteers and staff ensure patients have access to their playlists most days of the week.
As a result of their efforts:
10 residents with dementia were engaged with 3 hours of personalized music each week for 20 weeks or longer.
Anecdotally, staff saw improvement in aspects of patients’ Communication, Agitation, Mood, and Cognition.
The Duke Music and Memory interest group will sustain the program at the Durham VA as well as continue programming at Eno Pointe which they have been sustaining from a 2015 Schweitzer project. The Fellowship will provide $1,000 in funding to support Music and Memory at both locations.
Kyle Freischlag: “As an aspiring academic surgeon, I can think of no greater unifying theme for my life than service…Dr. Schweitzer is the true role model of selfless service and he made the world better for it. I hope that one day I can give back half of what he did.”
Vinay Choksi: “This year of service, marks the beginning of my understanding of Reverence for Life, but the end of my Fellowship year does not mean my understanding is complete. As I move into 4th year and into residency, I will be served well if I can remember and draw upon the experiences of this year.”
Lauren Cox
UNC School of Medicine
Academic and Site Mentor: Dr. Margaret Sullivan Site: McDowell Obstetrics and Gynecology
Lauren developed a health and wellness program for patients with gestational and pre-gestational diabetes to help them build the skills and confidence to successfully manage their disease. In addition to personalized educational sessions during their clinical appointment and by phone, patients received pedometers to encourage daily physical activity.
As a result of the program, 10 out of 14 patients:
Reported increased physical activity over baseline and tracked activity on blood glucose logs
Reported an improvement in overall mood
An additional 3 patients in the original group are just starting the program so do not have any reported outcomes yet
Lauren Cox: “It is physicians like Dr. Sullivan [Schweitzer site mentor] who continue to inspire me and show me what it means to be not only an amazing physician but someone who serves others before themselves.”
Alexandra Davis and Ljiljana Karan
ECU School of Dental Medicine
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor: Dr. Geralyn Crain and Dr. Kimberley Gise Site Mentor: Dr. Renee Spain and Dr. Sarah Smith Site: ECU School of Dental Medicine Clinic and ECU OB-GYN Clinic
Alex and Ljiljana Davis worked to improve the oral health of underserved pregnant women and their children in Greenville, NC by linking them to the dental school clinic for care through the Prenatal Oral Health Program (pOHP). This was an expansion of a 2015 Schweitzer project.
As a result of their efforts:
247 pregnant patients were referred to the ECU SoDM for dental treatment
52 out of 247 patients followed through on their referral and received $15,443 of dental treatment. The private practice cost of care would be $23,000
Expanded the referral network to the Health Department which resulted in 12 referrals
85 dental students participated in pOPH gaining skills in treating pregnant patients
All 20 OB-GYN residents and 13 midwifery students received pregnancy targeted oral health messaging and committed to implementing oral health into their pre-natal care routine
Creation of a standard operating procedure for treating pregnant patients
Creation of flipchart of formal educational materials to be used during the dental appointment based on the UNC School of Dentistry pOHP model
Created a pOHP interdisciplinary student interest group for sustainability purposes
In addition to creating a standard operating procedure when treating pregnant patients, the Fellows launched a pOHP interest group which will sustain educating health professional students, residents and providers and train staff at the community learning centers where the program will expand. ASF provided $1,000 in sustainability funding for educational materials, pregnancy pillows, and seed money for an educational video. Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
Alex Davis: “I am thankful for this opportunity for the Schweitzer Fellowship to strengthen my conviction of the necessity of serving others, so I may live my life in a way that fights for it.”
Lilijana Karan: “This experience taught me how to properly balance my life to still participate in projects that I care about. Now that I know that I have the ability to implement change as long as I persevere, I can indeed accomplish the goals I set forth.”
Herodes Guzman
UNC School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Rupal Yu Site Mentor: Dr. Abigail Devries Site: Piedmont Health Services in Carrboro
Herodes led twice monthly diabetes group visits and twice monthly insulin education clinics to English and Spanish-speaking patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. He aimed to improve patients’ glycemic control as measured by hemoglobin A1c, body weight, treatment adherence, self-management behaviors, and more.
As a result of his efforts:
16 diabetes group visits and 15 insulin education clinics were held providing $850 – $1,910 worth of free diabetes education services to 60 patients
Offered the insulin clinic model to all PHS clinics for implementation
Spanish-speaking medical students in a 4th year Latino Clinic elective will now rotate through the Diabetes Education Program to gain exposure to comprehensive diabetes education
The program will be expanded to the pediatric population in the upcoming year led by a 4th year CAMPOS (Comprehensive Advanced Medical Program of Spanish) medical student volunteer
Of the 14 patients followed for patient centered data:
10 our 14 patients had a decreased in HbA1C
6 out of the 10 patients had a decrease in HbA1C by ≥ 1%
14 out of 14 patients accomplished at least one self-management behavior smart goal
14 out of 14 patients improved or maintained medication adherence
13 out of 14 patients improved or maintained health care utilization
3 out of 14 patients decreased systolic/diastolic blood pressure by ≥ 20/10 points, respectively
1 patient Decreased body weight by ≥ 7%
Two UNC School of Medicine students were awarded a Schweitzer Fellowship to sustain Herodes’ project. Another UNC School of Medicine student will launch a similiar program for pediatric patients at the clinic. Click here to see a poster summary of his project.
Herodes Guzman: “This fellowship year has strengthened my understanding of diabetes health care, community service, and public health leadership. With this experience, I now feel more confident in my ability to develop, implement, and monitor a community service project. Consequently, I believe that I am more likely to pursue this type of work in my career as a pediatric endocrinologist.”
Catherine Harris and Masanao Sato
NCCU School of Education – Communication Disorders
Academic Mentor: Dr. Sandra Jackson Site Mentor: Lizzie Ellis-Furlong Site: Durham Literacy Center, Achievement Academy of Durham, and Families Moving Forward
Catherine and Mas partnered with the Durham Literacy Center and the Achievement Academy of Durham, two literacy and GED programs, as well as Families Moving Forward, a temporary homeless shelter for families. They held workshops for parents and caregivers to acquire knowledge and skills for engaging in home literacy activities with their families. Goals were to increase family reading time per week, help parents develop literacy skills to teach their children, and increase literacy skills in the parents’ and caregivers’ children.
As a result of their efforts:
10 out of 16 caregivers participated in joint reading time, implementing literacy strategies with their children for 15 minutes, 3 times a week.
12 out of 16 caregivers demonstrated increased use of emergent literacy techniques from the Family Book Reading Survey with their child(ren) when they read together.
In addition to measureable results, two residents who were unemployed for many years were now employed after participating in the class. While their success cannot be wholly attributed to the Fellows’ program, the site mentor felt that the workshop played a part in increasing their confidence in reading and parenting and suspects that it had a carryover effect that led them to be gainfully employed.
Regarding sustainability, the Durham Literacy Center and the Achievement Academy of Durham are incorporating parental support and aspects of intergenerational literacy into their classes/tutoring. Families Moving Forward is trying to incorporate a parental-literacy or reading program into their weekly cohort programming. Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
Catherine Harris: “The entire project has given me a new confidence and determination to serve the needs of others within my community. It has allowed me to understand more in-depth the issues that people in my community face and recognize that I can be a part of the difference in helping them achieve their potential.”
Mas Sato: “The best thing to come of this fellowship thus far is having an opportunity (with the guidance and support of the fellowship) to solidify a passing desire to help others into an actualized service project and forging onward with an unwavering commitment.”
Judd Heideman and Shimena Li
UNC School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Laura Paye Site Mentor: Brisa Henderson Site: Our Lady of Guadalupe Clinic
Judd and Shimena expanded a 2015 Schweitzer project, SALUD: Support and Awareness for Latinos Undertaking Disease management which serves the vulnerable Latino population of the volunteer-run free clinic at Our Lady of Guadalupe (OLOG) Catholic Church in Charlotte. They engaged ten underserved Latino patients who suffer from type II diabetes to empower them to improve chronic disease management, overall health, and quality of life. Of the ten, seven completed the entire program. The program consisted of 6 evidence based Stanford “Tomando Control de Su Salud” classes which were held 2.5 hours per session over a 2 ½ month time period. The expansion provided 6-month longitudinal support of participants while exploring and addressing social aspects influencing their disease. The small group size fostered building of relationships and peer support.
In addition to their diabetes work, they also supported the church based clinic held each month throughout their fellowship year. Through these clinics, they were able to establish a relationship with the patients at large while also addressing other health concerns of the project participants.
Clinic administration is currently interviewing UNC SOM students to continue to assist with the monthly OLOG clinics.
As a result of the project:
7 out of 7 participants used the fit trackers they were given to exercise on a regular basis. Average minimum walking time increased from 45 to 120 minutes per week.
Anecdotally, one patient reported meeting her goal of 14,000 steps per day after a baseline of little exercise.
7 out of 7 patients felt more empowered to visit their physician and ask questions about their health and management of their health problems.
Social support networks were formed among the participants who regularly met outside the program as exercise partners, recipe sharers, motivators, and most importantly as friends.
Judd Heideman: “This type of work has actually helped guide my pursuit of residency programs, seeking training in environments that have more opportunities to engage with the marginalized and share in the blessing of supporting life in all forms…The fellowship has had an impact on my career and growth and I feel the continued call to action to serve with reverence for life.”
Shimena Li: “Working with these patients was paramount to me surviving medical school. They reminded me why I was doing what I was doing and the potential impact I could have. I plan to continue this work throughout my career through volunteering at free clinics and offering my services for underserved patients.”
Leslie Hopper and John Hurley
ECU School of Medicine
Academic and Site Mentor: Dr. Angela Lamson Sites: Greenville Soup Kitchen and Greenville Homeless Shelter
John and Leslie created “On Belay” to support veterans through their transition from military service to civilian life by providing the support of someone who would be available for them to talk with and provide educational, personal health and other day to day living resources when the veteran requested. The objectives were to provide a link between the veteran and available resources to assist them in achieving their individual goals.
As a result of their efforts:
36 out of 36 veterans were connected to community based organizations to improve their health and well being
27 out of 36 veterans connected with resources followed through on utilizing the resource offered
Regarding sustainability, collaboration is being pursued with a government agency looking to create a similar system for the US Military under a more official capacity. Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
John Hurley: “The Schweitzer Fellowship provides a springboard. No matter what you’re doing, you need assistance and mentorship, and that’s what this program provides.”
Leslie Hopper: “I felt that this Schweitzer Fellowship helped to structure our project and goals in a way that made it more manageable to attempt to create effective and long-lasting projects.”
Anna Laughman and Emily Cunningham
ECU School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Tom Irons Site Mentor: Dr. Robin Marcom-Tutor Site: NC Agromedicine Institute
Anna and Emily provided pesticide safety education to migrant farm workers and health care providers in rural eastern NC. They partnered with the North Carolina Agromedicine Institute and Greene County Medical Center to provide pesticide education and protective equipment to farm workers. They also trained health care professionals how to recognize and treat the acute symptoms of pesticide poisoning and to administer medical clearance forms needed for farm workers to work legally and safely to conform with new OSHA regulations. The Fellows are currently developing a PBL learning case into the medical school curriculum and a local AHEC online learning module.
As a result of their efforts:
Visited 15 farms and educated 75 farm workers to adopt pesticide prevention behaviors
Provided over 100 nitrile glove pairs and 50 bandanas to farmworkers
Educated 25 health care providers in two counties about pesticide poisoning and how to provide appropriate OSHA medical clearance to farm workers mixing, handling, or loading pesticides
Launched an Agromedicine Interest Group at Brody School of Medicine at ECU to sustain their efforts
Anna: “Implementing this project with Emily has been an incredible year of service; and one that has taught me about community project development, the significance of networking, and the incredible ability to make a good idea a reality.”
Emily: “I truly feel that the Schweitzer Fellowship has improved my ability to initiate projects and ideas and to stick with a specific plan despite challenges.”
Vaidehi Mujumdar and Rachel Shenker
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Julie Linton Site Mentor: Patrick Cromwell Site: Mt. Tabor High School
Vaidehi and Rachel addressed the low rate of HPV vaccination in Forsyth County through a novel teen cancer prevention program which emphasized cancer prevention education as opposed to focusing on sexually transmitted infections. This approach empowered adolescents to understand the health implications of vaccines with a focus on HPV, smoking, skin cancer, and the importance of visiting a primary care provider annually. Through interactive workshops and a student led ambassador program, the Fellows empowered teens about their own health and created change in behaviors that decrease cancer risk. The Fellows met with 30 tenth grade students during weekly 90-minute sessions over the course of 5 months during their health class.
25 out of 30 students demonstrated engagement in healthy cancer prevention behaviors through participation in the #healthyliving social media campaign using platforms including Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat
Initiated a peer health student ambassadorship
Through the intervention, the academic mentor was able to identify one of the students as undocumented and connected her with the Downtown Health Plaza
Two Wake Forest School of Medicine students will be sustaining the program next year and expanding the peer health ambassadorship to become an after school club. Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
Vaidehi Mujumdar: “This fellowship year has strengthened my resolve to engage in advocacy and community work as a medical professional…I think the Fellowship structure and activities allowed me to really engage in how to develop a program and it is definitely something I will carry forward in my career and personal life.”
Rachel Shenkar: “I hope to live by his [Dr. Albert Schweitzer’s] example and do what I think is right and using my achievements, such as the Schweitzer fellowship to make a difference in the world.”
Heather Newman and Haldis Andersen
UNC School of Dentistry
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor: Dr. Allen Samuelson Site Mentor: Dr. Beat Steiner Site: UNC WakeBrook Behavioral Health Facility
Haldis and Heather sustained and expanded a 2015 Schweitzer project, a volunteer dental clinic that provided free urgent care treatment to patients struggling with mental illness. While working closely with WakeBrook primary care physicians who referred patients, they treated existing oral disease and provided instruction for better long term oral health. Clinics were held twice monthly (expanded from the previously monthy clinic) for 3-hour treatment sessions. The procedures completed included: examinations, consultations, radiographs, cleanings, simple extractions, restorations, and surgical extractions. They also held 11 oral health education classes for the patients.
As a result:
Held 14 clinical sessions with over $20,000 of free dental care provided to 62 WakeBrook patients with acute needs
Provided 64 limited exams, 66 extractions, five cleanings, three fillings, and 69 radiographs
Involved 27 UNC DDS student volunteers who gained valuable experience with interdisciplinary care and high risk patient populations
Recruited two local dentists in direct clinical care
Renewed the Memorandum of Understanding between UNC School of Dentistry and WakeBrook
Haldis Andersen: “By participating in this fellowship, I realized how much I valued involving service and public health in my future career. This realization has given me confidence in choosing to pursue a public health focused residency following dental school…I feel that I have become confident in my ability to enact change in my communities. This has been a humbling and inspirational experience, and, I believe, has given me a true understanding of reverence for life, and the tools to ‘make my life my argument.’”
Heather Newman: “I refuse to see my work as a business, but rather as a service that above all is patient-centered and patient-driven. After so many wonderful experiences and interactions with incredible people, I feel that I have found my course and direction. Going forward remains the test, as Dr. Schweitzer said, of staying true to that course and seeking to always serve and endure along the way despite the boulders that try to prevent me in following my path. Game on!”
Shannon Schroeder and Shane Stone
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Meggan Goodpasture Site Mentor: Heather Dunleavy Site: Crossnore School & Children’s Home
Shane and Shannon created Project LEGACY to improve the wellness of foster care adolescents who come from substance abusing homes through group sessions focused on educational activities and emotional support. The project name was inspired to help participants create a new legacy of their own—to break the cycle of abuse, addiction, and trauma they were born into. Over the course of six months, they held 90-minute sessions, twice weekly, for nine participants.
Of the 7 participants who completed the entire program:
7 of 7 showed improvement in two or more of the following areas: anxiety, depression, suicidality, or self-concept inventories.
4 of 7 utilized the presented self-care techniques three times a week or more for at least one month of the program
5 out of 7 completely abstained or decreased drug or alcohol abuse
3 of 7 completely abstained from substances
1 additional student stopped using substances during the course of the program
1 additional student decreased usage during the course of the program
The site has agreed to continue Project LEGACY in collaboration with another Wake Forest School of Medicine (WFSOM) MD/PhD candidate and the newly established WFSOM Addiction Medicine Interest Group, and to expand it to all foster adolescents who have experienced trauma. The site is also incorporating aspects of Project LEGACY into its annual Summer Enrichment Program, including mindfulness exercises, physical activity, and healthy cooking and eating. Click here to see a poster summary of their project.
Shannon Schroeder: “I believe it is my duty to work, act, and live in a way that fosters equitable respect for all life, and the Schweitzer fellowship has provided me with the tools and insight to accomplish this.”
Shane Stone: “In terms of leadership development this fellowship helped me hone my skills in developing a project and successfully executing it… This [experience] enhances my desire to do service as a professional. I feel that once I have a license I will be able to make even greater contributions.”
Karen White
NCCU School of Social Work
Academic Mentor: Dr. Lorraine Graves Site Mentor: Michael Bridges Site: Freedom House (Durham location)
Karen led three 12-week workshop series (3 hours per session) for low income, substance abuse outpatients focused on maintaining their sobriety and managing their diabetes. In addition, Karen held one-on-one mentoring sessions on a monthly basis. Participants were able to show behavior changes through self-report in journals, group discussion and individual sessions. Other clinicians in the agency and at the halfway house were able to verify the self-report attainment of nutritional and exercise goals, and medical provider report was the verification point for biometric goals.
As a result of the intervention:
all 50 participants were able to abstain from substance use, over at least a 3 month period of time as shown in periodic and random urinary drug screens and breathalyzer tests
In addition, 40 out of 50 participants were able to manage their diabetes through at least 2 of the following to be chosen by the client:
improved HbA1c (as reported by health care provider with consent from the client) fasting blood glucose levels as self-reported in the journal
observed healthy eating by staff
food journal self-report of behavior change
pedometer readings
A Likert-Scale reading at least 2 points above baseline concerning their feelings about self-management.
Karen won second place at the NCCU Graduate and Undergraduate Research Symposium on April 1, 2017 for her Schweitzer project. Click here to see a summary of her project.
Freedom House Outpatient Clinic has committed to sustaining the program, and Karen will continue providing the service on a voluntary basis post-graduation. The program will restart in June 2017 and will follow the original outline of one three-hour group a week for 12-week sessions. The program will expand to include total wellness support during substance use treatment using Wellness Recovery Action Planning in addition to DEEP and Matrix interventions. As the materials are provided from the original stipend, no additional funds are required for sustainability. Click here to see a poster summary of her project.
Karen White: “This experience has helped me become a better leader by giving me specific evaluation tactics, practice in my chosen field and the ability to network with people with whom I might not otherwise have had access. What I found most meaningful about the experience was seeing so many other people have dedication and passion for helping others.”
