Albert Schweitzer Fellowship
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center proudly serves as the home of
The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship (ASF). Since 1940, the ASF has supported the legacy of Nobel Peace laureate
Dr. Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) by
developing leaders in service around the United States and Africa to address health disparities.
Living Schweitzer's Legacy
ASF supports students who wish to follow in pioneering humanitarian Dr. Albert Schweitzer's footsteps. Translating their passion and idealism into action, Schweitzer Fellows (primarily graduate students) partner with community-based organizations to develop and implement year-long, mentored service projects that
meet the health needs of underserved populations.
250 Schweitzer Fellows annually:
The Schweitzer
Fellows for Life alumni network:
- Supports a pipeline of Leaders in Service more than 2,000 strong and growing
- 70% spend more than 75% of their professional time in clinical or human service
- 59% of their patients and clients, on average, are from underserved populations
- 99% say ASF is integral to sustaining their commitment to serve the underserved
Mission and Vision
Founded in 1940, the mission of the ASF is to
develop Leaders in Service: individuals who are dedicated and skilled in addressing the health needs of underserved communities, and whose example influences and inspires others.
ASF's vision is a world in which
idealism is celebrated, deepened, and mobilized into effective action - where individuals are supported in becoming Schweitzer-spirited models of lifelong service to those in need.
ASF's work is
based on the fundamental values and beliefs of Dr. Albert Schweitzer, perhaps the most admired physician of the 20th century:
- Reverence for Life is the basis of all ethics.
- The idealism that begins in youth is humanity's greatest untapped resource.
- Service to others is the deepest source of happiness.
- Example is not the main thing in influencing others; it is the only thing.
- True humanity is rooted in individual moral responsibility, compassion, respect, creativity, advocacy and gratitude.
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