FELLOWS AND PROJECTS

2010-2011

Pauline Abrego, Adler School of Professional Psychology
Abrego aims to address reproductive health by creating a comprehensive, culturally based sex education program and training teachers to administer it at underserved schools. Community Site: Little Village SOJO High School

Francois Blumenfeld-Kouchner, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Blumenfeld-Kouchner will address the health needs of torture survivors by developing a culturally sensitive training and recruitment program for volunteer treatment providers and interpreters. Community Site: Marjorie Kovler Center

Carmen Cancino, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine
Cancino plans to spark underserved elementary school children's interest in health care careers by creating a science-focused pipeline program aimed at developing a cadre of health care professionals who will remain committed to serving their community. Community Site: Lawndale Community Center 

Erin Cavanaugh, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine
Cavanaugh aims to address issues of nutrition and physical activity by initiating family cooking classes focused on nutritious meal preparation. Community Site: Maywood Fine Arts Association

Meenadchi Chelvakumar, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine
Chelvakumar hopes to empower low-income women in the Austin Neighborhood by establishing a nutrition program that trains existing community leaders to serve as lay health advisors and facilitate activities to encourage good nutrition such as shopping trips, cooking classes, and community gardening. Community Site: Deborah’s Place

Antonia Clifford, The University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration
Clifford proposes to work with formerly incarcerated youth and young adults using restorative justice techniques. Community Site: TBD

Sarah Cordes, DePaul University, Department of Nursing
Cordes aims to address health issues related to aging by performing blood pressure screenings and initiating a mind fitness program to enhance memory and cognitive skills. Community Site: The Healthy Aging Program at Fourth Presbyterian Church

Courtney Driscoll, DePaul University, Department of Nursing
Driscoll will collaborate with Fellow Sara Rosenthal, also a DePaul nursing student, to prevent adolescent obesity through a year-long health education program aimed at empowering Chicago youth to make healthy lifestyle choices. The program’s curricula and activities will focus on the interrelationship of good nutrition and physical activity/fitness. Community Site: UPLIFT Community High School/School Health Center.

Kaori Ema, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry
Ema aims to address senior oral health by providing oral health care information, supplies, education and dental screenings to seniors in assisted living centers. The services will help seniors and their caregivers understand the connection between oral health and systemic health as well as facilitate access to proper dental care. Community Site: Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

John Ryan Hayes, Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hayes plans to address health disparities by working with underserved Hispanic migrant workers to identify barriers to care that prevent their health from improving. John will then work collaboratively with promotores de salud (members of the community with public health training) to design and implement outreach and education programs that address the needs of the community. Community Site: Community Health Partnership of Illinois

Rene J. Herrera, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Herrara aims to empower underserved youth by implementing the “Young Knights Program,” which will provide tutoring and mentoring. Community Site: The Omega Delta Phi National Fraternity, Inc.; the Fit Fast Food program at the Irving Park YMCA

Laura Hodges, The University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
Hodges will work to promote community among people with severe and persistent mental illness by implementing a project that teaches these individuals to collect each other’s oral testimonies, and facilitates the participants’ creation of a booklet or radio documentary based on the interviews they record. The project is designed to increase the participants’ skills and confidence as well as to promote a sense of community. Community Site: Thresholds of Chicago.

Vivian Leung, Rush University, College of Medicine
Leung will promote healthy living by establishing an after-school program focused on planting and collaboratively sustaining a vegetable garden. The program will utilize a hands-on approach through which elementary school students can learn about nutrition, plant biology, and healthy food choices. Community Site: William H. King Elementary School

Saria Lofton, Rush University, College of Nursing
Lofton plans to increase youth interest in wellness by launching a nutrition and exercise program for African American youth on the west side of Chicago. Community Site: TBD

Ifrah Magan, The University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration Graduate Program in Health Administration and Policy
Magan will address refugee health by designing and teaching health classes that promote healthy living and increase awareness of preventable diseases among refugees living in Chicago. Community Site: TBD