Fellows for Life: 2015-16
Ashley Appiagyei and Celeste Brown
University of North Carolina, School of Medicine
Mentor: Dr. Cedric Bright Academic Mentor: Jin Ellington Site: Citizen Schools, Sherwood Githens and Neal Middle Schools
Ashley and Celeste created Brains, Brawn and Beauty (BBB) to promote positive life outcomes in minority middle school girls to build self-esteem and provide skills in goal setting and achievement. The weekly after school program was held within Citizen Schools programming throughout the fall semester at two different middle schools. Each session was 1.5 hours and 30 girls participated in the program. Objectives of the program are to increase perceptions of global (overall) and domain-specific self-esteem by the end of the intervention compared to baseline measures. BBB was recognized by Citizen Schools as an exemplary program for middle school girls in Durham County. Click here to see a poster summary of the project.
As a result, 28 out of 30 girls showed increases in their self-perception in global and/or domain-specific self-esteem. Of note:
25 out of 30 girls reported higher self-perceptions in “Social Competence”
15 out of 30 girls rated higher self-perceptions in “Scholastic Competence”
17 out of 30 girls rated higher self-perception in global self-esteem
The Fellows recruited two UNC School of Medicine students who continued the program at Sherwood Githens Middle School in the spring semester.
Ashley Appiagyei: “Participating in this fellowship has further solidified my desire to incorporate community service in my professional career and personal life. Having the experience to interact in such a deep and meaningful way with the children from the demographic group that our apprenticeship targeted was extremely fulfilling.”
Celeste Brown: “This experience helped to solidify my passion for mentorship, and also highlighted for me different ways in which I can impact young lives even as I move further in my career toward becoming a doctor. It illustrated for me ways that I can be effective and helpful outside of treating illnesses, and can become a part of the community I will serve.”
Nick Baker and Sarah Brobeck
University of North Carolina, School of Dentistry
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor: Dr. Allen Samuelson Site Mentor: Dr. Beat Steiner Site: UNC Health Care’s WakeBrook Facility
Baker and Brobeck launched a free oral health urgent care clinic at WakeBrook Healthcare Services which treats patients who are struggling with substance abuse, mental illness, and development disabilities. Launching the clinic required working with a team from WakeBrook, UNC School of Medicine and UNC School of Dentistry to ensure legal compliance was met and financial and logistical challenges were met. They obtained funding to acquire the dental chairs, dental suctioning and drilling units, electric air compressor, disposable supplies, and restorative materials now owned by the UNC Student Volunteers Dental Clinic. The x-ray system and sterilized hand instruments are still being borrowed from the UNC School of Dentistry.
While working closely with WakeBrook primary care physicians who referred patients, they treated existing oral disease and provide instruction for better long term oral health. Clinics were held on a monthly basis for 3-hour treatment sessions. The procedures completed included: examinations, consultations, radiographs, cleanings, simple extractions, and surgical extractions. They added the capacity to provide restorations (“fillings”) for our March and April clinics, but none of the patients who attended those sessions wished to have those services completed.
As a result:
Acquired funding, equipment, and supplies, obtained legal compliance, and met with UNC School of Dentistry and WakeBrook leadership to launch a monthly, onsite no fee dental clinic at WakeBrook.
Held 7 clinical sessions with over $8,000 of free dental care provided to 27 WakeBrook patients with acute needs.
Involved over 20 UNC DDS student volunteers who provided valuable experience with interdisciplinary care and high risk patient populations.
This clinic will be sustained by two 2016-17 NC Albert Schweitzer Fellows and expanded to be held twice a month.
Nick Baker: “The journey of creating and leading this project with Sarah was incredibly formative and one that I will never forget. Our fellowship provided so much insight into many aspects of dentistry that I had no experience with, including legal discussions, financial concerns, researching and acquiring equipment and supplies, treating patients with mental illness and substance abuse issues, providing treatment in a portable clinic, and many more. Navigating these difficult situations, especially on a project of this scope, not only helped develop me professionally but personally as well. I made great strides in my communication, leadership, and problem solving skills this year and also learned many things about the flexibility and hard work required to create a dental clinic from scratch.”
Sarah Brobeck: “As I reflect on my year as an Albert Schweitzer Fellow, I am filled with feelings of gratitude, satisfaction, pride, and inspiration. I grew as a project partner, mentee, healthcare provider, and person. This past year helped me to develop into a more compassionate, well-rounded person to interact with all types of people who may come into my dental practice. My understanding of how to network, recruit, and interact with people to help with future projects has improved immensely.” Click here to see a poster summary of the project.
Alex Baumgarten and Hetal Patel
East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Suzanne Lazorick Site Mentors: Tara Worrell and Sheila Latham Site: Lucille W. Gorham Intergenerational Community Center
Alex and Hetal launched a girls running group and healthy lifestyles after school program for middle school girls. They met Mondays and Wednesday for a total of 2 ½ hours weekly and worked with two separate groups: 4th and 5thgraders, and 6th and 7th graders. The sessions consisted of physical activity and healthy lifestyle discussions. Click here to see a poster summary of the project.
As a result:
13 of 17 girls finished a race (5k race or ½ 5K race).
8 of 9 girls finished the final 5k race.
15 of 17 girls exercised 3 hours or more per week.
9 of 17 girls limited their non-school related screen time to 2 hours a day 4 or more days per week.
13 of 17 girls drank 6 or more 8 oz. glasses of water a day.
Serve Greenville, a ECU SOM interest group, will sustain the program at the Lucille W. Gorham Intergenerational Community Center. As the group has access to financial resources, there was no need for sustainability funding.
Alex Baumgarten: “Our impact only goes so far, but when we all work together, we not only spread our service, but likewise our ambition to serve. This then becomes contagious, and is passed on, spreading the Reverence for Life wherever we go. This is especially pertinent now as we move forward with our sustainability and passing down the project. It is not our impact, but the impact of spreading goodness and bringing others to spread goodness that is so important.”
Hetal Patel: “This program has taught me the value of patience when aiming to achieve long-term goals. This lesson is one that I will carry with me throughout my professional career. Health problems cannot be solved overnight, just as changing the unhealthy behaviors of these girls could not be changed overnight. Understanding this while still appreciating progress made will extremely valuable as a physician.”
Janice Cho and Avani Singh
Wake Forest University, School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Julie M. Linton, MD Site Mentor: Cam Kilby Site: William G White YMCA
Janice and Avani focused on building confidence and self-esteem in young women by establishing an art therapy and creative expression after school program for underserved fourth and fifth grade girls in Winston-Salem. They conducted 29 2-hour sessions twice weekly focusing on journal writing, arts and crafts, photography, exercise, and theatre arts. Furthermore, we also integrated intercultural forms of art therapy and creative expression such as creation of Tibetan prayer flags, Guatemalan worry dolls, as well as Bhangra/Indian dance instruction. Click here to see a poster summary of the project.
As a result, participants reported the following for six weeks or longer:
16 out of 18 students adopted one form of creative expression two times per week
14 out of 18 students increased physical activity by 30 minutes three times per week
14 out of 18 students adopted a new form of physical activity such as yoga at least once a week
15 out of 18 students reduced screen time by 2 hours a day
The William G White YMCA will conduct creative arts activities one or more times each month. There was no need for sustainability funding.
Janice Cho: “The Schweitzer project will ultimately be my ‘secondary pursuit to serve humanity’ until I can ‘devote [my] full life to serve humanity’, in accordance with Dr. Schweitzer’s philosophy.”
Avani Singh: “I feel that I have been extremely fortunate in my life with my education and all the opportunities that come with it, that I feel responsible for contributing to the education of others. As we work with the Schweitzer fellowship program throughout the year, I hope that Janice and I may be an example for the rest of our medical school to help give others similar educational opportunities that we have all experienced in our past.”
Rebecca Flint
University of North Carolina, School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Andrew McWilliams Site Mentor: Brisa Hernandez Site: Our Lady of Guadalupe Free Clinic
Rebecca created SALUD: Support and Awareness for Latinos Undertaking Disease management to help the underserved Latino population of the volunteer-run free clinic at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Charlotte take charge of their health. Rebecca started this program to enhance the care of the free clinic by engaging underserved Latino patients who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and obesity in a 6 month program to educate and empower them to improve chronic disease management, overall health, and quality of life. The program consisted of a three 6-week evidence based Stanford “Tomando Control de Su Salud” classes which were held 2.5 hours per week. There were also six month evaluations of objective and subjective measures that were completed one-on-one with medical students as well as focus groups to identify barriers to health. Some participants had striking improvements in their health such as being able to stop medications, lose weight and gain control of their chronic diseases because of their dedication to the program and compliance with guidelines set in the class. Others struggled to improve their health objectively, but overall participants reported better health and quality of life. Click here to see a poster summary of the project.
As a result of the program:
36 patients participated in the program
Quality of life improvement average of 1.8 on a scale of 1-10
Average weight loss of 1.5 lbs.
9 out of 36 patients lost over 5 lbs.
15 out of 36 patients lost >1 in waist circumference and 8 of the 15 lost >2 in
One participant lowered is Hgb A1C by 4.1 points
Unexpected social support networks were formed between participants
A desire to understand the barriers to improved health has impacted the future direction of this program and led to awarding a 2016-17 Fellowship to UNC School of Medicine students Shimena Li and Judd Heideman. They plan to continue this program while focusing on gaining a better understanding of the social determinants of health that hinder these patients from improving their objective measures to match their subjective view of improved health and life.
Rebecca Flint: “Caring for people and watching their transformation, the joy flooding back into their smile, the change from desperation to hope, and the love that surrounds this work is addicting. Time is precious and it is so limited, often in medical school we become burnt out and jaded about the field that we initially loved and desired. Doing work where you are able to lend a hand for me has been the fuel that keeps me going. In moments when I am tired and overwhelmed by this project, my patients remind me of why I am doing it and renew my strength by showing me how much this work means to them and what a difference it has made in their lives.”
Daniel Goltz and Kelly Murphy
Duke University, School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Heidi White Site Mentor: Doris Coleman Site: Eno Pointe Assisted Living Center
Kelly and Daniel helped older adults with memory loss improve their health and well-being through personalized music therapy. With feedback from the participants, staff, and families, the Fellows create titrated personalized music tracks downloaded onto iPods to connect patients with memories triggered by music cues. Volunteers and staff ensure patients have access to their playlists most days of the week. Throughout the year long program, they served 40 residents with dementia and documented improvement in aspects of their Communication, Agitation, Mood, and Cognition. Click here to see a poster summary of the project.
As a result of their efforts, 20 out of 30 participating residents with memory impairment will improve in one or more of the following ways by participating in the personalized music therapy program for 20 or more weeks:
12 out of 30 improved emotional status
8 out of 30 managed stress-induced agitation
5 out of 30 maintained or improved cognitive functioning
The Fellows were featured speakers at several conferences, including a long-term care conference at Duke Medicine, a Dementia Beyond Disease Conference, as well as the national AMDA Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine Conference in Orlando, FL. At AMDA conference, their project won a 2016 AMDA Foundation Quality Improvement and Health Outcome Award, and Eno Pointe with Doris Coleman was recognized as a facility of excellence.
The Fellows created a Music and Memory interest group, an officially recognized organization at Duke, to sustain the program at Eno Pointe. Two Duke students were awarded a 2016-17 NC Schweitzer Fellowship the launch the program at the Durham VA.
Kelly Murphy: “It is truly eye-opening to know there are so many directions that we can take the project, and having other people committed towards addressing healthcare disparities to discuss these directions and challenges makes being a Fellow so valuable. Our project has really put into perspective what is required to care for memory impaired adults, only increasing my appreciation for those who provide care for such individuals.”
Daniel Goltz: “Maintaining a perspective of service, just like Albert Schweitzer, has been critical for my personal development. From a professional standpoint, it has been an incredibly enlightening experience. Getting to interact with geriatric populations in their actual homes was such an incredible experience to go through as a training physician, and will inform the treatment plans I craft going forward. The benefits for my professional development have been perhaps the most unexpected facet of our Schweitzer Fellowship.”
Morgan Hardy and Jerry Lee
Duke University, School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Phillip Goodman, Site Mentors: Dr. Natasha Cunningham and Marigny Manson Site: Duke Outpatient Clinic
Jerry and Morgan led a Duke Hotspotting Initiative (DHI), an innovative project that involves first-year medical students in the care of Duke Health System’s highest utilizing, most medically-complex patients. Students met with patients in their home, helped identify and address the patients’ barriers to good health, and helped them set meaningful goals to overcome those barriers. This past year, we enlisted the help of 20 student volunteers, serving a total of 10 patients. We witnessed a meaningful increase in patient engagement, as well as a 60 percent decrease in ED visits among these patients. Click here to see a poster summary of the project.
DHI outcomes:
Across the 9 patients that participated for a full 6 months in phase II of the project, we witnessed a 60% drop in ED visits. These 9 patients had an average of 4.7 ED visits during the 6 months prior to enrollment (May to October 2015), and had an average of 1.9 ED visits during the 6month program (November 2015 to April 2016).
6 out 7 patients who completed pre and post surveys increased their Patient Activation Measure score. The remaining patient indicated no change.
Anecdotally, the student volunteers were successful in helping several of the patients make and achieve meaningful health goals. The most successful story was a patient who was able to lose over 35 pounds with the help of the students over the course of the program.
DHI will be sustained as an opt-in alternative to the first year Community Partner requirement in practice course. Schweitzer Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding for celebration dinners for volunteers and patients. The School of Medicine Dean of Curriculum pledged to provide any further funding needed.
The Fellows presented DHI at the Opening Plenary Session of the Society for General Internal Medicine Annual Meeting, only the second medical student team to be awarded that honor.
Jerry Lee: “Duke Hotspotting Initiative was the most meaningful accomplishment of my medical school career thus far, owing to its scope, impact, and my personal investment in the project from ideation to execution to transition.”
Morgan Hardy: “Something that I really loved about participating in the Schweitzer Fellowship is being enabled to actually do something about the injustices and inequities in our health care system. During my clinical rotations in medical school, I witnessed first-hand how our system sometimes does a very poor job taking care of people, and I was glad that I could be a small part of the solution to this problem over the past year.”
Mary Bec Keith and Kaitlyn Anderson
East Carolina University, School of Dental Medicine
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor: Dr. Linda May Site Mentor: Dr. Edward Newton Site: ECU School of Dental Medicine Clinic and ECU OBGYN Clinic
Mary Bec and Kaitlyn launched a Prenatal Oral Health Program (pOHP) at the ECU School of Dentistry Clinic to provide care to pregnant patients who needed a dental home. The Fellows trained medical students and residents in the ECU Ob-Gyn Clinic to include oral health messaging and referrals to their pregnant patients as part of their prenatal care. Program also served to give dental students experience serving pregnant patients. Clinic was modeled after a program launched at UNC by two 2012-13 Schweitzer Fellows. Click here to see a poster summary of the project.
As a result of their project:
A Prenatal Oral Health Program was established at the ECU School of Dental Medicine.
88 patients have been referred to the ECU pOHP clinic.
47 out of 88 patients received $5,065 of dental treatment. The private practice cost of care would be $8051.
80 medical students and all 20 residents will receive pregnancy targeted oral health messaging and committed to implementing oral health into their pre-natal care routine.
51 dental students will have participated in the pOPH rotation gaining skills in treating pregnant patients.
A 2016-17 Fellowship was awarded to two ECU School of Dental Medicine students to sustain and expand the project to other referral sites as well as provide formal education materials.
Mary Bec Keith: “This showed me just how much impact I can have on someone else’s life just by using what I learn in school along with a little compassion. I cannot wait to use what I learned throughout this year to hopefully start similar programs to provide the less fortunate with access to dental care in the future.”
Kaitlyn Anderson: “I hope to own my own practice one day and this project has helped prepared me to work continuously to better myself and achieve my goals.”
Rita Kuwahara
University of North Carolina, School of Medicine
Academic Mentor and Site Mentor: Dr. Amy Weil Site: UNC Ambulatory Care Center’s Internal Medicine Hospital Follow-Up Clinic
Rita created the Triangle Interprofessional Partners for Prevention (TIPP), an interprofessional service-based and educational initiative that pairs medicine, public health, nursing, and social work students with patients in the community who have multiple unmet health and social needs and have been hospitalized several times in the past year. The objectives were to understand patients’ stories and comprehensively address their health and social needs in order to prevent unnecessary rehospitalizations and improve patients’ overall health. Over a six month period, the TIPP team visited patients multiple times at home, helped to establish primary care providers for patients, ensured that they attended their hospital follow-up outpatient appointments after hospital discharge, accompanied patients to the majority of their primary care and specialty clinical appointments to serve as patient advocates and helped coordinate their care, provided basic health education about their conditions, connected them with resources in the community to help address their unmet social needs, assisted them in navigating the healthcare system, and identified system-level barriers to equitable access to care. Through this initiative, the TIPP team learned how to successfully work in interprofessional teams to empower patients to achieve better health outcomes and identify and address structural barriers and system-level failures that are preventing individuals in the community from enjoying optimal health. Click here to see a poster summary of the project.
As a result of the project:
4 out of 7 patients achieved one or more of their self-identified goals, selected from a menu of health or social care management plans
4 out of 7 patients attended their hospital follow-up clinic visit
4 out of 7 patients achieved access to at least one identified necessary social resource: result achieved
4 out of 7 patients, successfully bridged the communication between the hospital follow-up clinic providers and patients’ primary care physicians through direct communication and/or documentation of social/health needs in UNC’s electronic medical record
3 of the 7 patients did not have an unnecessary hospitalization over a 30 day period
Regarding sustainability, a team of interprofessional students at UNC will continue to work in smaller teams of 2-3 students per patient to enroll new patients and continue all of the activities of this project as described in the project activities section above. This project will be integrated into the curricula of the UNC health professional schools involved. There was no need for sustainability funding.
Rita Kuwahara: “My project experiences have taught me how passionate I am about issues of access to care and how important it is for me to continue advocating for the rights of those less able to speak for themselves to ensure that they can enjoy good health without regard to social or financial standing.”
Arianne Morrison and Rachel Skains
Wake Forest University, School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Isai Gopalakrishnan Bowline Site Mentor: Dr. John Burkart Site: Salem Kidney and Piedmont Wake Forest Dialysis Centers
Arianne and Rachel addressed decreased quality of life, health literacy and mental health in chronic kidney disease by establishing a health wellness education program for individuals on hemodialysis. After providing direct education sessions and understanding patients’ challenges to health due to their disease, they focused on increasing the capacity of the center to meet these patients individual needs. By developing six engaging health education videos on kidney disease, dialysis diet, medications, treatment options, mental health and patient advocacy, they increased patient access to health education materials, which improved health literacy in both group settings and one-on-one. Click here to see a poster summary of the project.
For long term sustainability, the centers will loop the health videos on TV DVD 1-2x daily during periods of highest occupancy of patients in the lobby. Furthermore, the dialysis centers implemented patient-based viewing of the videos to facilitate a personalized approach to health needs: rounding physicians “prescribe” specific videos as needed to be viewed on individual iPads and discussed with social workers. There was no need for sustainability funding as the Fellows had already purchased the iPads with Fellowship funding.
