
Beyond the Fellowship: Insights and Experiences from Fellows for Life
What does leadership look like after the Fellowship year ends? In this ongoing Q&A series, we hear directly from Schweitzer Fellows for Life as they reflect on the lessons that have shaped their pathsโpersonally, professionally, and in service to others. From career milestones to moments of impact, these stories highlight the enduring influence of the Fellowship and the many ways our alumni continue to lead with purpose. Name:ย Meghan Pattison Fellowship Year:ย 2017-18 Q:ย What are you currently doing professionally or academically, and how do you feel yourย Schweitzer Fellowship experience has helped you in your current position? A:ย I am the Chief Clinical Office at Christ Health Center. Q:ย What do you remember most about your Schweitzer Fellowship experience, or what wasย the most surprising or unexpected gain? A:ย Meeting people from so many different disciplines and getting to learn about their interests/passions expanded my views. Q:ย Tell us more about your ASF project and how you feel it helped shape your career path or academic focus. A:ย I worked with Help Me Grow at United Way, which really helped me learn about the resources available to families in Jefferson County. Q:ย How hasย the Fellowship influenced how you approach leadership, service, or community engagement? A:ย I think the Fellowship made me a more well-rounded person who asks better questions. Q:ย What advice would you give to current or future Schweitzer Fellows? A:ย Get to know as many people as possible through the Fellowship because you never know how your paths will cross in the future as your career develops.

Weโre Hiring a Program Coordinator!
Join our team and help lead the way in supporting Schweitzer Fellows as they create lasting change in Alabama communities. This full-time, salaried position offers the chance to coordinate meaningful programs, connect with inspiring students and community partners, and make a direct impact on health equity.

Fellow Spotlight: These Two Fellows Are Advancing Health Literacy and Medication Adherence
Two Schweitzer Fellows are advancing health literacy through patient education and better medication distribution systems that transform lives.

Learning From the Past, Leading Into the Future
From the Legacy Museum to the advocacy workshop, our September training pushed Fellows to reflect deeply, raise their voices, and strengthen their projects.

Fellow Spotlight: How one Schweitzer Fellow is advancing the fight for environmental justice
Meet one of our 2025-26 Fellows who is tackling environmental justice by raising awareness of lead exposure in Fairfield and Greater Birmingham communities, working to protect children and inspire community advocacy.

FELLOW SPOTIGHT: THIS FELLOW IS WORKING TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO BREASTFEEDING FOR BLACK MOMS
Meet one of our 2025โ26 Fellows who is working to improve breastfeeding outcomes among Black mothers through culturally informed education and support. Her project is bridging gaps in knowledge, access, and trustโone mother at a time.