OT Student Named 2016-2017 Albert Schweitzer Fellow

Clare Brabson (SAR ’18), a graduate occupational therapy student, has been selected as a 2016-2017 Albert Schweitzer Fellow. Fellows will spend the next year learning to effectively address the social factors that impact health and developing lifelong leadership skills. In doing so, they will follow the example set by famed physician-humanitarian Albert Schweitzer, for whom the Fellowship is named.

Schweitzer Fellows develop and implement service projects that address the root causes of health disparities in under-resourced communities, while also fulfilling their academic responsibilities. Each project is implemented in collaboration with a community-based health and/or social service organization.

For her Fellowship project, Brabson is addressing dementia prevention and therapy for elders living in Boston communities by developing a dementia-focused group therapy program. She will be working with participants in Upham’s Elder Service Plan who are age 55 and older. Activities will focus on improving or maintaining cognitive functions, dementia prevention strategies, mental and physical exercises, and social support. Stronger cognitive functions reduce safety risks and fall concerns, which leads to greater independence and the ability to safely live in their homes. Additionally, providing elders with in-home support is much more cost effective than living in a nursing home.

Schweitzer Fellowships have an intensive leadership component, so that Fellows can go on to inspire others to improve the health of those who experience barriers to care. Fellows work under the close guidance of community and academic mentors during their fellowship year.

“The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship has a ripple effect in communities as Schweitzer Fellows improve the lives not only of those they are directly serving, but their circle of family and friends as well. So there is a lasting community impact,” said Sylvia Stevens-Edouard, Executive Director of The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship. “Additionally, the process of moving their Fellowship projects from an initial concept to completion teaches Schweitzer Fellows valuable skills in working with others in allied fields. As Schweitzer Fellows develop professionally, this skill is critical to their ability to effect larger-scale change among vulnerable populations.”

Brabson will join approximately 240 other 2016-2017 Schweitzer Fellows working at program sites around the United States. Upon completion of her Fellowship year, she will become a Schweitzer Fellow for Life and join a vibrant network of more than 3,200 Schweitzer alumni who are skilled in, and committed to, addressing the health needs of underserved people throughout their careers.

Since 2000, 14 Sargent Occupational Therapy students have been honored as Schweitzer Fellows.