Arianne Morrison: “Our project and the skills I have learned creating this project with Rachel do not end in April [when the fellowship year ends]. Wherever I go for residency, I will use the same drive and creativity to see where I can be of service to someone who needs it. And that is how we continue to exemplify the idea of Reverence for Life.
Rachel Skains: “The Schweitzer Fellowship has taught me the importance of serving humanity as a secondary pursuit in everyday activities just by acting compassionately toward others. If we approach each patient as an opportunity to positively impact through goodness, then we not only enrich our lives as human beings but our professional lives as well.”
Margaret Pray (Margo) and Amanda Gambill
University of North Carolina, School of Medicine
Academic and Site Mentor: Dr. Benjamin Gilmer Site: Mountain Area Health Education Center’s Cane Creek Practice and Celo Health Center
Margo and Amanda created Project GUIDE, Group visits for the Underserved Improving Diabetes Education, to address the need for chronic disease management for patients with diabetes in rural areas within an hour radius of Asheville NC where diabetes is a top ten cause of death. This outreach was delivered at 2 rural clinics (Cane Creek and Celo) in a set of 8-10 weekly and biweekly group visits focused on diabetes, nutrition, exercise/physical activity, stress relief, goal setting, and preparing for difficult situations. Click here to see a poster summary of the project.
As a result:
11 of the 13 patients enrolled achieved at least 3 of the following by 3 months post completion of the group visit curriculum:
7 out of 13 patients had a ≥0.5% reduction in HgbA1c levels
7 out of 13 patients exercised at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes for 4 months
13 out of 13 patients had blood glucose levels appropriate number of times per day (as determined by physician), 5 out of 7 days a week
13 out of 13 patients were up to date on complication follow-up, including ophthalmology and daily foot checks
9 out of 13 patients followed a healthy diet: reduction of eating out to less than 2 times per week, or increase to 3-4 fruits and vegetables per day, or eat less than 1 sweet dessert per week
5 out of 13 patients had a 25% decrease in stress levels as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)
4 out of 13 patients had a 7% reduction in body weight
Another Schweitzer Fellowship was awarded to two UNC School of Medicine students to sustain the project at Cane Creek and expand it to another site. Celo Clinic staff will sustain the project at that site.
Amanda Gambill: The group visits at Celo have helped change my perspective of medicine. I have learned that the art of medicine is not just helping the sick by sitting on a stool and writing a prescription; rather, it is helping those in need by reaching out, taking moments to understand one’s journey more fully. The group visits help providers understand the chronic disease journey in a way 15 min appointments could never allow. I am thankful for the insight, keeping in mind always that the more I understand an individual, the more I can help.
Margo Pray: I feel as though now I have the confidence, guidance, and resourcefulness to reach out to a community, see what exists, see where partnerships can be formed, and begin to start new things and make improvements to things that already exist. These are skills that exist outside of my clinic walls, and I am forever grateful to the Albert Schweitzer fellowship for providing me with the opportunity to develop and strengthen these skills.
Elizabeth Rossitch and Haily Vora
East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine
Academic Mentor: Dr. Renee Banaszak Site Mentor: Andrew Ross Site: Pitt County Council on Aging
Elizabeth and Haily are teaching fall prevention classes for older adults at senior centers.
Lizzie and Haily implemented a nationally recognized falls prevention program, A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls, for 25 older adults at three senior centers in Pitt County. Their goal was to reduce falls in older adults by educating the population on risks of falling and promoting strength, flexibility, and balance through directed exercises. Each course consisted of eight sessions (2 hours each), each with specific goals. They utilized group discussion, role play, problem solving, assertiveness training, exercise training, and sharing practical solutions to develop an engaging and informative experience for the participants. The Fellows followed up with participants after one and six months to determine long term impact. Click here to see a poster summary of the project.
As a result,
19 out of 25 participants exercised to strengthen their control and increase their mobility 20 minutes per day, 4 times per week, using the skills learned through MOB for a minimum of 4 weeks after the classes.
25 out of 25 participants implemented 3 changes to their home environment to reduce the risk of falls.
25 out of 25 participants identified 4/9 environmental factors, as listed below, outside of the home to reduce the risk of falls.
Lack of safe shoes
Lack of contrast to stairs, corners, table edges etc.
Lack of sufficient lighting
Loose carpet or wet surfaces
Identify clustered areas and avoid them.
Absence of adaptive devices necessary for impairments, such as handrails or grab bars.
Identify trip hazards such as pushed out chairs or electrical cords
Medication management
Pets
7 out of 25 participants reported a 50% increase in falls efficacy as measured by the Falls Efficacy Scale.
23 out of 25 participants remained fall free 6 months after the completion of the MOB class
Two sites added the Matter of Balance exercises to their daily exercises sessions so participants can continue to make strides in strength and agility. The Pre-Occupational Therapy Student Association (P-OTSA) at East Carolina University will be sustaining the project and two student leaders have been trained as coaches for A Matter of Balance.
Lizzie Rossitch: “I found creating a verification strategy to be one of the most useful parts [of the Fellowship] because it was something I had never thought of before… In the future, verification strategies will be important for funding, etc. In order to have a true impact, you need to have verification of it. This allows an opportunity for improvement if things aren’t going the way you originally planned.”
Haily Vora: “This experience not only exposed me to a population in my community that I had little experience with, but shaped me as a leader. I learned how to have an impact on a group that was different than me in nearly every aspect, and absorb their lives and values. One of the most meaningful aspects of our project was seeing the impact of our class through concrete change. We could observe the changes in attitudes and [fall prevention] practices as the class went on, and even more as we completed our six month follow ups… We had brought awareness of good health practices and strategies for preventing adverse events, like preventing falls, to this group of older adults. As a result, they were more eager to learn and keep broadening their knowledge base on healthy living.”
Connie Wang and Kaushal Gandhi
University of North Carolina, School of Dentistry
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Mentors: Dr. Lewis Lampiris Site Mentors: Dr. Kim Sanders, Dr. Heidi Anksorus and Amanda Holiday Site: UNC School of Dentistry and UNC School of Pharmacy
Kaushal and Connie provided patients with diabetes or other complex medical needs with free nutritional and pharmacy counseling at the UNC School of Dentistry student clinics which was an expansion of the Oral Wellness and Nutrition (OWN) program which was a 2014-15 Schweitzer project. Services were provided during the dental visit. They partnered with UNC School of Public Health and UNC School of Pharmacy to create a truly multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. Pharmacists gained access to the school’s existing Electronic Patient Record (EPR) and notes were entered into EPR instead of on paper. Patients self-identified and achieved at least one behavioral change to help improve their health and students have gained valuable skills through participation in multidisciplinary care. Click here to see a poster summary of the project.
Services provided:
Up to 4 free one-on-one pharmacy and nutrition counseling sessions for patients with diabetes at the dental school
Worked with patients to set self-identified behavioral goals and followed up with patient at each appointment
Training for health-professional students to work in an interdisciplinary setting
Results:
18 new diabetic patients and 17 recall diabetic received pharmacy and nutritional counseling sessions during their dental visits
5 non-diabetic patients with systemic conditions also participated in the program
40 DDS students, 10 RD/MPH students, 4 PharmD students rotated through the OWN program
A total of 36 nutritional counseling consults and 40 pharmacy consults were performed over the year were provided at no charge with a value of $3,220.
The project won the UNC School of Dentistry’s inaugural Multidisciplinary Curriculum Innovation Contest.
Sustainability:
The fellows have proposed and integrated the program structure into the DDS curriculum
The fellows have been awarded a grant from the UNC School of Dentistry to expand the program and to help maintain a long-term collaboration with the Eshelman School of Pharmacy
As a result of the project being incorporated into UNC School of Dentistry curriculum, dental students will have the opportunity to have successfully managed the treatment of a medically complex patient – and to integrate medication and nutrition counseling into their treatment planning.
Kaushal Gandhi: “Professionally, we were able to create a curriculum change within the School of Dentistry that will help future healthcare professional students expand their team through work in a multi-disciplinary environment. I believe that we would not have been able to have such a major impact on the dental school patient and student community without the backing of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship. The school administration realized that as fellows we would be provided with the support and training we needed to lead such a large-scale project, which ultimately resulted in the project’s approval and incorporation into the school curriculum. When we began our fellowship year, I did not expect us to have such a major impact within our community and perhaps we would not have focused on the sustainability aspect as much had it not been a part of the fellowship requirements.”
Connie Wang: “Not only did the fellowship provide us with mentors far and wide, but it also pushed us to overcome the many challenges and roadblocks in our way. Over the course of the year – we started from an idea, implemented a pilot program, and were able to propose a model for our program that will be integrated into the DDS curriculum. What started as a small idea will have an impact on the future of all dental providers that graduate from UNC-CH. I am thrilled that the fellowship paved the way for broad, systemic changes in the healthcare community, and humbled that I have been a part of these changes.”
Mary Lanier Zaytoun and Anna Adams
University of North Carolina, School of Dentistry
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor: Dr. Christine Downey Site Mentor: Lorraine Galkowski, MSN, RN, CNL Site: Durham VA Medical Center Long Term Care Facility
Anna and Mary Lanier addressed the oral health needs in the long term care facility at the Durham VA by working with the nursing staff to create a model for standardized and sustainable oral health care. The program educated and inspired the nursing staff to take ownership of their patient’s oral care through oral care training seminars and interdisciplinary oral health rounds. They trained 24 nursing staff in overseeing and providing individualized patient oral health care. Click here to see a poster summary of the project.
As a result:
28 out of 36 nursing staff felt comfortable using a toothbrush, proxy brush, and providing oral health care. This is a 52% increase over baseline.
32 out of 36 nursing staff felt they had adequate time to provide oral health care reflecting the knowledge that care can be provided in as little as 4 minutes. This is a 55% increase over baseline.
9 out of the 36 nursing staff volunteered to become Oral Care Champions responsible for overseeing oral health patient care on their unit and this responsibility to be reflected in their annual review. Oral Care Champions are from all four units and across all three shifts.
Responsibilities of the Oral Care Champions:
Training and coaching fellow nurses in providing adequate oral health care.
Monitoring residents’ oral health to ensure their needs are being met.
Notifying the charge nurse if additional oral issues need to be addressed by the VA dentist.
Ensuring each resident’s room is stocked with the appropriate oral care supplies.
Training videos and materials were created which will be incorporated into new nursing staff orientation.
Anna Adams: “I learned so much about myself and how I want to shape my future during my year as a Schweitzer fellow…I learned that happiness will always evolve when you dedicate your time to improving the quality of life of others. Like Albert Schweitzer said, I am unsure of what my future will hold following my residency, but I now know that it will involve providing dental care to an underserved population.”
Mary Lanier Zaytoun: “The Fellowship opened my eyes to see health care and health disparities in a new light. I needed it to fortify in me a life-long passion for using my education and experience for improving community health in a meaningful way. As graduation looms and I enter the “real world” as a health care provider, I take my responsibility of bettering the health of the community very seriously, and I can’t wait to find my role in this ever-important fight.”
Fellows for Life: 2014-15
Omar AbdelBaky and Christopher Walker
UNC School of Dentistry
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Lewis Lampiris Site Mentor: Dr. Edward Swift, Jr. Site: UNC School of Dentistry and Gillings School of Public Health
Omar and Christopher created the Oral Wellness and Nutrition (OWN) Program to help diabetic patients manage their disease by providing reduced fee dental services and free nutritional counseling by dental students and registered dietician students during their dental visits. Patients with diabetes were selected from a pool of existing dental patients in the school’s Preventative Recall section. These patients were all past due on their dental recall visits and were not currently assigned to a dental student for comprehensive care.
Of the 22 enrolled OWN program patients, 20 completed the RD-MPH counseling sessions until the end of the school’s clinic year and maintained work on their individual goals. Examples of goals patients set:
The reduced dental fees and free nutritional counseling resulted in a total savings of $3,081 in addition to the savings patients receive from the already reduced dental fees from the School of Dentistry Clinic. Patients from the OWN program will remain in the dental student’s family of patients for continued comprehensive care.
The Fellows were able to institute a practice change to collect anthropometric measurements and BMI for OWN patients. One adjunct faculty member also instituted these measurements into her dental practice. The Fellows were also able to institute a policy change by adding a module in record keeping software to monitor patient progress.
Two UNC School of Dentistry students were awarded 2015-16 Fellowships to continue to lead OWN, expand the referral network, and add pharmacy counseling to services provided.
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Larry Williams Site Mentor: Principal John Green Site: W. G. Pearson Elementary School
Tomesia launched an anti-bully campaign to increase the awareness of what constitutes bullying behavior, increase anti-bullying advocacy, and decrease the acts of bullying by children in the elementary school setting. Each week, Tomesia held one workshop for a group of 15 fourth and fifth grade students (5 who had repetitive bullying behaviors, 5 who have expressed a concern of being a target of bully-type behavior, and 5 general population students). The students created and signed an anti-bully pledge and encouraged peers and community members to participate. In develop an anti-bullying culture, students created and wore T-shirts with an anti-bully message and wrote and performed a skit to their peers.
By the end of the year-long project:
10 of 15 participants reported taking bystander action.
3 of 5 participants with a history of bullying decreased bullying behavior and chose to advocate for their peers.
2 of 5 participants with a history of bullying no longer engaged in bullying behavior.
Tomesia is currently working with the Assistant Principal to have the curriculum incorporated into the work conducted with special groups of students with behavior or self-esteem issues. Upcoming NCCU School of Social Work interns will be able to lead the anti-bullying curriculum. Program did not require sustainability funding.
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Frank McIver, Dr. Shijia Hu Site Mentor: Sarah Hartsook Site: Residential Services Inc.
Eleni and Mackenzie improved the oral health of 30 adults with intellectual and physical disabilities by creating individualized oral health protocols at a residential care facility which were incorporated into the patients’ daily care plan. Additionally, they gave caregivers specialized oral health training so that they may properly care for residents who are unable to brush and floss on their own and supervise those more independent residents in performing those tasks. They also worked directly with residents who are able to conduct their own oral hygiene on proper techniques. They made three home visits and three-month follow-ups to observe both residents and caregivers in action to ensure that protocols are being followed and to reinforce the adopted oral health behaviors. As a result of the Fellows efforts:
30 individualized oral health protocols were developed and incorporated into the patients’ daily care plan.
A policy change occurred at the UNC Disabilities Clinic where staff are required to complete a newly created oral health form which includes a plaque score, gingival index, caries index and behavior score to help track oral health status.
Timers were installed in all the bathrooms in the homes to reinforce proper brushing time.
Patients’ teeth are brushed for the full two minute recommended time and flossed daily.
83% of residents have a plaque score of good and excellent after our intervention.
An oral health training webinar was created to educate RSI employees.
RSI staff at all 16 homes received in person training and this is now part of a new dental hygiene course requirement.
Addressing the high turnover staff rate and to maintain continuity of oral health care, the Fellows ensured that staff will continue to receive in-person training each spring through a new dental hygiene course requirement and staff hired in the interim have access to a webinar training. Program did not require sustainability funding.
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Rocio Quinonez Site Mentor: Dr. Alice Chuang Site: UNC OBGYN and Dental Clinics
Gentry and Ronnie maintained and expanded the existing Prenatal Oral Health Program (pOHP), a 2012 Schweitzer project, which:
Fosters collaboration between dental and medical professionals in accordance with 2013 Prenatal Oral health National Guidelines created by the American Dental Association and American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Maintains a referral system between UNC School of Dentistry, UNC Hospitals and community prenatal clinic sites. Through this system, prenatal providers have a dental home to which to refer their pregnant patients.
Trains incoming UNC Hospitals OB-GYN residents and 3rd year medical students during OB-GYN clerkship. Education includes adherence to current guidelines, incorporation of oral health messaging and referral practices for prenatal oral care.
Provides 4th year DDS students and 2nd year Dental Hygiene students with the opportunity to triage and treat pregnant patients in the UNC pOPH dental clinic.
Since the start of the Fellowship project:
96 3rd year medical students, 5 OB-GYN residents, and 40 community prenatal providers and staff received pOHP training.
163 prenatal patients have been referred to the pOHP clinic from six referral sites
92 of these prenatal patients received dental treatment and oral health education.
84 4th year dental students and 34 dental hygiene students received pOHP training, and the majority of these students had the opportunity to treat a prenatal patient in the pOHP dental clinic.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the Fellows launched the Prenatal Oral Health Program (pOHP) interest group, a University recognized student organization, which will be responsible for leading pOHP training to 3rd year medical students, UNC OB-GYN residents, and prenatal providers at community referral sites. The Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding for program needs.
Academic and Site Mentor: Dr. Kelly Muir Additional Site Mentors: Sally Wilson and Kim Johnson Site: Lincoln Community Health Center and Project Access
Arthika helped empower low-income diabetic patients manage their disease and prevent future complications by leading 12-week support group education sessions of 1.5 hours in length at a local free clinic. Topics included what represents comprehensive diabetes, complications and management of the disease, SMART goals, diet and exercise, and community resources. As a result of her efforts:
7 out of 11 workshop participants were able to establish and follow a personal diabetes care plan for an average of 4 weeks or more.
6 out of 11 workshop participants completed an eye exam this year.
5 out of 11 workshop participants scheduled a comprehensive eye exam later this year.
45 out of 85 patients who required follow up care implemented a diabetes care plan.
69 out of 85 patients who required follow up care scheduled a comprehensive eye exam, or alternative follow-up, later this year.
83 out of 148 patients accomplished one SMART goal over a four month period related to their diabetes management and care plan.
63 out of 148 patients who received a referable result from their teleretinal imaging, completed a comprehensive eye exam this year.
85 out of 148 patients who received a referable result from their teleretinal imaging, scheduled a comprehensive eye exam later this year.
Duke Primary Care Leadership Tract students and several Duke Family Medicine Interest Group members will lead two series of 12-week support group sessions: one in the fall and another in the spring of next year. Program did not require sustainability funding.
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Chris Cotterill and Dr. Ivelis Hernandez Site Mentor: Dr. Rob Doherty and Mrs. April Wiggins Site: Greene County Dental Services and Greene County Elementary Schools
Mark and Brandon provided oral hygiene education to Greene County elementary students and recruited them into a school-based screening and sealants intervention, Greene Access Program (GAP).
Through the 2014-2015 school year, GAP treated 296 children and has placed 487 sealants which is an astounding increase over the previously of treating 63 children and placing 55 sealants. Fellows and dental student volunteers taught two dental lessons — one focusing on oral hygiene and the other on nutrition — to all K-5 classes, reaching 1,200 students in three different public schools. Fellows instructed classes in both English and Spanish-language classrooms.
The ECU DMD student organization, a dental-student service fraternity dedicated to community outreach, will be sustaining the program and the Schweitzer Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding for lesson supplies and toothbrushes.
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic and Site Mentor: Dr. Anthony Viera Site: Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC): Free Student-Run Clinic
Laura and Stephanie launched SHAC: Bridge to Care to ensure continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension in the period before they can be linked to a permanent medical home. Over the course of one year, they observed physiologic improvements in disease management, the successful establishment of a primary care referral system, improved patient quality-of-life and improved patient efficacy in managing their disease.
