Meet the 2022-23 Columbus-Athens Schweitzer Fellows!
The Schweitzer Fellows Program supports and trains emerging health-focused graduate and professional students in creating and carrying out service projects to address unmet community needs. The Fellows conduct a one-year community service project of at least 200 service hours, with at least 100 hours involving direct client contact. Fellows partner with an existing community agency in the Columbus or Athens area and have both an academic and a community-based mentor.
Mara Bahri
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Partner: Eldon and Elsie Ward Family YMCA
Mara's project aims to educate local youth on the practice of mindfulness through a series of yoga, breathing and communication workshops. The ultimate goal is to improve the implementation of mindfulness practice early on in youth education, thereby providing youth with access to the tools needed to promote self-awareness thereby aiding in the reduction of youth experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, and depression.
Jenna Barrett
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens Campus
Partner: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Jenna has partnered with Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine to plan an annual event focused on the nuances of healthcare for patients with communication differences. "Healthcare for Deaf Individuals" is a role-reversal lab simulation involving medical students and members of the Deaf community in Athens, OH. The event will serve as an introduction to Deaf culture as well as a platform for members of the Deaf community to express their experiences with accessibility in healthcare. The ultimate goal of this project is to foster communication between medical professionals and the Deaf community and improve cultural competency and communication strategies of future physicians.
Mason Myers
The Ohio State University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences - Physical Therapy
Partner: Adaptive Sports Club of Columbus, Columbus Recreation and Parks
Mason's project, Adaptive Endeavors, will implement a wellness program consisting of personalized fitness regimens, education, outdoor recreational activities and exposure to adaptive sports for individuals with a chronic disability. In collaboration with the Adaptive Sports Club of Columbus, the project will serve individuals with a disability such as a spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or stroke. Mason aims to improve accessibility to inclusive wellness resources for individuals with a chronic disability in the Columbus, Ohio area.
Madeleine Sorrick
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens Campus
Partner: Athens Birth Circle
Madeleine is working with the Athens Birth Circle to develop a curriculum titled "Pregnancy 101: Healthy Moms & Babies" that offers education, physical activity and support for to soon-to-be and current mothers in Athens County. She plans to teach sessions that span the pregnancy spectrum, from the menstrual cycle and fertilization to postpartum changes. With this project, she aims to empower women to learn about their bodies, encourage proactive behaviors towards a healthy pregnancy and connect participants with a network of community partners who can help them along their journey.
Jasmine Tuazon
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Partner: Moms2B
Through weekly lessons with Moms2B, which encompass topics such as nutrition, prenatal and newborn care, and personal development, Jasmines project aims to break down socioeconomic barriers to health education by integrating proven health literacy approaches into the Moms2B curriculum. The ultimate goal of this work is to empower pregnant people and new parents to reduce infant mortality and raise healthy babies.