Fellow Videos

Kyndal and Richard provided digitally designed and fabricated complete and partial dentures at no cost to underserved patients experiencing significant tooth loss. By expanding access to much-needed prosthodontic care, they improved oral function and enhanced overall quality of life.

The Fellows led the Cavity-Free Zone to promote better dental hygiene among children grades K-5. The program provided age-appropriate lessons on how cavities are formed, proper brushing and flossing, diet and nutrition, and alleviating any anxiety concerning going to the dentist.

To address persistent gaps in psychosocial support, care coordination, and survivorship resources for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), Schweitzer Fellows Alexandra and Rebecca developed a Patient Navigation and Support Program at the Duke Cancer Institute’s Supportive Care and Survivorship Center.

As Asheville residents, the Fellows saw first-hand the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene especially in the unhoused population in Buncombe County. They partnered with local street medicine agencies to assist with staffing a free first aid clinic as well as join paramedics with their harm reduction and health education efforts.

Avery and Jaelin led Project SEE (Screening, Eyes, and Education) providing free monthly vision screenings and glasses to uninsured and underinsured community members. Many shared how meaningful it was to receive a new pair of glasses after going extended periods without adequate vision correction. Many explained that being able to see more clearly would help them navigate daily life more safely, communicate more confidently, and regain a sense of dignity and independence.

Their project was sparked by the environmental disaster of Hurricane Helene in western NC. Megan and Anna witnessed first-hand how the environment can directly affect health and well-being. With the loss of housing, community, and social support in the wake of the storm, mental health deteriorated quickly for many residents. To address this, the Fellows launched the North Carolina Collaborative Care Model at the clinic to ensure a sustainable connection to psychiatric care.

Witnessing too many preventable pregnancy-related deaths among women and babies — particularly from families of color — in the Durham community, the Fellows were moved to act. They launched Feed for Two, a program connecting pregnant patients who face food insecurity and chronic health conditions, such as hypertension and prediabetes, with the resources they need to thrive.

Through education workshops and social engagement, the Fellows improved the oral health and well-being of older adults residing in senior communities and long-term care facilities.

Seasonal and migrant farmworkers face compounding barriers to preventive care and chronic disease management — long work hours, limited transportation, language differences, food insecurity, and occupational hazards including heat stress and pesticide exposure. Fellows addressed these challenges through a health education program that met farmworkers where they were: at their camps, in their language, and around a shared meal. Sessions featured traditional recipes adapted for lower sodium and fat and enriched with more vegetables, honoring familiar flavors while modeling practical, accessible changes. Perhaps the most meaningful outcome was witnessing farmworkers encourage and hold each other accountable — a sign that health was becoming a shared value within the community itself.

Older adults who remain immobile during a hospital stay can lose up to 5% of their muscle strength daily, putting their ability to independently perform basic daily tasks at serious risk. To address this, Anna and Eddie launched Mobility Matters, a program that pairs trained medical student volunteers with hospitalized older adults to facilitate supervised movement, improve muscle function, and support a stronger recovery after discharge.

Richa and Kari accelerated the dental clearance process for cancer patients so that they can begin medical treatment earlier which is critical in managing their health. They also provided the more frequent cleanings and the follow up care cancer patients need to help avoid serious problems and infections and to manage any dental issues that arise.

Frances and Tanner developed a peer mentorship program designed to support stroke survivors in their long-term recovery and re-engagement with meaningful life. The program underscores the profound impact peer connection can have for both mentors and mentees on quality of life and shared healing, rather than on-directional care.

Farmworkers play an integral role in supporting North Carolina’s agricultural industry but are disproportionately affected by chronic health conditions and environmental health risks, including diabetes, skin cancer, heat-related illness, and pesticide exposure. Madison and Madeline implemented an educational outreach focused on improving diabetes management, preventive skin health practices, and access to culturally appropriate health resources for Spanish-speaking migrant farmworkers.

For many older adults, a simple trip or slip can change everything, leading to injury, loss of independence, and emotional distress. To address this, Megan and Catherine led two 8-week Matter of Balance classes, an evidenced based fall prevention program designed to help seniors reduce the fear of falling and increase their activity levels.

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/physical disabilities.

Damaged and missing teeth impact one’s ability to eat, get a job and have a pain free mouth. Plus, it is devastating for a person’s self-esteem. Davarion and Jean transformed lives for patients at the CAARE Clinic by providing $21,600 worth of free dentures and partials to those who could not afford to pay the $4,000-$6,000 dollars for basic teeth replacement.

Learn how 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.

Did you know it is important to establish a dental home for your baby by the age of one? Kayla helped health care providers understand its importance and how to incorporate oral health messaging into their appointments.