Eighty patients were served at 173 clinical appointments and 34 of 45 patients who have returned for more than one visit have improved in clinical markers such as Hemoglobin A1c, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), weight, body mass index (BMI), ophthalmology referral, and microalbuminuria.
Thirty-seven patients have been linked to a primary care provider within 6 months of being seen at the clinic.
A 50-student interdisciplinary volunteer team was recruited to staff the clinic.
In addition, five education workshop series of four classes each were held to empower patients to make lifestyle changes to control their disease.
SHAC: Bridge to Care has become an official program of SHAC so patients will continue to benefit from the initiative. The Schweitzer Fellowship provided $1,000 of sustainability funding for clinic supplies.
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Rick Hobbs Site Mentor: Elizabeth Brill Site: Samaritan Health Center
Kate launched a girls running group to encourage physical and spiritual healthy behaviors for residents at the Oak Creek Village apartments in Durham which is primarily a refugee and immigrant population from Iraq, Somalia, Iran, the Central African Republic, Congo, Mexico, and Honduras. Kate’s program also served as a bridge uniting the community and Samaritan Health Center, a free clinic for uninsured patients with a branch adjacent to the neighborhood. Twenty girls participated in the 24-session program and ran two 5K races. In addition to seeing participants build cross-cultural friendships and develop a new confidence in their ability to live healthy lives, the following was achieved:
20 out of 20 girls increased their physical activity by 45 minutes 3 or more times per week.
16 out of 20 girls improved their scores on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) test.
19 out of 20 girls attended a no cost medical and dental appointment.
The DWELL program at Summit Church will sustain Kate’s initiative and the Fellowship will provide $940 in sustainability funding for race fees, bus transportation to races, and materials. Kate will continue to be involved in the upcoming year’s activities during this transition phase.
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Sam Ajizian Site Mentor: Katie Boles Maxey Site: Brenner Fit Kitchen, Exchange Scan, and Salem Pregnancy Services
Will and Stacy created a Healthy Cooking on a Budget series of classes for vulnerable families in the Winston-Salem area. They led four series of six classes which met for 2 ½ hours each week. Each hands on cooking class consisted of practicing healthy cooking techniques, and discussing basic nutrition and grocery shopping on a budget. Thirty-one women participated in the class. Participants who attended at least four out of six of our sessions received a color recipe cookbook with nutritional information and the cookware necessary to cook the recipes in the class. As a result of their efforts:
19 out of 31 participants reported home-cooking at least 2 more meals per week or included fruits and vegetables in at least 3 more meals per week over pre-class baseline.
The Family Medicine Interest Group will sustain the project offering one series in the fall and another in the spring. Program did not require sustainability funding.
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Viviana Martinez-Bianchi Site Mentor: Jen Skees Site: Church World Service
Stephanie and Trevor created a Duke chapter of the Refugee Health Initiative (RHI) program, originally started four years ago by a 2010 Schweitzer Fellow. RHI recruits graduate/professional student volunteers to provide longitudinal in-home health education for refugee families in Durham. The goal was to assist newly resettled refugees in developing skills and knowledge related to the navigation of the US healthcare system. This year, they recruited 22 volunteers to serve 13 refugee households (a total of 28 individuals) from Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Vietnam, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. For each refugee partner, volunteers utilized the RHI curriculum to cover topics ranging from nutrition, exercise, making medical appointments, using public transportation, medications, reproductive health, dental health and mental health. As a result of their efforts,
Ten out of the 13 families were able to develop behavior changes within 2 health areas that the participants self-selected.
Duke Med Global Health Interest Group (GHIG) will be continuing the program as a service initiative and the Fellowship provided $1,000 sustainability funding for the upcoming year.
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Timothy Peters Site Mentor: Rebecca Sink Site: American Cancer Society
Karan addressed cancer awareness in Winston-Salem by launching a Relay for Life chapter to celebrate cancer survivors and raise monies for cancer care, education, and research. In addition to engaging people in the local area to spread cancer awareness, this program aimed to inspire communities, through interactions with cancer survivors as well as cancer education, to unite as one and fight for a world without cancer by raising money that will go directly towards cancer research, prevention education and the provision of care. With the help of his site mentor and a committed team of employees at a credit union, a culminating Relay for Life event was held on May 15, 2015 with 27 teams and 226 participants (75 of whom were cancer survivors). The teams raised $61,708 for the American Cancer Society.
Along with Wake medical students, local community members and his site mentor, Karan will help lead the Winston-Salem Relay for Life chapter for the next two years. Program did not require sustainability funding.
Brittany Papworth and Rivers Woodward
UNC School of Medicine
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Benjamin Gilmer Site Mentor: Linda Pittman and Suzanne Gavenus Site: Mitchell and Mountain Heritage High Schools
To address the lack of healthcare services in rural areas, Brittany and Rivers created a mentoring and academic enrichment program to encourage rural high school students to consider the health professions within their communities. Ten students participated in the weekly after school sessions and outside mentoring held throughout the academic year. Both Fellows personally mentored a student and volunteer medical students were matched with the remaining participants. To give participants in depth hands on experiences, two all day events were held: a Simulation Lab and a Wilderness Medicine day. Participants also led individual community service projects to gain first-hand knowledge of the value of giving back. As a result of their efforts:
10 out of 10 students who participated in year-long project identified a specific health occupation as a career aspiration.
10 out of 10 students aligned their senior year activities and schedules with the career they want to pursue.
Their program will transform into an internship opportunity for four high school students and will be overseen by the Mountain Area Health Education Center – Minority Medical Mentor Program. The Schweitzer Fellowship will provide $1,000 in sustainability funding.
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Coral Steffey Site Mentor: Melissa Arrington Site: Little Willie Center
Lauren and Hugh expanded the Strive High Program, a 2010-11 Schweitzer project which inspires disadvantaged middle school students to pursue their science interests. In order to impact healthy behaviors, the Fellows developed engaging, health-oriented lessons for participants and separate lessons for their parents in order to improve the overall wellness of this underserved community. Ten children participated in the 2-hour weekly sessions. Fellows used anatomical models illustrating normal physiology as well as pathophysiology and students conducted monthly science experiments to encourage hands-on learning. An end-of-year Science Fair allowed the students to develop a project highlighting their specific areas of interest.
All 10 Strive High participants achieved two or more of the following goals:
7 out of 10 students limited their sugary beverage consumption to 3 times per week.
10 out of 10 students consumed at least 3 fruits or vegetables a day.
8 out of 10 students substituted a healthy snack for an unhealthy snack every day.
8 out of 10 students engaged in physical activity 30 minutes a day, 3 or more times per week.
The ECU Student National Medical Association (SNMA) will be continuing the program and did not require sustainability funding.
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Marianne Meeker Site Mentor: Dr. Denise Young Site: Communities in Schools of Orange County (CIS Orange) and the Morehead Planetarium
Ricky and William developed a healthy lifestyles after school program for 8th graders at A.L. Stanback Middle School using a space related theme curriculum. In addition to encouraging healthy behaviors, the Fellows urged students to consider pursuing health related careers. As a result of their efforts:
26 out of 32 participants were able to adopt the following healthy lifestyle changes:-Increase their physical activity by 30 minutes or more three times per week for 10 weeks.
-Change one or more nutritional habits off the following menu:
-Increase consumption of fresh produce 3 or more times a week.
-Replace one unhealthy snack with a healthy snack 3 or more times a week.
-Replace sugary drinks with water three or more times a week.
The Fellows are approaching service organizations to determine if one is able to sustain the program.
Christana Sola Ajewole and Mia Marshall
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Cassandra Acheampong Site Mentor: Laura Sprinkle Site: Building Hope Community Life Center
The Fellows created an after school program for girls to improve their spiritual and physical health, nurture their self-esteem, and encourage higher education. Twenty-one girls participated in the 2-hour weekly sessions held throughout the academic year.
17 out of 21 girls exchanged an unhealthy snack for a healthy snack at 3 times or more a week
17 out of 21 girls exchanged an unhealthy beverage for a healthy beverage/water 3 or more times a week
21 out of 21 girls identified an academic track which will enable them to reach their personal career goal (college education, community college education, or job related aspiration).
The weekly program will be sustained by the ECU SNMA and the Fellowship provided $750 in sustainability funding for program materials and an end of year celebration dinner.
Academic Mentor(s): Darlene Perez-Brown Site Mentor: Tracy Dinsbeer Site: Salem Pregnancy Services
Amanda and Asha worked to improve the birth outcomes of pregnant-aged minority women in the Forsyth County/Winston-Salem area by providing education on how to access reliable health information on the Internet. They led three five-week workshops for 30 women and topics included internet basics and how to appraise a website, teratogens, stress management, nutrition, and physical activity. As a result:
24 out of the 30 participants gained e-Health Literacy skills.
10 out of the 30 participants engaged in 3 out of 5 of the following behaviors four months or longer:
Consume folic acid daily
Replace 1 unhealthy snack/drink with a healthy snack/drink daily
Engage in recommended stress management techniques 3x/week
Engage in physical activity 3x/week for 30 minutes each trial
Share reliable health information with 2 friends via social networking
each week
Salem Pregnancy Services will sustain the project by incorporating e-healthy literacy information into their weekly classes and conducting a series with the specific health information. The Fellowship provided $700 in funding for purchase of tablets.
Academic Mentors: Dr. Megan Edwards and Dr. Darlene Perez-Brown Site Mentor: Sheila Hutchinson Site: Piedmont Triad Regional Council- Area Agency on Aging
Hagar and Luke expanded a 2012-13 Schweitzer Fellowship fall prevention project which helped older adults prevent falls, improve their balance, encourage physical activity, and increase their confidence. They educated seniors through screening events and Matter of Balance (MOB) classes held throughout Forsyth County. By partnering with the WSSU Rams Mobile Clinic and the Area Agency on Aging, the Fellows provided screenings for 27 older adults to identify those at risk for falls and to recruit individuals for their MOB classes. As certified MOB coaches, Hagar and Luke led three series of MOB classes for 37 seniors at Healy Towers, Creekside Terrace and Living Well Senior Center. The MOB program is a sixteen hour class comprised of eight lessons (two hours each) which covers fall prevention techniques and exercises that increase balance, strength and gait for older adults. The Fellows also led CarFit events, a national program developed by the American Society on Aging, to help increase the mobility and safety of senior drivers. Four CarFit events were held screening 18 senior drivers.
The Fellows surveyed the participants four weeks after the course’s end to determine impact. As a result of the program, out of the 37 seniors who attended the MOB classes, 36 were able to identify at least 4 environmental factors of fall risks outside their home environment, 22 used the skills taught through the MOB course 20 minutes per day 3 times a week to strengthen their endurance and gait patterns, and 34 reported zero falls.
The WSSU RAMSOTA interest group has an ongoing commitment to sustain the project. Two volunteers led two MOB classes for 20 seniors during the 2014-15 academic year and the Schweitzer Fellowship provided $1,000 in funding for MOB training and program materials. Two new OT students have been identified to lead the MOB classes in the upcoming 2015-16 academic year. The CarFit events were sustained as a first year WSSU OT course requirement and two events were held for 18 participants. Three WSSU OT students are trained CarFit Event Coordinators and these events will continue in the upcoming year.
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Kathryn Andolsek Site Mentor: Arthur Jimerson Site: Durham Nativity School
Jon and Nick developed a first aid/survival skills course for African American and Hispanic middle school boys. Both Fellows were certified in Wilderness First Aid and Basic Life Support and Jon served as an Army Special Forces Medic for eight years. They conducted 3 seven-week sessions for 33 participants. Students learned how to enhance the safety and preparedness of their communities during future disaster situations and during times when basic medical supplies are scarce or when emergency medical services aren’t readily accessible. Topics included basic patient assessment, hands-only CPR, simple wound dressings, and basics of splinting. Each session concluded with a mock-disaster event to evaluate skills. As a result, all 33 students were able to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:
Recognize all injuries and assess casualties using ABCDE (Airway/Breathing/Circulation/Disability/Environment/Exposure) assessment priorities;
Treat all injuries appropriately, and not causing further harm to the patients in their treatments;
Report to higher headquarters the number of victims, types of injuries, and treatments provided.
The Duke Wilderness Interest Group sustained the program and provided a 7-week sessions for ten Durham Nativity School students during the spring semester 2015. The boys demonstrated proficiency in disaster preparedness and wilderness first-aid techniques by treating simulated human casualties during a culmination mock disaster scenario. The Schweitzer Fellowship provided $1,000 in sustainability funding for supplies and volunteer training. Plans are for another sessions to be held in the fall 2015.
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Sara Migliarese and Dr. Nancy Smith Site Mentor: Beverly Carter-Levy and Clarice Rynes Site: WSSU RAMSOTA and Mount Zion Senior Day Care
Austin and Catherine provided assessments for adults ages 50 and older observing for deficits in lower extremity strength/grip strength, decreased gait speed, altered balance, fatigue/decreased activity with ambulation, and nutritional intake in underserved communities of eastern Winston-Salem using the WSSU Mobile Clinic and community sites. They offered referrals to an exercise class that was held twice a week for 40 minute sessions led by the Fellows over the course of six weeks. They also provided information for at home exercises and education to improve one or more deficits identified.
They screened 76 adults, 62 of whom met the criteria for pre-frail or frail. Of the 62 individuals identified with deficits, 34 received nutritional information and attended the exercise classes led by the Fellows. The remaining 28 received nutritional information and home exercises to address deficits.
Of the 34 who attended the exercise program, 27 progressed in 2 to 3 of the 5 criteria including balance, gait speed, LE strength and grip strength.
Two leaders in the Mount Zion Senior Day Care assisted with the Fellow led exercise sessions and sustained the classes on a twice a week basis for 18 participants this past year. The Fellows provided these leaders with supplies and written instructions for exercises, as well as training on how to identify individuals with deficits. Plans are to continue the classes in the upcoming year.
Academic Mentor(s): Dionne Moore Site Mentor: Jin Ellington, Kadeisha Kilgore, Mone Smith Site: Citizen Schools
Sasha and Taylor worked to improve the holistic health of at-risk adolescent girls by providing an afterschool health education program. They partnered with Citizen Schools to launch Girls S.T.R.I.V.E. (Stay True to Responsibility, Individuality, Value and Excellence) at Lowe’s Grove and Neal Middle Schools in Durham. They addressed various aspects of social, mental, and physical health through weekly workshops to encourage young girls to incorporate new healthy practices into their daily routines. Success in this project was measured by the participants’ ability to implement healthy strategies into their self- care routine for four weeks and present these plans to their community.
Sixty-one girls participated in the 10-week long program held in the fall and the spring and they developed a self-care plan of physical, mental, and social health behaviors to enrich their overall health. Forty-five of the 61 participants incorporated at least two skills from their personalized self-care routine for four weeks or more.
The Fellows are currently working with their Academic Mentor(s) to identify a pair of students who could lead the project for social work course credit.
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Guy Palmes Site Mentor: Mary Bolton Site: El Buen Pastor Latino Community Center
Corey and John addressed the physical and mental health disparities that face Latino middle school and high school youth by conducting weekly wellness workshops throughout the academic year. As a measure of impact, 18 out of 20 participants adopted two or more healthy behaviors which exceeded the Fellows original goal. Of the 20 participants in the year-long program: 19 out of 20 participated in physical activity four or more times per week for 30 minutes at a time, and 18 out of 20 reported eliminating drug, alcohol and cigarette use. Only 8 out of the 20 were able to choose a healthy snack over an unhealthy one on a daily basis as their access to healthy options were limited making this a difficult option to achieve. The Fellows also wanted participants to improve their total score on the Pediatrics Symptoms Checklist Youth Report by at least 7 points but the data was inconclusive, therefore the Fellows were unable to use this as a measure.
Corey and John continued to lead the program during the 2014-15 academic year with the help of Wake Forest School of Medicine’s Latino Medical Student Association. The interest group will create leadership roles within their organization so they can continue to sustain the project for years to come. The project evolved into a mentoring program that paired 12 medical students with the El Buen Pastor youth. Each youth created 3 health goals that they worked with the medical student to achieve throughout the year. Two LMSA members will be sustaining the program in the upcoming year.
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Jennifer Webster-Cyriaque Site Mentor: Dr. Sharon Elliott-Bynum Site: SNDA CAARE Clinic
Zerita addressed oral health disparities in low socioeconomic families at the CAARE Clinic. She focused on helping HIV+ patients and their families avoid and/or lessen the impact of problematic oral lesions commonly seen secondary to HIV diagnosis and/or treatment. The Fellow was able to devote two appointments per week for dental care of patients who had completed her oral health education session. $844 of free dental care was provided to 13 HIV+ patients. In addition, two referrals were made to UNC Hospital Dental Clinic for further treatment.
In order to dispel myths concerning treating HIV+ patients, Zerita held a lunch and learn at the dental school. As a result, 42 dental students signed a pledge that they would actively help eliminate stigmas in the dental community regarding patient’s living with HIV/AIDS as an example of their commitment to providing compassionate care to this population.
The UNC chapter of the SNDA will sustain the project and the Schweitzer Fellowship provided funding for clinic equipment. Research about the manifestations of HIV-related oral disease was presented to students, faculty, and staff at the Dental Research and Review Day and will be presented at Old North State Dental Society Convention. SNDA was unable to specific recruit HIV+ patients to the clinic this past year, but will rededicate efforts to doing so in the upcoming year.
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor(s)s: Dr. Rocio Quinonez and Dr. Tim Wright Site Mentor: Dr. John Christensen Site: Jordan High School and Durham YMCA
The “Guard Your Smile” mouthguard program addressed sports related oral trauma prevention. Seventy-five student basketball and soccer athletes at Durham Public Schools received $15,000 worth of custom fabricated mouthguards and oral trauma management instruction. Initially, coaches and student athletes were very enthusiastic and showed compliance in wearing the custom mouthguards. However, surprise checking at sports events led to the realization that the actual rate of compliance was extremely low. This was ultimately found to be a result of mouthguard usage not being supported in the sports culture. Surveys indicated the athletes were extremely concerned with image and wearing mouthguards were deemed “not cool.” Therefore, the Fellows shifted focus to Durham YMCA 8 and 9 year old basketball athletes as parents were seen as influencers with this population. Of the 20 YMCA basketball players in their program, 10 had standard mouthguards purchased by their parents and were wearing them on a consistent basis.
The Fellows established the “Guard Your Smile” interest group at the UNC School of Dentistry consisting of approximately 50 members. They identified volunteers among this group to lead the project during the upcoming 2015-16 school year.
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Tom Irons Site Mentor: Dr. Debbie Chavez Site: James Bernstein Center and Literacy Volunteers Pitt County
Amber and Lucy expanded a 2009-10 Schweitzer project (ALMAS: Alcancemos las Metas/Let’s Reach our Goals) which promoted the education and well-being of Spanish speaking women in eastern North Carolina for the past five years. In addition to the weekly 2-hour personal instruction classes for the women to help improve their English speaking, the Fellows added a component to address the literacy needs of the participants’ children. The children participated in guided reading activities, vocabulary word building exercises, group storytelling, and homework assistance. The Fellows collected over 300 books to create an ALMAS library which served as a classroom and lending resource.