Toussaint Mears-Clarke, The University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
Meers-Clarke aims to promote healthy lifestyles by launching a peer health education-counseling at a clinic in the Woodlawn community that serves primarily African American males. The program will educate men about healthy eating, the importance of exercise, and smoking cessation. Community Site: Project Brotherhood Clinic

David Murray, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine
Murray plans to increase youth interest in healthy lifestyles by starting a youth night program for local junior high school students that offers organized physical activities, health presentations from medical students and professionals, and open gym time. Community Site: St. Eulalia’s Church in Maywood

Matthew Murphy, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine
Murphy aims to improve the well-being of French- and Arabic-speaking community members who have survived trauma by spearheading a program involving case referrals and educational programming. Community Site: Marjorie Kovler Center

Nicole Oxendine, Columbia College Chicago, Dance Movement Therapy and Counseling
Oxendine plans to address the health of at-risk high school students by creating a dance movement program that helps students create performance pieces to address issues involving teen pregnancy, violence, self-esteem, and suicide. Community Site: Chicago Vocational High School.  

Adam Paberzs, University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health
Paberzs aims to strengthen existing free or low-cost opportunities for physical recreation through youth leadership development and social support activities. His project will also aim to improve accessibility to public places and resources that empower community residents to lead active lifestyles. Community Site: The Healthy Albany Park Coalition

Shalonda F. W. Patterson, St. Xavier University, School of Nursing
Patterson aims to empower high school students through a health education program that incorporates health promotion and the principles of a disciplined life. The program will provide opportunities for young high school students to learn about self-perception, healthy lifestyles, and respect for others. Community Site: TBD.

Cherese Pullum, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing Doctoral Program
Pullum will address the health of individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease by initiating interactive physical activity and nutrition seminars for African American and other underserved populations living with the disease. Community Site: UIC Sickle Cell Center.

Sangeetha Ravichandran, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Master of Arts in Art Therapy Program
Ravichandran will work to empower South Asian and other immigrant women who have experienced domestic violence by providing an open studio art group utilizing native art traditions and methods as a means of helping the women remember and reconnect with their cultural roots. The group will also support the women in building a stronger sense of community by sharing their personal narratives. Community Site: Apna Ghar

Brittlyn Riley, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Master of Arts in Art Therapy Program
Riley plans to empower female adolescent survivors of sexual assault in the Chicago area by initiating art therapy groups aimed at providing social support, education, and healing as the women confront and process their experiences of trauma. Community Site: YWCA.

Sara Rosenthal, DePaul University, Department of Nursing
Rosenthal will collaborate with Fellow Courtney Driscoll, also a DePaul nursing student, to prevent adolescent obesity through a year-long health education program aimed at empowering Chicago youth to make healthy lifestyles choices. The program’s curricula and activities will focus on the interrelationship of good nutrition and physical activity/fitness. Community Site: UPLIFT Community High School/School Health Center. 

Scott Schwartz, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry
Schwartz aims to address oral health in individuals experiencing homelessness by designing an oral health curriculum for homeless shelters throughout the metropolitan Chicago area. The curriculum will emphasize the importance of good hygiene in the job search and refer those who need care to a free dental clinic on the city’s north side. Community Site: Goldie’s Place

Alicia Stapleton, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine
Stapleton aims to address the well-being of uninsured Chicago residents by conducting focus groups and developing health and wellness programs for English-, Spanish-, and Polish-speaking adults. The programming will be responsive to the cultural needs of these clients, and will provide opportunities for patient leadership through focus group participation and peer health education. Community Site: CommunityHealth

Mara Terras, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine
Terras hopes to empower homeless youth to make healthier choices for themselves by providing health education and resources that utilize a harm-reduction approach. Community Site: Night Ministry Youth Outreach Team

