Eight students from the UAB Heersink School of Medicine have been selected for the 2025-2026 class of Alabama Albert Schweitzer Fellows. These distinguished students are part of a broader cohort chosen from institutions across the state. Over the upcoming year, these fellows will dedicate themselves to implementing service projects aimed at addressing the social determinants that impact health outcomes in underserved communities.
The Heersink School of Medicine students chosen for the fellowship are:
- Divya Annamalai, MS1, Birmingham Campus
- Sophia Fox, MS1, Birmingham Campus
- Britney Le, MS1, Birmingham Campus
- Grace-Anna Perry, MS1, Birmingham Campus
- Mykala Walker, MS1, Birmingham Campus
- Li’an Williams, MS3, Birmingham Campus
- Alexis (Lexi) Witherspoon, MS1, Birmingham Campus
- Dan Zhang, MS1, Birmingham Campus
In the 15-month fellowship program, students will continue their studies while dedicating 200 hours to develop and implement public health projects in under-resourced communities. Each project involves collaboration with a community-based partner and support from academic mentors. The program also encourages fellows to think critically and creatively to foster positive, long-term, and sustainable change in Alabama communities.
“I am super excited to be an Albert Schweitzer Fellow and to have the opportunity to combine my passions for community engagement, advocacy, and empowerment,” said Dan Zhang, one of the selected fellows. “Learning from people of diverse backgrounds has inspired my partner and I to pursue a project that helps children build a strong foundation in cultural intelligence. This fellowship is an incredible way to help address important health challenges, and I can't wait to work with our community partner to ensure our project is impactful for all participants.”
The selection process for the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship is competitive, with graduate and professional students from across the state invited to apply. This year, the Alabama ASF advisory council selected 22 fellows, the largest cohort in the program’s history. In addition to the cohort from Heersink School of Medicine, the class includes representatives from the UAB School of Dentistry, School of Health Professions, School of Nursing, School of Optometry, and School of Public Health, as well as students from Auburn University, Samford University, and the University of Montevallo.
“We are thrilled to welcome our largest class of Schweitzer Fellows to date,” said Kimberly Eaton, Executive Director of the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship of Alabama. “The passion and commitment these students bring to addressing health inequities in our communities is truly inspiring. Their dedication to service, learning, and collaboration gives us great hope for the future of health and wellness in Alabama."
Since its inception in 2016, ASF of Alabama has trained and equipped 145 professionals, empowering them with the skills needed to address the healthcare needs of communities across the state. This year’s class of fellows will continue this important legacy, working to create lasting, positive change in their communities.