Of the 36 children who participated in the program:
22 increased their literacy level by a half-grade or higher
25 completed a new book each week for 30 minutes for 4 consecutive months or longer
30 demonstrated one or more healthier behaviors for 4 or more weeks including:
27 increased physical activity by 30 minutes 3 times per week
30 replaced one unhealthy snack with a healthy snack
30 increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables
Fifteen of 26 Hispanic mothers read with their children twice a week for 30 minutes for 4 consecutive months or longer.
ALMAS was sustained by the medical students at Brody School of Medicine and the Spanish Club at ECU with funding provided by the NC Albert Schweitzer Fellowship. In the fall 2014, 13 mothers and 11 children participated in the weekly sessions. In the spring, that number increased to 17 mothers and 12 children. Next year, two rising 2nd year medical students will lead ALMAS in coordination with our current undergraduate liaison leader.
J. Bradley Wilson Schweitzer Fellows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Allen Samuelson and Dr. Xi Chen Site Mentor: Sally Wilson and Krystal Holman Site: Project Access and Lincoln Community Health Center
Leilah and Gabby developed an oral health education series for seniors consisting of 6 lesson plans focusing on how oral health effects overall health, tooth decay and saliva production, proper oral hygiene, nutrition, oral manifestations of systemic disease, and periodontal disease. Sessions were held at J. J. Henderson residential facility for seniors and Lincoln Community Health Center. As a result of the program, of the 127 seniors who participated, 79 brush and floss twice a day and 122 are checking for new or suspicious legions on a monthly basis. All of the 8 participants who self-identified as having dry mouth issues are conducting dry mouth prevention strategies. The Fellows were able to link 56 Lincoln County patients who successfully completed all 6 lessons with a volunteer dentist within the Project Access network. To date, 47 have had dental screening appointments and their treatment needs identified. As of April 1, 2014, $15,683 worth of dental care was provided at no cost to 23 patients. The free services provided include: simple and surgical extractions, silver and tooth-colored fillings, routine cleanings, complex cleanings, partials (minus the lab fees), crowns and x-rays. Dental services will be provided to the remaining 33 participants in the upcoming months.
The educational series will be sustained by the Schweitzer Fellows and by UNC School of Dentistry students. They will offer two series at Lincoln Community Health Center and Project Access will provide free dental services to those who successful complete the course. The Schweitzer Fellowship provided sustainability funding for end of session dinners. In the future, it is expected for the SNDA to sustain the courses.
Academic and Site Mentor: Dr. Adam Goldstein Site: Student Action Health Coalition (SHAC)
Katy developed a smoking cessation counseling program for a student run clinic. Smokers motivated to quit were counseled using a variety of methods: in-house and follow-up counseling, and referrals to Quitline NC for access to free pharmacologic agents (nicotine patches, gum). Overall, of the 48 smokers who were counseled in-house about smoking cessation, 10 reduced the number of cigarettes smoked per day and 2 quit smoking entirely.
Katy implemented a systems change within the clinic to identify smokers using the patient intake form and determine patient interest in smoking cessation counseling. Eighty-two SHAC Public Health volunteers were educated on smoking cessation counseling 14 who have referred one or more patients to the smoking cessation program. SHAC Public Health volunteer training now incorporates smoking cessation counseling.
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Patrick Ober Site Mentor: Dr. Joseph Skelton Site: Brenner Fit
Alston and Joseph developed StronGuys, a mentored strength training and wellness program for obese or overweight teenage boys. The Fellows partnered with Brenner Fit to hold the sessions for boys twice a week for six week sessions and for youth at Valley Academy Middle School. The Fellows demonstrated the importance of exercise, nutrition, and decreasing screen time to enhancing overall health. Participants set individual health goals and practiced proper exercise techniques and exercise regimens that can be done anywhere with little equipment. As a result, of the 111 children who participated in the program, they were to meet their goal of exercising three or more times per week for 30 minutes at a time. In addition, they decreased their screen time by 1.3 hours per day and met a self-identified nutrition goal. Surveys indicated 88 out of the 111 participants felt confident that they can continue to find ways to be physically active and exercise, be physically active or exercise even if they have no access to a gym or training facility, and set aside time for a physical activity program like walking, jogging, swimming, biking, or other continuous activities for at least 30 minutes, 3 times per week.
A local chapter of a Wake Forest University Sigma Chi fraternity sustained the StronGuys offering a six-week program for 9 young men in the fall and a four-week session for 7 participants in the spring. Several volunteers from the fraternity were trained through Brenner FIT to lead the sessions. The Fellows provided an operations manual to be used by the fraternity for the fall session and to serve as a community resource for organizations interested in providing strength training and healthy lifestyle education for obese or overweight youth in their area. The program will continued to be offered in the upcoming year.
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Beat Steiner Site Mentor: Sherry Hay Site: Piedmont Health Carrboro
Kira improved the health of low income individuals with diabetes and hypertension by leading chronic disease self-management workshops offering patient-centered, participatory and culturally appropriate health education. The curriculum was based on the Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshops with 2.5 hour classes held for 6 weeks. Katie led four workshop series with an average of 5 to 10 people attending each class. Four lay people were trained to co-lead the classes. Twenty-four patients successful completed the entire 6-week program. Of the 24 patients, 19 completed their self-identified weekly action plans and all 24 indicated they adopted one or more healthy behaviors to address their disease self-management. Sixteen of the 24 participants were maintaining their personalized exercise and nutrition plans six weeks after the course.
The workshops will continue to be offered at Piedmont Health. There are now a dozen trained Living Healthy leaders in the area and a new partnership has been created between UNC Family Medicine and the PHS sites. One workshop was held with an average attendance of 12 and 9 people completing the entire series. Another workshop is currently being held with 6 people. A third workshop is scheduled for early summer and is targeted for Spanish speakers. Classes will continue to be sustained in the upcoming year.
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Roytesa Savage Site Mentor: Dale Floyd and Jameka Patrick Site: Dobbs Youth Development Center
Jill and Claudia expanded a reproductive health project launched by two 2011-12 Schweitzer Fellows to include domestic violence prevention for male juveniles at a detention center. The Fellows met with the teens on a weekly basis focusing on interactive discussions to provide a lifelong impact on health literacy and education, as well as teen dating and domestic violence prevention, and seek to offer skills that will empower the boys as they transition back into the community. The Fellows covered the following topics using both the King County Curriculum and Love is Not Abuse (LINA) from BreaktheCycle: reproductive health, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted disease prevention, domestic violence and teen partner violence prevention, and anti-bullying behaviors.
Overall, 60 incarcerated male juveniles participated in the program. Of the 40 young men who participated in the first semester, 25 chose to write a pledge and sign it affirming the lessons they will apply. All 20 participants in the second semester chose to participate in the Hand Project where they were asked to think of a word or phrase that they want to remember from the project when faced with challenges and tough decisions in the future and write it on their hands in the form of a pledge. The participants took pictures of their hands which they can keep. As an inspiration and motivating force, the Fellows created a photo collage for display in their housing units. The pledge and hand project photos were evidence of the participant’s commitment to the healthy behaviors espoused by the program.
Brody’s Student National Medical Association sustained the project and the Schweitzer Fellowship provided sustainability funds for snacks and program materials. Weekly sessions were held for ten inmates in the fall and the program repeated with a different set of inmates (13) in the spring. An SNMA member has been identified to lead the program in the upcoming 2015-16 academic year.
Academic Mentor(s): Dr. Barb Sheline Site Mentor: Gina Upchurch Site: Senior PharmAssist
By partnering with Senior PharmAssist, Brittany developed Seniors Engage for Health (SEFH) to help older adults in Durham gain a greater understanding of the basics of Medicare and learn how to avoid Medicare fraud, to promote greater participation and engagement in encounters with healthcare providers, and assist seniors in finding community resources such as medication therapy management, medication payment assistance, Medicare counseling services, and community-based organization referral. Brittany provided large group sessions for seniors at senior centers, local churches, women’s groups, and Durham Housing Authority sites. An in-depth initial session would average two hours (from one to four hours) depending on the number of participants in each group. A follow up session provided more in-depth Medicare information, answered questions, and encouraged health behaviors. Furthermore, one on one sessions were provided to those who needed personal guidance.
Brittany greatly exceeded her initial goal of having 100 out of 150 seniors engage in two healthy behaviors by participating in SEFH. Of the 260 seniors who participated in the program, 227 made a checklist of questions for their provider, 250 initiated a conversation with a health care provider about an unaddressed concern, 198 completed a medication reconciliation card, and 177 scheduled or attended an appointment for preventive services. Eighteen seniors also made an appointment with Senior PharmAssist after attending SEFH.
Staff and volunteers from Senior PharmAssist are sustaining SEFH. Previously, Senior PharmAssist did not have such an outreach program and they will now be able to capitalize on the community connections the Fellow developed.
Winston-Salem State University School of Health and Sciences
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
Barbour and Metzger conducted pediatric developmental screenings, enrolled children in health insurance, and worked with their families to help to establish a medical home. Their work expanded on a Schweitzer project initiated by Fellows for Life Clinton Serafino and Timothy Serrano.
Community Site:WSSU Department of Physical Therapy
Milele Bynum
University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Bynum created a lay health adviser program for faith communities.
Community Site: Carolina Church Network
Christin Carter and Shannon Holcomb
East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation Schweitzer Fellows
Carter and Holcomb conducted preventive oral health education, signed patients up for Medicaid, and worked with them to establish dental homes.
Community Site:Bernstein Community Health Center, Grimesland Clinic, Greenville Community Shelters
Kimberly Cocce and Melissa Hector-Greene
Duke School of Medicine
Cocce and Hector-Green promoted health and self-esteem by creating a tennis program for children ages seven through ten.
Community Site:Parkwood Elementary School, Playworks Durham
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation Schweitzer Fellows
Cowherd and Milam created a sustainable mobile health clinic that offers disease prevention screening and counseling as well as a farmers’ market. Their work expanded on a Schweitzer project initiated by Fellows for Life Justin Morse and Taylor Bazemore.
Community Site:Samaritan Health Center
Nnonyem D’Martin and Lesianelle King
Winston-Salem State University School of Health and Sciences
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
D’Martin and King conducted a dance and exercise program for underserved children ages eight through twelve.
Community Site:Winston Lake Family YMCA
Harold Frazier and Ashley Porter
University of North Carolina School of Dentistry
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation Schweitzer Fellows
Frazier and Porter conducted preventive oral health education for women and their children at a homeless shelter and worked to increase their access to dental care.
Community Site:Inter-Faith Council for Social Service
Nikita Goel
East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine
Goel promoted emotional and physical health for elementary-aged girls by teaching cultural dance, nutrition, and self-awareness at a community center.
Community Site:Little Willie Center
Tiarra Green and Courtney Williams
North Carolina Central University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
Green and Williams promoted the health, well-being, and academic performance among pre-teen girls living in Southeast Durham through theatre and peer learning workshops.
Community Site:McDougald Terrace Housing Project, Githens Middle School
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
Henry developed a mentoring and self-esteem program for minority middle school boys encouraging academic excellence and exposing them to the legal profession as a possible career choice.
Community Site:Durham Nativity School
Jeffrey Jackson and Amanda Kilburn Kerns
University of North Carolina School of Dentistry
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation Schweitzer FellowsJackson and Kerns educated low-income pregnant women about the importance of oral health and trained medical students and residents to screen for oral health issues.Community Site:University of North Carolina OBGYN Clinic
Holland Killian and Amanda Stroud
East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation Schweitzer Fellows
Killian and Stroud conducted a preventive oral health education program for students in pre-Kindergarten through 2nd grade.
Community Site: TBD
Charles Mullen and Chelsea Simpkins
Winston-Salem State University School of Health and Sciences
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
Mullen and Simpkins conducted fall prevention screenings using a mobile van and provide fall prevention education classes at senior centers.
Community Site:Area Agency on Aging, WSSU Department of Occupational Therapy
James Nugent
Duke School of Medicine
Nugent conducted a mentoring and gang violence prevention program that links juveniles to resources for positive reentry back into the community.
Community Site:Durham County Youth Home
Parteek Singla
East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine
Singla will conduct a health education and arts after-school program for middle school youth.
Community Site:Building Hope Community Life Center
Fellows for Life: 2011-12
Jonet Artis and Sara Hopson
NCCU School of Education
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
Artis and Hopson will conduct a communication enrichment program for nursing home residents, with a focus on increasing staff knowledge and awareness of residents’ language and communication needs.
Community Site:Durham Ridge Assisted Living Center
Taylor Bazemore and Justin Morse
UNC School of Medicine
Bazemore and Morse will address the health of underserved people by offering preventative screening for conditions including hypertension, cholesterol, blood glucose levels and pregnancy, as well as individualized health counseling, using a mobile van.
Community Site:Samaritan Health Center
Holly Bullock and Vontrelle Roundtree
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
Bullock and Roundtree will provide comprehensive reproductive health education for male teens in the juvenile justice system using a peer educator model.
Community Site: Lenoir Youth Development Center, Dobbs Youth Development Center
Katie Cheng and John Meyer
UNC School of Medicine
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
Cheng and Meyer will provide health education for Hispanic teens, with a focus on the health burden of inequality, reproductive health, substance abuse, peer pressure, mental health, nutrition, and preventive care.
Community Site:El Centro Hispano
Bryan Choi
Duke School of Medicine
Choi will work to enhance transitional care for brain tumor patients immediately post-craniotomy in Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers at both Duke and Durham.
Community Site:Duke University Medical Center, Division of Neurosurgery
Wake Forest School of Law and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Grippaldi aims to empower African American community members by offering advance care planning that supports these individuals in formulating and document their treatment preferences using health care powers of attorney, living wills, organ donor designations, and portable physician orders.
Community Site:Community Partnership for End of Life Care
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellow
King will implement a diabetes prevention and management project and overall wellness program targeting African-Americans at a local church, as well as members of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Community Site:Shady Hill Baptist Church
Unwanaobong Nseyo and Eziamaka Okafor
Duke School of Medicine
Nseyo and Okafor will expand the “You Are What You Eat” awareness-centered nutrition education program to include high school students and additional curriculum content.
Community Site:Durham School of the Arts
Craig Principe and Alexandra Ford
Wake Forest School of Law
Principe and Ford will provide Guardian ad Litem (GAL) services for children with severe medical disabilities, and assist in establishing a GAL program at Elon University.
Community Site: Guardian ad Litem of Stokes County
Kelly Raney
Duke School of Physical Therapy
Raney aims to improve the health and quality of life of African American seniors by creating a targeted fall prevention program.
Community Site:Durham Housing Authority
Emily Ross and Erin Slatter
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Ross and Slatter will work to improve the health and quality of life of seniors by creating and implementing a companionship program for assisted living facility residents.
Community Site: Oak Haven Assisted Living
Clinton Serafino and Timothy Serrano
WSSU School of Physical Therapy
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
Serafino and Serrano will address the health needs of underserved community members by conducting pediatric screenings assessing gross motor skills, health and wellness, dietary status, and vision using a mobile van. Serafino and Serrano’s WSSU Physical Therapy faculty mentor will provide on-site supervision.
Community Site:WSSU School of Physical Therapy
Adams and Simmons aim to promote overall health by implementing a healthy lifestyles after-school education program with a dance component. Community Sites: Citizen Schools; Lowe’s Grove Middle School
Thaniyyah Ahmad
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Ahmad will launch the Healthful Living Decision-Making Program, which aims to train teen leaders to teach middle schoolers to avoid at-risk behaviors. Community Sites: West Stokes High School (King, NC); Chestnut Grove Middle School
Simon Ascher and Tricia Hammond
Duke School of Medicine and Duke School of Law
Ascher and Hammond aim to decrease recidivism by providing incarcerated youth with legal and health education, literacy classes, and mentoring by medical and law students. Community Site:Durham County Youth Home
Tracy Cassagnol and Brianna Crosby
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
Cassagnol and Crosby aim to encourage underserved Latino and African American teens to pursue health care careers by providing general health education and exposure to health care careers at a summer camp and throughout the academic year. Community Site:YMCA of Winston Lake http://nccancerhospital.org/
Maggie Fetner and Jessica Oliver
UNC School of Dentistry
Fetner and Oliver aim to help pediatric cancer patients avoid preventable oral manifestations of cancer and its treatments by implementing a program focused on customized oral hygiene and nutrition education and preventative measures. Community Site: NC Cancer Hospital
Ashley Hink
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Hink plans to address domestic violence by providing health education classes and one-on-one health education sessions, as well as engaging in advocacy, for people who have left or are currently in abusive relationships.
Community Site: Center for Family Violence Prevention
James Gillenwater
Duke School of Law
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
Gillenwater aims to empower underserved middle-school-aged youth by creating a rugby program and providing academic mentoring. Community Site: John Avery Boys & Girls Club
Melodi Javid and Navid Pourtaheri
Duke School of Medicine
Pourtaheri and Javid aim to empower underserved elementary school students by conducting a science-based education program that pairs medical students with elementary students. Community Site: Durham Public Schools
Duke School of Nursing and NCCU Public Administration
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
Kibe and Njogu aim to address health disparities in North Carolina’s African refugee population by creating a lay health advisor program focusing on diabetes and hypertension education. Community Site: US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
Elise Leger
UNC School of Medicine
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellow
Leger aims to empower underinsured patients by conducting preventive health education and nutrition talks during clinic wait times. Community Site: Moncure Community Health Center
Jason Lee and Steven Pontickio
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
Lee and Pontickio plan to address mental health disparities by establishing a biweekly mental health clinic at a soup kitchen. In the context of the clinic, Lee and Pontickio will provide health services, conduct health literacy education, and screen for chronic diseases. Community Sites: Pitt Co. Substance Abuse Coalition; Joy Soup Kitchen
Michelle Long and Candice Roberts
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Long and Roberts aim to improve maternal and child health by educating teen mothers about the importance of finishing high school, attaining government aid, obtaining higher education, preventing secondary pregnancy, and adopting healthy lifestyles for themselves and their babies. Community Site: My Aunt’s House
Cierrea Roach
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Roach aims to empower underserved elementary and middle school students by providing science- and math-based education and tutoring. Community Site: Little Willie Center
Fellows for Life: 2009-10
Sadie Anderson and Wren McLaughlin
Duke School of Physical Therapy
Site: Duke University Hospital
Create and implement an outreach program for postpartum mothers with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Emily Cullen
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Site: Operation Sunshine
Initiate a program to Increase self-esteem, positive coping skills and health body image and exercise behaviors in girls ages 10 – 13.
Savannah Gelesko
UNC School of Dentistry
Site: Mission of Mercy clinics
Organize oral cancer screenings and conduct preventive education efforts.
Nirmala (Nimi) Janardhanam and Teesha Geyer
UNC School of Medicine
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
Site: UNC Horizons Program
Nimi and Teesha are working with UNC Horizons to offer general health education workshops and screenings for hypertension, diabetes, breast cancer, and mental health—improving health literacy in populations addressed.
