Albert Schweitzer Fellowship

Two years ago, BIDMC’s board of directors voted to enter into a sister hospital relationship with the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Gabon, Africa. The new relationship recognized the shared values among BIDMC, Schweitzer and those who have carried out his legacy. BIDMC is honored to be home to the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship Program, which trains physicians to help unserved people throughout America and the world. Here are some details from their website:

In 1940, the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship was founded in the United States to support Dr. Schweitzer’s medical work in Africa during World War II. Since Dr. Schweitzer's death in 1965, the Fellowship has continued to provide direct assistance to the Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné and, and more recently, to underserved communities within the United States.

In 1978, the Fellowship began sending senior medical students from the United States to work at the Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné. Fellows work together with an international staff of Gabonese and expatriate professionals, providing skilled care through over 35,000 outpatient visits and more than 6,000 hospitalizations annually for patients from all parts of Gabon.

In 1991, the Fellowship launched its U.S. Schweitzer Fellows Programs, through which students in health professions and related fields carry out direct service projects in underserved communities in the United States. To date, more than 1,000 Fellows have contributed over 200,000 hours of service at hundreds of domestic community agencies.

Today, the mission of The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship is to reduce disparities in health and healthcare by developing “leaders in service” - individuals who are dedicated and skilled in helping underserved communities, and whose example influences and inspires others.

Please join us in supporting this wonderful program. Here is an easy link to tell you how.