Naomi Jean-Baptiste and Lina Elbadawi
Duke School of Medicine
Site: Durham Interfaith Hospitality Network
Hold monthly women’s health workshops, monthly mini clinics and a healthy eating and hygiene program for children.
Kasey Joyner and Crystal Bowe
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Site: Substance Abuse Coalition of Pitt County
Educate youth on the harmful efforts of second-hand smoke and equip them with resources and knowledge to reduce their exposure.
Thomas (Rich) McPherson
Wake School of Law
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellow
Site: Children’s Law Center
Rich is working with Kate B. Reynolds grantee the Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina to provide direct advocacy for children in high-conflict custody and domestic violence cases.
Sarah Mian and Reema Padia
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Site: James Bernstein Community Health Clinic
Promote the education and well-being of Spanish speaking women by teaching English skills, providing mentoring, and holding health education sessions
Brian Mikolasko
Wake School of Medicine
Site: Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery (SOAR), a program designed by the Phoenix Society
Address the psychosocial needs of family members of burn victims. Provide prevention and education of burns at the DEAC clinic.
Negin Misaghian
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Site: Pediatric Healthy Weight Research and Treatment Center
Create a mentoring program which pairs at-risk and overweight children ages 9 – 13 with a medical student to encourage healthy lifestyles. Monthly education sessions will be held for families involved.
Kunal Mitra
Duke School of Medicine
Site: Urban Ministries of Wake Open Door Clinic
Increase children’s enrollment in NC Health Choice and provide preventive education on topics of childhood obesity, social health with a focus on cigarette use and secondhand smoke, and timely immunizations.
Tammy Pham
Wake School of Medicine
Site: Center of Excellence for Research, Teaching and Learning and the a Title 1 elementary school
Provide science based instruction to 5th grade and middle school children to encourage a love of science and expose them to careers in science.
Carrie Sacco
Fayetteville State School of Social Work
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellow
Site: Autism Society of NC
Carrie is creating and implementing an adapted physical education program for children with autism through the Autism Society of NC.
Sarah Schietroma and Kristin Johnson
Wake School of Medicine
Site: Women in Transition at the YWCA Central Carolinas (Charlotte) and Supportive Services for Women at the YWCA Winston-Salem
Conduct cooking classes with an emphasis on nutrition and budgeting.
Bart Steen and Matt Wetschler
UNC CH School of Medicine
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
Site: El Futuro
Bart and Matt are working with Kate B. Reynolds grantee El Futuro to start a running group for migrant Hispanic men that will serve as an informal focus group for health concerns in the community
Alex Stovall
WSSU School of Physical Therapy
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellow
Site: Community Care Clinic
Alex is establishing a pro bono physical therapy clinic within the Community Care Center.
Kelli York and Rachel Dent
NCCU School of Education – Speech Pathology
Kate B. Reynolds Schweitzer Fellows
Site: Language and Literacy Enhancement and Development Project
Kelly and Rachel are providing face-to-face direct language and literacy enhancement to underserved preschool children, and providing outreach services to those children’s parents with the help of the Language and Literacy Enhancement and Development Project.
Fellows for Life: 2008-09
Ermias Abebe
Duke School of Medicine
Durham County Public Schools: Develop and implement an ACL and general injury prevention program for teen female athletes. Click here to learn more.
Ashley Alexander and Ying Zhang
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Hope Lodge: Create a series of therapeutic programs to enhance the quality of life and emotional well-being of adults undergoing cancer treatments. Click here to learn more about their project.
Moira Breslin and Michael Raisch
Duke School of Medicine
Project Compassion: Create and implement a healing arts program for critically ill people to be conducted in their homes to provide an outlet for expression. Click here to learn more about their project.
Kerry Colby
UNC School of Medicine
Open Door Clinic: Initiate a domestic violence screening program and sustain STD screening efforts of a previous Schweitzer program. Partner with the Sunshine Lady Foundation to create an emergency fund for domestic violence victims to be distributed by the Wake County Rape and Domestic Violence Center. Click here to learn more about Kerry’s project.
Chris Dibble and Courteney MacKuen
UNC School of Medicine
Lincoln Community Health Center: Initiate free HIV testing, counseling and education at a community clinic. Hold community events to offer free HIV testing to specific high risk and resource poor populations. Click here for more information about their project.
Nurica Good and Avni Patel
UNC School of Dentistry
Britthaven of Chapel Hill: Develop and implement an oral health education program for nursing home residents, family members and staff. Also, provide denture marking services. Click here to learn more about their project.
Amanda Hardy
UNCC School of Psychology
Jackson Park Ministries: Use modern ballet movements to enhance physical wellness and provide an outlet for emotional expression for girls ages 7 to 13 and their mothers at a residential facility. Classes will also include time for reflection and discussion of wellness topics. Click here to learn more.
Dawn Hrelic
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Cub Scouts and Brownies, Forsyth County School System: Develop a handicap awareness program for elementary school youth.
Karen Isaacs and Carolyn Kim
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Delivering Equal Access To Care (DEAC): Offer health behavior counseling incorporating relaxation and stress management strategies to improve health outcomes. Click here to learn more about their project.
Amy Marietta
UNC School of Medicine
El Futuro: Implement a stress-reduction and relaxation program based on yoga for Spanish-speaking women. Topics will include breathing techniques, introductory yoga poses, basic meditations, and ways to incorporate these tools at home with family and friends. Click here to learn more about Amy’s project.
Genevieve Ricart
Duke School of Medicine
Urban Ministries’ Community Kitchen: Develop a nutrition education program to enhance healthy food preparation and healthy lifestyle habits for shelter residents and those in need who eat at the community kitchen. Click here to learn more.
Loren Robinson and Jennifer Waddy
Duke School of Medicine
Durham County Middle School: Create an after school program for 7th and 8th grade girls to increase self-esteem, positive coping skills and healthy body image and exercise behaviors. Click here to learn more.
Nancy Shinouda and Brandon Yarns
ECU Brody School of Medicine
SurgiCenter: Develop and conduct a pediatric pre-op class and tour for children scheduled for surgery to lessen possible fears or anxieties concerning the surgical experience. Click here to learn more.
Anita Unnithan and Brandy Edwards
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Summer Significant Academy Club of the United Way and the Red Cross: Develop and implement a first aid program for children ages 8 – 11. The purpose of START (Stop, Think, & Act Responsibly Today) First Aid is to introduce topics such as emergency action steps, rescue breathing, the Heimlich maneuver, how to stop bleeding and treat wounds, as well as self-protective measures, in a fully hands-on, interactive manner. Click here to learn more.
Laura Wolfe
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Little Willie Center: Create an after school program for children to learn to plant and grow a vegetable garden and incorporate healthy habits into their lifestyle. Click here to learn more.
Fellows for Life: 2007-08
Nicoleta Agrigoroae-Bolos and Homa Azargoon
UNC School of Dentistry
Their primary focus was to incorporate a preventative component to the North Carolina Mission of Mercy (MOM) Open Door Dental Clinic which holds mobile events to provide oral health services to those in remote dental care shortage areas in NC. Their project focused on preventive education and proper brushing and flossing techniques to improve patients’ oral health. Addressing small groups of people at a time, they used visual aids and Spanish interpreters to ensure the message was clear. To get patients started, they were given free dental kits. They reached over 875 people and were overwhelmed by the positive feedback to their efforts. They created a program manual which will be used by ENNEAD, a service oriented organization at the UNC School of Dentistry, who will continue their educational outreach at MOM events.
Wylie Carhartt and Holly Moye
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Project F.U.N.: Families Understanding Nutrition served more than 80 participants at Greene County Family Literacy. Their primary goal was to improve nutrition literacy and promote physical activity in the underserved migrant Latino community. The objectives included providing nutrition education at an age-appropriate level, encouraging lifelong physical activity, providing valuable budget education, and increasing the bonds within family units. Through cooking classes for each individual family and field trips to local farmers markets and grocery stores, they strived to place children and their families on the right track toward making more health-conscious decisions. Participants received a cookbook of all the program’s recipes to encourage their commitment to health. Staff members at the site will incorporate Wylie and Holly’s curriculum into their summer programming and two student volunteers will continue the physical activity sessions.
Natalie Desouza and Rita Sridaran
ECU Brody School of Medicine
With the help of TEACH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication-Handicapped Children) and the Pitt County Chapter of the Autism Society of NC, Natalie and Rita provided a 6-week summer camp for children with autism in eastern North Carolina that focused on social training skills. They had 40 children total in all four groups; 31 with autism and nine neurologically typical siblings. TEACCH and the Autism Society of NC have committed to sustaining the camp. The Autism Society paying for camp activities and providing stipend for two camp leaders. TEACCH will have one employee at every event so there is always someone on site with experience.
Bari Eberhardt and Mary Catherine Knight
ECU Brody School of Medicine
“Standing Tall: Building Bones, Building Futures” focused on promoting bone health in middle school aged children through nutrition, physical activity, and empowerment in decision making. They visited each 6th, 7th and 8th grade classroom in Pitt County twice in order to reinforce their message and assess retention. They also visited the Boys and Girls Clubs. Through their efforts, they reach 723 children. For sustainability, they provided teachers with the handouts, quizzes and educational materials used so the information can be implemented into future lesson plans.
Katie Hawn
UNC School of Dentistry
Katie provided oral health education to children who entered UNC Hospitals with such poor oral health that they require general anesthesia for dental treatment. She collaborated with Toothfairy Island Inc. to develop an appropriate educational curriculum and protocol targeted for this population. Using interactive materials, Katie worked to improve oral hygiene skills, promote nutrition, and increase oral health knowledge to prevent future trips to the operating room for dental treatment. Katie reached 170 children and their families and she has trained two dental student volunteers to continue the educational outreach.
Annada Hypes and Kristin Daley
UNC Charlotte School of Psychology
Their Beautiful Girls program aimed to nurture self esteem, body image, interpersonal relationships, coping skills, and mindfulness in 40 middle school girls through activities that increase awareness of the self and media influences. The program was offered as an apprenticeship with the Citizen Schools Program, a national program which provides free after-school activities for at-risk youth. The 10-week Beautiful Girls program was held at Eastway Middle, Albemarle Middle, and Martin Luther King Jr. Middle. The program is now an undergraduate practica opportunity for students majoring in psychology. Two students have been selected to lead the program at two sites in the fall. In addition, Citizen Schools is adopting the curriculum into their NC program and possibly nationwide as well.
John Lawrence
The Divinity School at Wake Forest University
John sought to help bridge the informational divide that often exists between the homeless and the various communal services that seek to assist the economically disadvantaged. To accomplish this task, John arranged for a number of representatives from various housing, food, clothing, and medical aid programs to speak to the residents of the Bethesda Shelter on the services their organizations provide for the homeless. These information sessions also involved a time in which the homeless men and women of the Center were able to speak individually with the presenters and John on specific concerns and needs. In addition, John spent a significant amount of time listening to the life stories, struggles, and hopes that the homeless men and women offered. He also sought to be a sounding board for the residents in their expressions of spiritual needs, frustrations, and beliefs.
Martha Mills
Duke University School of Nursing
Martha’s goal was to increase knowledge of available resources to senior residents and care providers in the Cleveland community. Working through the Johnston County Council on Aging, information was distributed to senior residences, physician offices, health fairs, churches and community–based organizations, reaching over 200 people. Martha also initiated a Powerful Tools for Caregivers class which is a six-week training series to help those who care for people with long-term illness with coping strategies which allow them to relieve stress, anger, frustration, and fatigue as well as focused on community skills and working through caregiver decisions. Martha will lead a monthly caregivers support group. Martha will continue to lead the caregivers class and support group in the Cleveland community.
Shayla Nesbitt
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Shayla conducted a health education outreach with an emphasis on HIV awareness. Other topics included nutrition and exercise, stress reduction techniques, breast and cervical cancer prevention, cardiovascular health, and reproductive health. She conducted one-on-one sessions for 430 women at the Community Care Clinic. She held weekly education sessions (one in Spanish and one in English) for 91 women at Today’s Woman. Shayla also reached 81 women through monthly sessions at Laura’s Hair Salon.
Mrinali Patel and Brad Perez
Duke School of Medicine
Brad and Mrinali worked at the Open Door Clinic of Wake County gathering appropriate social histories from 200 patients to provide a current summary of health information to the volunteer physicians. They also focused on increasing STI screening and immunization rates. Through their efforts, the clinic was able to set up a program to offer HIV and syphilis testing at no extra charge through state funding. 08-09 NC Fellow Kerry Colby will continue their efforts in addition to adding a domestic violence prevention element.
Ashley Schaaf
UNC School of Dentistry
Ashley’s primary goal was to promote oral facial prevention awareness. She provided 52 custom made mouthguards to youth through the Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department and the Triangle United Soccer League. She increased awareness by presenting numerous table clinics at local health fairs reaching over 500 people. In addition, she also presented at the Annual State Dental Meeting and conducted a continuing education course for a local health department. For sustainability, she created a Sports Dentistry elective class offered at UNC School of Dentistry. Furthermore, two volunteer dental students will continue her mouthguard project.
Jessica Watson
UNC School of Medicine
“Art for Life” provided a safe, open environment in which four homebound adults could conduct art projects while engaging in critical and creative thought. Over the course of eight months, Jessica met with each participant in her home two to four hours two to three times a month. Together, Jessica and each participant completed over ten projects, working with a variety of mediums. The goal was not the art itself, but to provide an outlet for expression and, as a result, improve their overall quality of life.
Bryant Cameron Webb
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Bryant provided mentoring and health education for African American teens and encouraged their interest in the health professions and their role as community advocates.
Courtney Weems
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Courtney program aimed to increase awareness of the occupational and recreational risks of the sun, and the role it plays in skin cancer diseases for tourists, workers in the tourism industry and community members of Avery County. She also expanded her efforts to include children and adults in eastern NC. She reached over a thousand people through lectures, training sessions, and participation in eight community events. Courtney and 06-07 NC Fellow Marie Rowe held sun safety training sessions for teachers across the state. They are also working on incorporating sun safety awareness into the elementary and middle school curriculums.
Fellows for Life: 2006-07
Emily Davies
Duke School of Medicine
Emily’s program, “Comprensión,” provided health professional students with opportunities to interact with the Latino community and learn more about Latino culture while participating in community service projects. Her main effort was to organize Spanish health education classes at the Teer House taught by eight medical students and one physical therapy student. Class topics covered anxiety, depression, low back pain, sexually transmitted diseases, diabetes education, pediatric nutrition and asthma. The classes will continue next year at El Centro Latino and in rural sites to migrant workers. Volunteers also provided breast cancer education to 75 Latinos at a health fair and attended lectures regarding the issues facing the Latino community and migrant workers.
Dan Dison and Jonathan Tovey
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Dan and Jonathan conducted an after school program for 18 fourth and fifth grade boys to increase cultural awareness and promote healthy lifestyles at Easton Elementary School in Winston-Salem. The program focused on physical fitness, nutrition, hygiene, disease prevention, and cultural sports and dance.
Kim Hammersmith and Stephanie Manning
UNC School of Dentistry
Kim and Stephanie designed a 5-lesson oral health curriculum to educate 3- and 4-year-olds on proper oral hygiene, good nutrition, and visiting the dentist. Together, they visited twelve Chapel Hill/Carrboro Head Start classrooms which served 180 children. They visited each classroom for a one hour lesson five times throughout the school year.
Laura Heringer
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Laura created a companionship program for seriously ill residents at long term care facilities. Sixteen health professional students regularly visited 23 residents at the Winston-Salem Rehabilitation and Health and Silas Creek Manor. The residents benefited by the social interaction and mental stimulation. The volunteers learned how to communicate and connect with this population and discovered the challenges that they face. Laura created a geriatric care interest group at Wake Forest School of Medicine to raise awareness of end-of-life issues and how to better care for the geriatric population. Laura encouraged participated to volunteer in her program and scheduled lunch talks regarding hospice and palliative care, terminal illness and dementia, and holistic care during the dying process. The program is being sustained by the interest group and is an elective credit requiring 30 hours of participation.
Shelby Kaplan and Brooke Merritt
ECU School of Medicine
Through their project, “Healthy Smile, Healthy Child,” Shelby and Brooke visited 1,297 kindergarteners and first graders in 16 public schools in Pitt County to educate children about oral health and the importance of being healthy by observing the ABCs: Avoiding sugar, Brushing their teeth, and Consuming calcium. Many of the classes will incorporate the project into their curriculum. In addition, Shelby and Brooke created an information website, www.ecu.edu/orgs/schweitzer-fellows/healthysmiles, which will be maintained by the Office of Generalist Programs at Brody School of Medicine.
Kris Karvelas
UNC School of Medicine
Kris provided Expressive Arts Therapy to patients in oncology and pediatrics at UNC Hospitals. Through the process of drawing sketches of healing goals, making wish dolls and reflecting on their illness, patients are encouraged to participate in their healing process and to find the strength to cope with their disease. Kris interacted one-on-one with 40 adult patients and in a group setting with 95 pediatric patients. In addition, he also worked with 56 family members who were visiting patients and with 35 staff members who wished to learn about Expressive Arts therapy or wanted to bond with their patients. The UNC Pediatric Interest Group and a undergraduate pre-med service organization will volunteer in pairs to continue the wish doll project with the pediatric department.
Ian Nelligan
UNC School of Medicine
Ian provided accessible HIV/AIDS education, counseling and screening for underserved Hispanic/Latino communities of Orange, Durham, and Chatham counties. He also conducted cardiovascular screenings and health education.
Margareth Pierre-Louis
UNC School of Medicine
Margareth created SHAKE (Sisters for Health Awareness through Knowledge & Exercise) a twelve-session nutrition and dance program for eleven minority high school women at the Lyon Park Community and Family Life Recreation Center in Durham. Maggie engaged participants in an interactive curriculum focused on teaching healthy eating behaviors and physical wellness.
Alexandra Rogers and Jenny Smith
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Alex and Jenny offered prenatal and postpartum women’s health education classes including
breastfeeding, labor and delivery, STDs, family planning, postpartum depression,
and prenatal care at Imprints for Expectant Families and Today’s Woman Women’s Health Clinic in Winston Salem. Together, they reached 230 women. They also participated in home visits with Imprints to answer the health related questions of new mothers. For sustainability, they trained the health educators and nurses to teach the classes and provided their program curriculum.
Marie Rowe and Paige Clark
ECU School of Medicine
Marie and Paige created S.O.S. “Save Our Skin” to increase awareness of the occupational and recreational risks of the sun, and the role it plays in skin cancer diseases for children and commercial fishermen in and around Carteret County. They educated 400 children through the Boys and Girls Club of Coastal Carolina and 275 middle and high schools students. They reached thousands of commercial fisherman and their families through local festivals, fishing tournaments and church events. Two screenings were held which screened 120 people.
Shatima Seward and Jasmine Smith
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Shatima and Jasmine created a program for teen girls and young mothers promoting healthy choices through emphasis on nutrition and obesity, positive body image, and sex education. They held an event for teens and a series of education classes for young mothers a Today’s Women Health Clinic.
Blair Simpson
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Blair initiated a Fall Prevention Program for the adult population of Forsyth County through The Shepherd’s Center. It is a four component program including assessment of environmental hazards, medication education, physical fitness, and the EMS Vial of Life project. An EMS Vial of Life contains important medical information that can assist emergency personnel in administering the proper medical treatment when the patient cannot speak for his/herself.
Rachel Simpson
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Rachel conducted a health education outreach for teen mothers in Pitt County using both home visits and group sessions. Topics include nutrition, safety in the home, breastfeeding, oral health, early infant care, exercise needs, post partum depression and the importance of setting and achieving goals. Rachel mentored 18 young mothers throughout the course of the year.
Patrick Smith
UNC School of Medicine
Patrick taught weekly ESL classes to 15 Spanish speaking parents and their children
at Estes Hills Elementary School in Chapel Hill to help families take a greater role in their children’s education. The classes consisted of homework help, education games and songs, creative art work, math practice, English grammar, role playing situations in English, and contacting teachers.
Anthony Wang
Duke School of Medicine
Anthony expanded the Durham Parks and Recreation youth soccer program from three teams with 38 children to eight teams with 100 children. Anthony recruited and trained twelve volunteer coaches consisting of graduate school students and parents. To assist with the coaching efforts, Anthony created a manual with skill and mentoring tips. He also secured the necessary equipment for the Parks and Recreation. Based on the success of Anthony’s project, Durham Parks and Recreation plans to expand the program to accommodate 200 children.
Fellows for Life: 2005-06
Yvonne Ator Whitelaw
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Yvonne designed and implemented the HIV PACT (HIV Prevention via Awareness, Counseling &Testing) program to populations throughout eastern NC. HIV awareness was implemented by identifying and dispelling myths and misconceptions associated with HIV in order to alleviate the stigma that hinders testing. Free on-site OraQuick Rapid Testing was provided. Pre- and post-test counseling was also provided to deal with the profound psychological, social and medical impact on the individual. Yvonne held workshops, educational sessions, health fairs, a block party, bake sales, walks, and booths to conduct her program. Yvonne’s team tested 163 people and educated 664.
Natalie Muth and Avik Chatterjee
UNC School of Medicine
Natalie and Avik created a program where nine (9) teen health educators from Cedar Ridge High School could serve as healthy living role models by teaching a twelve-week nutrition and physical activity curriculum to 43 students in fourth grade classrooms at Grady Brown Elementary School. This project became the official community service project of the AMA student group at UNC who will continue the program. In addition, interested school officials from Wilkes County and the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools wish to implement the program in their districts.
Nick Crosby
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Nick provided physical activity classes three times a week for older adults in the Winston-Salem area. These classes were designed to maintain strength and endurance in order to continue the independence the adults enjoyed for so many years. The classes will be sustained by the Exercise Physiology Department at Winston-Salem State University.
Jacob Cuellar
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Jacob designed and implemented a culturally appropriate healthy lifestyles four week camp for fifty (50) Spanish speaking children in grades K through 5th at GR Whitfield Elementary School. Jacob used the CATCH curriculum (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) to promote nutrition, diabetes awareness and prevention, and physical fitness. Each age group participated in 18 sessions of physical activity, which consisted of fun non-competitive moderate to vigorous physical activities chosen from the CATCH Kids Club Activities Set. Children were provided with a free lunch each day. In addition, Jacob held eight (8) health education sessions for the parents of the fifty (50) participants. As a result of his work with this community, Jacob has been working to establish a permanent Hispanic Community Center in Greenville, NC.
Marcella Daniel
Duke School of Medicine
Marcella led a health professions recruitment and exposure program (HPREP) to increase the awareness of high school students of the opportunities available in the health professionals. Twenty-six 11th and 12th grade students from the seven high schools in Durham participated in the program. The program consisted of eight Saturday sessions each of which were four hours long. Sessions included college preparation and SAT review, tours of radiology/operating room, and ethics in medicine. Students also learned how to conduct patient interviews and a physical exam. A fundraising banquet was which raised money for the $500 and $1000 scholarships that were awarded to the two students with the highest overall scores of the program. The program will be continued by the Student National Medical Association.
Chris Durham
UNC School of Dentistry
Chris taught proper oral hygiene techniques and provided oral disease education for 171 minority teens in Orange and Vance Counties. The program was designed to educate them on what causes and how to prevent tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral cancer, and diabetes. He also discussed opportunities in the health professions.
Jessica Flynn
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Jessica raised awareness and provided information about the Medicare update to 191 seniors in Pitt County and surrounding areas. Jessica focused on cost, benefits and coverage to help seniors make information decisions. Although Jessica held several group presentations, the majority of her project was spent one on one with seniors assessing their individual situations. Jessica also provided education sessions for 24 physicians and office staff so they could make informed decisions about their health care plans.
Michael Gwaltney and Joel Chisholm
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Michael and Joel created a stroke prevention program based on group education presentations using materials from the Stroke Association followed by one-on-one testing and counseling. They reached over 1200 community members throughout the course of their project. The Pitt County Health Department Stroke Coalition will sustain Michael and Joel’s program.
Carrie Hamby and Liz Deans
UNC School of Medicine
Liz and Carrie developed a nutrition and physical activity education program for Latina mothers at the Prospect Hill Community Health Center. Classes were kicked off by a walking group to encourage regular physical activity. Each class was taught by interspersing short lessons with activities, discussion, cooking lessons, or exercises. Children also participated in the program. Training was provided to the Maternity Care Coordinators from the six clinics of the Piedmont Health Services network so they can sustain the program. In addition, the Immigrant health Initiative of Siler City will be incorporating the classes and materials into their Diabetes Education Program as part of a 2006-2008 Health and Wellness Trust Fund grant. Plus, the UNC Student Health Action Coalition Community Projects branch will use the materials at local health fairs.
Page Inman
Duke School of Medicine
Page tutored and mentored 12 girls and boys at the Concern of Durham. The majority of her work was spent one-on-one with the teens to help them academically, provide emotional support, and expand their horizons. Community service projects were also an integral part of the program. Students from the American Medical Women’s Association will continue Page’s efforts.
Jin Yi Kwon and Noz Yamauchi
UNC School of Dentistry
Jin Yi and Noz improved the oral health for 80 residents at the Chapel Hill Rehabilitation Center. Residents had their teeth brushed, gums wiped, dentures marked and cleaned, fluoride applied and teeth flossed. Those with interested family members were taught how to maintain proper oral hygiene for their loved ones. In addition, the Fellows established meaningful relationships with the residents to improve their overall quality of life. The Fellows also taught an in-service oral health education session for 30 staff members to help ensure that they can provide good oral residential care on a consistent basis. Noz will continue to volunteer at the center. Jin Yi will set up her dental practice ½ mile from the center to continue to meet the needs of the residents.
David Mann
Wake Forest School of Medicine
David offered mentoring and healthy lifestyles education to 5th grade minority students at Easton Elementary School in Winston-Salem. David focused on the value of eating healthy balanced meals, the importance of living an active lifestyle, and the need for education. He met with eight children on a biweekly basis throughout the course of the school year and ten additional children on a less formal basis.
Steven Manning and Cindy Johns
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Steven and Cindy provided diabetes and obesity education for 200 residents in the Hobgood community. They held monthly clinics, weekly education sessions and one on one education through home health visits. The monthly clinics are being sustained by medical students.
Shelly Strickland
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Shelly provided a four week summer camp through the Indian Education Association in Robeson County to promote health lifestyles to 230 Lumbee children ages 8 to 12 years old. A central theme of the camp was pride and discovery of the Lumbee cultural heritage. At every session, Shelly emphasized the idea of W.A.L.K.: to be WISE in the decisions they make when choosing snacks and foods, to be ACTIVE (exercise is key), to LEARN as much as they can about their role as caretakers of their bodies, and to KNOW the information so they can educate others. The Girl Scouts of Robeson County assisted Shelly with her project and sustain her programming at the camp.
Virginia Stewart
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Virginia served 650 community members in Greenville through a health education series given in Spanish at local churches, free clinics, and community health fairs with a prominent Latino population. In addition, disease screenings were provided for breast cancer, stroke and diabetes.
Virginia also assisted people who lack health insurance to apply HealthAssist at all program events and at the Pitt County Care Clinic.
Fellows for Life: 2004-05
Meg Stokes Alden
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Meg developed and implemented a Picture Exchange Communication System for nonverbal children at The Special Children’s School. She piloted the program with five preschool age children. The teachers at the school are incorporating the program into the school’s curriculum.
Emma Archibong
Duke University School of Medicine and UNC School of Public Health
After much community feedback, Emma organized a walking group for the residents of the Morreene Road Housing Development in Durham. Twice weekly, Emma would lead ten to fifteen residents on a walk on a neighborhood path. Residents could measure their activity with pedometers Emma provided. Monthly nutrition seminars were held to encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors. Many of the residents have reported significant weight loss and have indicated they will continue the walking group on their own.
Antonio Braithwaite
UNC School of Dentistry
Antonio applied fluoride varnishes and conducted oral hygiene education for 286 children and their parents.
Lauren Brubaker and Gigi Marsil MacDonald
UNC School of Medicine
Lauren and Gigi created a student run organization at Student Health Action Committee (SHAC) clinics in Carrboro and Bloomer Hill and at local health fairs to enroll eligible children in low or no cost health insurance funded through NC Health Check and NC Health Choice. They handed out over 130 applications which they helped the parents complete or were filled out by the parents at home. In addition, they provided 350 parents and children with educational materials in English and Spanish to strengthen children’s knowledge of a healthy lifestyle while giving parents the tools to implement healthy behaviors in their children. Their program is being sustained by the SHAC clinics. They recruited 50 UNC School of Medicine students to volunteer with their project.
Kathy Colville
UNC School of Public Health and Social Work
Kathy spearheaded a male mentoring and gender violence prevention program in two (2)
Alamance County middle schools. Six adult and teen male mentors were trained and 25 middle schoolers completed the program. The program will be continued next year. Kathy also conducted domestic violence community education presentations to churches, middle schools and other community groups in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Domestic Violence Unit.
Meredith Davis
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Meredith assisted the Lions Club Vision Van with their community screenings for early detection of eye problems. The Vision Van screens for visual acuity, visual field loss (which can indicate diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, or glaucoma), and glaucoma/increased eye pressure. In addition to screening, Meredith educated patients regarding the risks associated with various eye diseases, encouraged patients to schedule further exams when appropriate and ensured that patients with financial needs are connected with the appropriate local Lions Club in order to receive aid for treatment. Meredith visited 9 community sites where the van screened 439 people of which 201 were referred to an eye care professional for further evaluation.
Moss Fenberg and Shad Saunders
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Moss and Shad created a voucher system to provide patients at the Community Care Center with eyeglasses for $20 to $30 a pair instead of the usual $80 to $150 a pair. Over 200 eyeglasses have been distributed to date. Moss and Shad also worked every evening at the clinic doing one on one education sessions with over 250 patients. They also conducted 4 sessions on diabetes and eye care to approximately 75 patients each time.
LaTure Hicks
Duke University School of Nursing
LaTure provided cancer prevention and early detection train the trainer sessions for forty (40) volunteers in five (5) African American churches in northeast Charlotte. These sessions focused on colon, lung, breast and prostate cancer. Topics included early detection, prevention, screening, and nutrition and physical recommendations. The congregations received breast, prostate, lung, and colon models; presentation flip charts; train-the-trainer packets; education materials; pre-post test materials; and contact information. In addition, she provided community cancer screenings for 97 individuals and 103 people participated in her health education programs.
Aaron Lesher
Duke University School of Medicine
Aaron created and managed a medical linkage system at the Durham Center, an addiction clinic, to set up appointments for patients who need other types of medical care from local medical providers. Aaron made appointments for 25 patients for primary care visits and 10 patients for other types of medical care. The clinic staff will now utilize and maintain this system.
Mignon Metcalf
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Mignon designed and performed a healthy lifestyles program for 28 minority girls ages 11 to 13 at Operation Sunshine. In addition to the healthy lifestyle curriculum, this comprehensive summer program included health care screenings, community service projects, goal setting, journaling, and field trips.
Natalie Rodgers
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Natalie performed a heart healthy education program aimed primarily at women. She discussed the risk factors and healthy lifestyles tips with 260 women both one on one and through group sessions at the Martin County Healthy Department and churches and fairs in Pitt County.
Maria Trent
UNC School of Medicine
Maria worked with 16 preteen minority girls from the Hargraves Center in Chapel Hill. She taught the girls STEP routines which they performed at local events several times throughout the year. This high energy dance program significantly bolstered the girls’ self confidence and self esteem. Maria also conducted nutrition and basic life science education to encourage healthy behaviors. In addition, she mentored the girls as they explored future career choices to encourage them to set concrete goals and establish paths to reach those goals. Maria was inducted into the E.S. Mayer Community Service Honor Society at the UNC School of Medicine for her work with the girls. Two UNC classmates will continue her project at the Hargraves Center next year.
Claudine Warfel and Mark Corbett
ECU Brody School of Medicine
Claudine and Mark initiated a home visitation program for forty (40) patients of the University Health System. They conducted frequent in home visitations with a core group of twelve (12) additional patients in order to have maximum impact on their health and maintain continuity of care. Home visitations included an evaluation of the patient’s functional abilities, eating behaviors, home environment, medications, availability of help from caregivers, and basic physical assessments.
Fellows for Life: 2003-04
Kimberly Alexander-Bratcher
East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine
Kate B. Reynolds Pediatric Center of Greene County Health Care: Conducted a breastfeeding-teaching intervention for Hispanic mothers.
Cameron Anderson
East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine
Cameron created a program to teach children about the benefits of exercise and nutrition while incorporating a way the students could help children with disabilities. She partnered with the Family Support Network of Eastern NC to match 24 “Super Kids,” between the ages of 7 – 11, with “Super Pals,” children with disabilities. The Super Kids trained for a 1 mile race in April to provide a make-a-wish come true for their Super Pal. Over 20% of the Super Kids in the obesity or at risk for obesity category lost weight in the program. All children scored significant improvements on post nutrition surveys. Cameron raised $10,000 in cash and thousands more in goods and services.
Trey Bradley
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Trey worked at the Community Care Center/Centro Clinico to create a system to obtain free medications for patients using Patient Assistant Programs (PAPS) of the major pharmaceutical companies. Over 200 individuals were enrolled in the program and over $3,500 worth of medicines are received monthly. As a result, the clinic has a much larger stock of samples and budgeted medicines for other patients who would not qualify for PAPS. Clinic staff has taken over managing Trey’s system.
Marie Clark and Amy Henriott
Duke School of Medicine
Marie and Amy organized health education workshops for the 12 women residents of the Genesis Home.
Mary Clingan
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Jeni worked with 50 pediatric oncology patients at Brenner’s Children Hospital through their Arts for Life program. She is writing a booklet in the form of a story that addresses cancer treatment to give to newly diagnosed children and their families.
Kelly Cobb
Duke School of Nursing
Kelly performed diabetes screening and health education to 60 migrant workers. She also taught emergency Spanish to 100 firefighters and paramedics in Caswell and Person Counties.
Mary Dawson and Nathan Meltzer
East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine
Mary and Nathan provided five breast cancer and four diabetes education workshops to HealthAssist community centers. They organized breast, prostrate and colorectal screenings through the Leo Jenkins Cancer Center at three HealthAssist community centers which resulted in over 100 people being screened. The Cancer Center has received a grant to sponsor another year of free cancer screenings. Mary and Nathan also created a workbook outlining the steps to applying for pharmaceutical assistance programs.
Mary Fox
University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Mary created a diabetes education and prevention program. She reached 145 children and adults during 14 presentations at church meetings, health fairs, and after school programs in Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
Andy Garrison
Duke School of Medicine
Andy initiated a smoking cessation program at the Lincoln Community Health Center. He received a $2,500 grant from the Duke Community & Family Medicine Department to supply nicotine patches and other supplies. He trained 19 student volunteers in smoking cessation counseling. Andy and his volunteers counseled 151 patients, 113 agreed to set a quit date. Twenty-seven percent of patients reported abstinence or a decrease in cigarette consumption. Andy’s program will be continued next year by a current medical student volunteer.
Andrea Havens
Duke School of Medicine
Andrea created a student-senior partnership to improve access of isolated community dwelling seniors in Durham to services that would improve their quality of life and position the students to serve as advocates for their seniors. Twelve student-senior partnerships were formed. Two volunteers will continue the program next year. A new “Community Partners” course at Duke Medical School has been designed with input from Andrea. Medical students will be paired with people of various ages who suffer from chronic illness to learn from them what it is like to live with chronic disease.
Chris Heaney
University of North Carolina School of Public Health
Chris worked with the West End Revitalization Association (WERA) to address health disparities related to failing septic systems and contaminated well water supplies in West End, White Level and Buckhorn/Perry Hill. With his help, WERA received a $10,000 grant from the Carolina-Shaw Partnership for the Elimination of Health Disparities-Project EXPORT to continue their efforts. They also received a $100,000 grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency to continue their work to create partnerships to address and solve environmental issues.
Amber McLendon
University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy
Amber conducted home visits to 54 seniors in Orange County to help them obtain prescription assistance. She also trained employees at the Department of Aging on prescription assistance programs and developed an insurance resource manual for use in helping their patients.
Caroline Morgan
East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine
Caroline conducted a “Body Basics” nutrition class to 20 children ages 6 to 8 and 9 to 12 at the Boys and Girls Club in Greenville.
Kristin Schaible and Amy Sommer
University of North Carolina School of Public Health & University of North Carolina School of Social Work
Kristin and Amy designed and implemented a free, churched based diabetes foot clinic in Hurdle Mills through collaboration with the Student Health Action Coalition Outreach. Approximately 75 patients have been seen at the clinic during this pilot year. SHAC Outreach will continue to work with the community to run the clinic. Their project won UNC’s Office of the Provost’s Public Service Award and placed third in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Secretary’s Award for innovations in health promotion and disease prevention.
Jeff Sung and Susan Kansagra
Duke School of Medicine/Fuqua School of Business
Susan and Jeff developed a child abuse prevention workshop for parents. A pilot with two parent groups was very successful. Tests revealed that the mothers were actively learning from the presentations, and surveys indicated that they would be taking steps to teach their children prevention techniques. SAFEchild has a core set of volunteers that will be trained to present this material and will give presentations year-round.
Rajesh Swaminathan
Duke School of Medicine
Rajesh screened 100 patients at the Freemont Clinic for metabolic syndrome and conducted education sessions about the condition.
Cherisse Thomas
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Cherisse organized scoliosis screenings for 226 children between the ages of 11 and 15 at ten (10) summer camps throughout eastern NC. Her program referred 26 children to a physician for further evaluation. She also organized a support group sponsored by the Scoliosis Association to provide a strong network for scoliosis patients and parents, give adolescent scoliosis patients an opportunity to meet other kids with the same condition, to promote self esteem and to provide information about coping and treating scoliosis.
Fellows for Life: 2002-03
Renee Banaszak and Wafa Badwan
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Through Renee’s and Wafa’s efforts, over 500 minority and elderly women in rural eastern North Carolina received information about breast cancer and the importance of self breast exams and annual mammography.
Arlene Chung
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Arlene performed over 350 diabetes and hypertension screenings, nutritional counseling and health education at the JOY soup kitchen in Pitt County. She also conducted eight disease management workshops on diabetes, hypertension, physical activity and nutrition. The Greenville Community Shelter, the Family Practice Center at Brody School of Medicine, HealthAssist, and Kate B. Reynolds Foundation are now using Arlene’s curriculum from these workshops. She organized a community fair in October, 2002, over 30 medical student volunteers to provide over 100 diabetes and hypertension screenings, health education, referrals to the homeless shelter center, enrollment for an indigent care health plan, and breast cancer awareness education. She also created a Health Status Tracking Database, a program to track each enrollee’s health risk factors and health status for Health Assist (an indigent care health plan for the uninsured). This system is used to target individuals for education and disease management in addition to statistical analysis for grant purposes.
Jennifer Farmer and Benjamin Gilmer
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Jennifer and Benjamin enrolled over 250 uninsured people into an insurance program. Benjamin initiated a student community service group dedicated to sustaining this project and many others in the Fountain Clinic and the Pitt County Emergency Department.
Renee Ferrari and Rani Shankar
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Renee and Rani developed a formalized mentoring curriculum to better train and support doulas at UNC Hospitals and increase their volunteer activity. They created a photo novella of laboring women and their doulas to document and share the doula’s role in birth and increase visibility of the program among hospital staff and visitors. These pictures will be on display at UNC Hospitals and on rotating display at 24 outlying prenatal clinic that send patients to UNC Hospitals for labor and delivery.
Robin Gaines
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Robin taught an English as a second language course to 215 Mexican migrant farmworkers at six camps in Snow Hill that also encompassed basic health and safety issues.
Jena Ivey
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Pharmacy
Jena conducted 100 visits to the homes of community dwelling elders in Orange County to establish their health literacy and medication use and to conduct health care education. Results were given to the Orange County Department on Aging to target the medication-related needs of elders in the community.
Melissa Keene
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Melissa developed and implemented End of Life Care Ministries in 6 Faith Communities in Winston-Salem to educate community members about end of life care decisions. This is an ongoing, continuing project that is currently enrolling an additional 3 churches and plans to expands to other congregations throughout Winston-Salem.
Sylvia Lee
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Sylvia conducted a series of eight health education classes in which physicians provided Orange County school teachers with basic medical information on typical presenting signs and social/developmental consequences of common childhood health problems. Attendance ranged from 13 to 33.
Andrea Locklear
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Andrea held five (5) diabetic health fairs and screened over 250 people and conducted diabetes education. She also held three (3) four-hour diabetic seminars with 12 participants. Dr. Kenneth Locklear will continue holding these seminars three times a year in his practice. She is in the process having a Native American Diabetic Awareness video produced as well as a Diabetes Education Video aimed specifically at Native Americans.
Kelley Mondi
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Kelley taught a women’s health education series at the Living Water Clinic for twenty-three women primarily of Latina heritage. Topics included nutrition, cancer, self esteem/domestic violence, stress reduction, cardiovascular health and reproductive health. The Clinic will continue to hold these classes every six months.
Kristin Olson-Kennedy
UNC-Charlotte School of Nursing
Kristin provided nursing service and health education for the Salvation Army Shelter for Homeless Women and Children, a 250-bed facility that is always filled to capacity. The clinic sees any average of 25 people a day.
Tanika Pinn
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Tanika conducted a teen leadership conference for fifty (50) students to develop leadership and improve self esteem to increase ability to handle everyday pressure, increase comfort level for seeking external support, and improve physical and emotional health.
Shelley Summerlin-Long
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health and School of Social Work
Shelley interviewed Latina mothers to identify barriers to health care and improve client services at the Piedmont Health Services clinics. Assisted with childbirth classes at the Carrboro Community Health Clinic.
Payson Thompson
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Payson screened 120 people for diabetes at 18 health fairs/churches. Twenty people tested positive for diabetes who did not know they had the disease.
Ginger Wike
NC State University School of Veterinary Medicine
Ginger rganized and initiated the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (SCAVSAB) to include increase awareness and education to the students and general public. The club hosted a public seminar on behavior training for dogs. Another session was held for the school’s laboratory animal research (LAR) facility. The club will be reviving the Human Animal Bond project designed to take approved animals to nursing homes to visit with the elderly.
Fellows for Life: 2001-02
Nadia Ahmed
Campbell University School of Pharmacy
Rockingham County: Established a Latino health initiative.
Carey Aselage and Rose Wilcher
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Orange County: Developed a youth empowerment program.
Arlana Bobo
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Formulated an after-school program for middle school children living in a Chapel Hill public housing community which focused on character education.
April Carson
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law student
Chatham County: Institutionalized an existing domestic violence pro bono project in order to ensure its longevity.
Julia Dombrowski and Karen Moore
Duke University School of Medicine
The NC Student Rural Health Coalition: Coordinated a women’s health initiative in Freemont, Garysburg, Tillery, Bloomerhill, Hobgood and Femaville.
David Edwards
Duke University School of Medicine
Salvation Army Shelter: Provided healthcare and education for the homeless.
William Fischer
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Murphy County: Initiated a peer-based STI education program for teenage students.
Angela Huang
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
The Genesis Home: Offered health education for the homeless.
Jon Hudson
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Community Partnership for End of Life Care: Instituted a pediatric palliative care program.
Lisa Jackson and David Whetstone
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Pitt County Memorial Hospital Emergency Department and the Fountain Clinic: Provided health education materials to these locations.
Anisa Kassim and Lisa Fastnaught
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Siler City: Organized and implemented three peer-based weekend retreats for at-risk middle school students to promote intercultural awareness and respect.
Lisa Nelson
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Beaufort County: Conducted health education on HIV/AIDS and asthma for county residents.
Abraham Nussbaum
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Formulated a plan to increase the effectiveness of the Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC) in Carrboro.
Christopher Scott
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Educated farmers, forester, and commercial fisherman in Eastern North Carolina about skin cancer issues.
Shinu Singh
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Greenville Community Shelter: Conducted health education for the homeless and performed community awareness seminars to educate the public about homeless issues.
Fellows for Life: 2000-01
Joy Noel Baumgartner
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Threshold Program: Assisted women suffering from mental illness with gaining access to care for their reproductive health.
Charlotte Bell
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Orange County Department of Aging: Conducted a nutrition education and outreach program for the elderly.
Sara Benjamin
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
NC Cooperative Extension Service: Addressed issues of food insecurity in Durham and Orange Counties.
Melissa Green and Deborah Zysman
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Wake County: Collaborated with the county in a jail’s peer education STD program.
George Manuosos and Richard Murphy
Duke University School of Medicine
NC Student Rural Health Coalition: Offered health education, screenings, and interventions for the community of Princeville that was displaced by Hurricane Floyd.
Sumner Mitchell
UNC-Greensboro School of Public Health
Caswell Family Medical Center: Conducted workshops on nutrition, activity, and children’s health in order to address the issue of childhood obesity.
Patrick O’Malley
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Emergency Department, Pitt County Memorial Hospital: Formulated a healthcare outreach program.
Marylee Perry
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law
Family Violence/Rape Crisis Services of Chatham County: Developed a system which provided legal services for domestic violence victims by utilizing law students and pairing them with practicing attorneys from the DV Pro Bono Program.
Samuel Simmons
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
NC Farm Worker Health Program: Provided materials and education to farmers and farm workers about Green Tobacco Illness.
Erin Spelman
UNC-Charlotte School of Psychology
Provided parenting skills and health education for individuals in a Charlotte public housing project.
Fellows for Life: 1999-00
Scott Blackmon and Brooke Lawrence
Duke University School of Medicine
Shelter of Hope Clinic: Provided acute and preventive healthcare services as well as education for the homeless at this clinic.
Natasha Blakeney
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Person County: Recruited and trained lay health advisors for a breast cancer awareness program.
Clary Brown
Duke University School of Nursing
Eastway Elementary School and Centro Hispano: Provided a bilingual curriculum on healthy lifestyles for children.
Jean Davison
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing
Chewning Middle School: Developed, implemented, and tested the impact of a model Comprehensive Cardiovascular Fitness program for seventh graders.
Beth Dixon
Duke University School of Medicine
Durham County Mental Health Services: Provided mental health screening, referral, and follow-up services to the homeless shelters in Durham.
Razan Fayez
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law
Developed a program in which law students and attorneys provide representation for victims of domestic violence in Pittsboro.
Saber Ghiassi
UNC-Greensboro School of Public Health
Health Serve Clinic: Assisted with outreach efforts to include the Hispanic and Vietnamese communities.
Yalonda Lewis and Lara Shain
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Project StraightTalk: Worked to reduce the incidence of STD/HIV infection among racial/ethnic minorities and substance abusers by training barbers and beauticians to educate customers about risky behaviors.
Suzanne Miller
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
The Maternal Outreach Program: Designed an education project to reduce the number of repeat teenage pregnancies.
Ivy Oakley
NC State University School of Veterinary Medicine
Rex Hospital: Provided pet therapy services to patients, trained new volunteers for the program, and established an ongoing relationship between NCSU and the hospital.
Reginald Obi
UNC-Charlotte School of Health Administration
The Salvation Army Women’s Clinic: Developed and implemented instructional
programs on hypertension and diabetes.
Elizabeth Payne
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Orange County: Provided nutrition education and outreach to seniors.
Michael Savona
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Forsyth County: Initiated a smoking cessation program for pregnant women.
Fellows for Life: 1998-99
Swati Agarwal and Aditee Pradhan
Duke University School of Medicine
Shelter for Hope and Genesis House: Expanded services and provided healthcare and education to the homeless.
Ahna Ballonoff and Mary Ellen Cunningham
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC): Developed training for HIV test-counseling.
Millicent Booker, Michelle Foster, Aquilla Highsmith and Evette Roach
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Chapel Hill High School: Continued a Sister-to-Sister program through its third year, with an emphasis on preparing girls for the future.
LaTony Brown
Duke University School of Nursing
Lincoln Community Health Center: Worked with an asthma initiative.
Tracy Bullard
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Robeson County: Worked on relationship building between female Native American elders and youth.
Sharon Castleberry
East Carolina University School of Medicine
East Coast Migrant Head Start Project: Provided creative developmental education to children.
Jeffrey Childers
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Alexander County Health Department: Developed a diabetes education and prevention program.
Stephen Clayton
UNC-Charlotte School of Health Administration
Mecklenburg County: Increased access to health services by increasing awareness of health coverage programs in this county.
Deborah Courtney
NC State University School of Veterinary Medicine
Introduced a pet therapy program to a nursing home in Raleigh.
Deepu Gowda
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Youth Task Force in Siler City’s Zero Tolerance Program: Worked with the Youth Task Force to develop school-based primary prevention as a response to domestic violence problems.
Mary Hartsell
Duke University School of Nursing
HealthServe Medical Clinic: Implemented an HIV screening and treatment clinic in Greensboro.
Jessica Potts
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law
Durham Teen Court: Worked with the director to recruit mentors at NC law schools, established a victim impact program, and developed a database.
Sameena Rahman
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Durham’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART): Helped implement protocols to assist victims of rape.
Cara Siano
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Performed community health worker training for grassroots Latino activists in Durham.
Christopher Sugg
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Pharmacy
Wellness Center of Orange County: Provided drug education through home visits and monitoring drug compliance.
Angela Turner
Campbell University School of Pharmacy
Forsyth County: Provided pharmacists with a video resource that would expand their Spanish skills in order to properly inform patients on medication instructions.
Cinthia Williford
Duke University School of Physical Therapy
Provided physical therapy education to a culturally diverse group of geriatric patients and their families in parts of Central and Western North Carolina.
Fellows for Life: 1997-98
George Adams
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Wake County: Educated families living in rural Garner about heart disease, fire safety, and child safety through a series of weekend workshops.
Pamela Alston, LaToya Brown, Kristen Gill and Asha Proctor
UNC School of Medicine
Chapel Hill High School: Continued and expanded a Sister-to-Sister program, with an emphasis on the mental, physical and sexual wellness of African American teenaged women.
Laura Calamos
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing
Durham County: Provided education and support to families with a terminally ill relative.
Jonathan Collins
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Pitt County: Created the first Insulin Dependent Diabetes Support Group for children and parents in the county.
Karen Dixon
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Developed visual materials and manuals for health professionals to use to improve women’s health services in Garysburg.
Kelly Dooley and Susanne Engler
Duke University School of Medicine
Continued existing acute care and preventive services at a Durham homeless shelter while also expanding its services to women and children.
Anissa Emanual-Bullard
Duke University School of Physician Assistant
Organized a health summit for children, youth, parents, and professionals working in Robeson County to promote mentorship and utilization of current services.
James Emery
UNC School of Public Health
Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC): Developed and implemented a public health education program.
Mary Herring
Campbell University School of Pharmacy
Tri-County Health Center: Developed and implemented a diabetes education and screening program.
Michelle Holloman
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Marin County: Developed a grief education program and bereavement support group.
Claire Horton
Duke University School of Medicine
Lincoln Health Center: Implemented a series of weekly sessions in Spanish for Latina clients on the topics of pregnancy, parenting, access to healthcare, and domestic violence issues.
Dawn Johnson
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Spearheaded a grassroots prevention, education, and awareness campaign against the spread of HIV in Durham’s Black community.
Timothy Lahey
Duke University School of Medicine
Wayne County: Formed a three-tiered support network for individuals who have been newly diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension.
Holly MacKenna
Bowman Gray School of Medicine
HOPE (HIV Outreach Program and Education): Lead a pediatric team to provide support services for a family in Mocksville.
Alan Muriera
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
STEP (Sexually Transmitted Epidemic Prevention Project): Restructured STEPs lay health advisor training manual to educate men in Wilson county.
Mandi Summers
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Wayne, Pitt, and Grant Counties: Examined the health status and injury rates of migrant farm worker children.
Fellows for Life: 1996-97
Andrew Bazemore
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Ocracoke Island: Increased awareness of high cholesterol-related health risks and provided cholesterol screenings for residents.
Andrea Bennett-Cain and Jennifer Brown
Bowman Gray School of Medicine
Forsyth County: Organized a church-based free clinic for the Hispanic community.
Michelle Collins
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Fremont: Provided occupational safety and health medical screening clinics.
Deborah Granick
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Southern High School: Developed a comprehensive health program for a school-based health center.
Tamara Gree, Tyhimba Hunt, Yewande Johnson and Deitra Williams
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Hillside High School: Developed a program called Sister-to-Sister which promotes healthy lifestyles to at-risk African American teenage youth in Durham.
Mark Hiatt
Bowman-Gray School of Medicine
North Wilkesboro: Improved breast cancer screening and detection for women in rural areas using telemedicine mammography.
Elizabeth Jarman
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing
Northampton County: Provided support and education to families and patients with acute confusion or dementia.
Sean Lucas
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Prospect Hill Community Health Center: Continued and expanded a farm worker dental clinic.
Fernando Martinez
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry
Carrboro Health Department: Established an evening dental clinic.
Amy McMann
Duke University School of Medicine
Shelter for Hope: Improved and expanded the operation of Duke University’s medical student volunteer program at this free clinic.
Alexis Moore
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Open Door Clinic: Conducted a needs assessment to assist with the implementation of health education programs.
Shannon Norris
Duke University School of Medicine
Began a collaborative community effort to help minority women protect themselves from, and prevent the spread of, HIV.
John Ogle
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Pitt County: Improved nutrition, safety, and immunization rates for children.
Gregory Paul
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Healthy Church Program: Combated hypertension and diabetes in five low-income communities (Halifax, Nash, Wayne, Northampton, and Wake Counties).
Carla Picardo
Bowman-Gray School of Medicine
Maxton, NC: Provided a Fetal Alcohol Syndrome prevention program.
David Thomas
Bowman-Gray School of Medicine
Boone, NC: Used a lay health worker model to provide health education programs to migrant farm workers.
Fellows for Life: 1995-96
Cynthia Boyd
Duke University School of Medicine
Durham County Health Department: Provided education and counseling about sexually transmitted diseases.
Farr Curlin
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Caswell County: Developed evening and weekend dental clinics for migrant farm workers.
Stacey Curnow
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing
Chatham County Health Department: Provided counseling and support for pregnant adolescents.
Tiffany Diers and Will Lane
Duke University School of Medicine
Developed a free health clinic through the homeless shelter in Durham.
Brian Forrest
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Wake County Health Department and Wake AHEC: Improved access to healthcare services.
Nichole Grier
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Club Nova: Coordinated outreach efforts for the mentally ill.
Maria Yadira Hurley
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Prospect Hill, NC: Provided health education for Hispanic migrant women and also guided them toward available resources.
Seth Kaplan
Duke University School of Medicine
Lowes Grove Middle School: Developed a curriculum on violence prevention.
Gaddy Lassiter
East University School of Medicine
Hertford County: Designed and implemented a program to educate the elderly about their medications.
Manoj Menon
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
IFC Shelter: Addressed the issues of poor dental care and alcoholism in the homeless population at this shelter in Chapel Hill.
Julia Nelson
East Carolina School of Medicine
Greenville Community Shelter: Provided health education for the homeless.
Ric Pardini
Bowman Gray School of Medicine
Improved screenings for cervical cancer and the follow-up on abnormal Pap smears for Native American women in Cherokee.
Marva Price
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Martin, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties: Identified intergenerational factors between African American mothers and daughters that affected decisions to seek cervical cancer screenings.
Lana Riemann
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Northampton County: Produced a child development video using local children in order to educate young mothers.
Karen Schetzina
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Chapel Hill High School: Worked with at-risk youth to improve their healthcare knowledge and with them, produced a health fair for their ninth grade class.
Fellows for Life: 1994-95
Jennifer Allen
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Chatham County Health Department: Worked with leaders in churches and the community to educate citizens about the importance of breast and cervical cancer screening.
Elaine Denny
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Florence Crittenton Services of Greenville: Counseled pregnant adolescents on personal and infant care.
Theresa Flynn
Duke University School of Medicine, UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
The Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center: Counseled families on strategies to prevent child abuse and lobbied the state legislature to improve child protection.
John Holtzapple
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
The Prospect Hill Community Health Center: Improved access to health services for rural teens in Caswell County.
Anne Howard
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Salvation Army Shelter: Developed a health screening program for homeless children.
Barbara Laraia
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health
Chatham County: Educated mothers in the Hispanic Community about the benefits of breastfeeding.
Laurie Pahel-Short
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Randolph County Health Department: Instituted a smoking cessation program for pregnant women.
Janet Simmons
ECU School of Medicine
Pitt County Aids Service Organization: Counseled adolescents about HIV and AIDS.
Steven Verbinski
Duke University Medical School
Fremont Community Health Clinic: Improved diabetes awareness.
Are you a fellow for Life? We would love to hear from you!