Chung (John) Won, Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago Medical School
Won proposes to bridge the education gap of students interested in health care professions with the “I Have a Dream” program, which will inform high school students about skills that are necessary for success, and show them a path to help them achieve their goals. Community Site: North Chicago Community High School

Benson Wright, Rush University, College of Nursing
Wright plans to address the health of LGBTQ youth by organizing health screenings and services aimed at ensuring that an often difficult-to-reach demographic group receives accurate health information and appropriate preventive care. Community Site: Howard Brown Broadway Youth Center

Melanie Younger, Loyola University Chicago, School of Law
Melanie proposes to empower HIV-positive LGBT teenagers by implementing a project that encourages them to develop their personal narratives; educates them on HIV/AIDS law and health policy; and provides them with the tools to be advocates for themselves. Community Site: Howard Brown Health Center

2009-2010

Liz Appel (Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine)  Liz worked with Latino/a immigrant workers in the Albany Park community at the Centro Autonomo (Autonomous Center) at the Mexico Solidarity Network.  She offered weekly community acupuncture and facilitated practical workshops in various alternative health modalities.

Michelle Ashley (University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing)  
At CommunityHealth, a volunteer clinic for the uninsured, Michelle focused on increasing knowledge on the signs and symptoms, screening recommendations, and risk factors for breast cancer and cervical cancer via waiting room presentations. Additionally, she helped the clinic increase compliance with screening mammograms through case management.

Michael Bennett (University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing)  
Michael launched a series of weekly health education events for low-income seniors at Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly. These gatherings focused on a different health topic each week and included goal-setting, and a practical discussion of both traditional and alternative approaches to health promotion and disease prevention.

Aldene Brown (Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine)  
Aldene partnered with a school-based health center to expand programs that address health education at Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL.  These programs included “lunch bunches” and peer-led health education addressing concerns about sexual health in the high school and Maywood community at large.

Curtis Calvert (Rush University College of Nursing)   
Curtis provided diabetes and hypertension screenings and education to older adults serviced by Rush Generations in the west central area of Chicago.

Cal Calvird (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology)  
Cal facilitated intuitive process art/writing classes and workshops for older LGBT adults at the Center on Halsted.  The classes promoted creative intuition for personal growth, collaborative care, and value-neutral group communication.

Chandra Campbell (Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine)  
At Maywood Family Practice, Chandra created a health education referral system, updated clinic health promotion handouts, provided one on one healthy lifestyle consultations for patients, and started a diabetes conversation map class. Further, she helped train other medical students to conduct the consultations so that the program can grow and continue in the upcoming years.

Dana Cozzetto (Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University)
Dana initiated a health education class at the Waukegan Park District Field House focusing on preventive medicine which included diabetes care, breast cancer education, nutrition, and fitness for underserved women. The weekly group sessions focused on empowering women to take control of their health.

Katherine Garlo (Rush University College of Medicine) 
Katherine partnered with the Chinese American Service League to implement a program that builds independence and empowers older adults in Chinatown.  The program focused on maintaining health and strengthening social support.

Meg Helder  (Loyola University Chicago, School of Law &  School of Social Work)  
Meg worked with Uplift School Health Center on a variety of projects intended to promote healthy behaviors among students at Uplift Community School.  These activities included teaching comprehensive reproductive health classes, co-leading a girls group designed to facilitate positive interaction between girls at the school, acting as the adult facilitator for a group of students working on a nutrition advocacy project, leading a nutrition group for students who have identified health needs that could be better controlled via a restricted diet, and organizing a school wide health professions education day.

Gihane Jeremie-Brink (Loyola University Chicago, Department of Psychology) 
Gihane provided therapeutic support and group counseling services for families struggling with HIV/AIDS.  Alongside counseling she partnered with predominantly African American churches and educated them about the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in communities throughout Chicago, and empowered them with prevention strategies.

Sonya Kenkare (University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine) 
Sonya worked to improve health and nutrition awareness among clients served by member agencies of the North Side Anti-Hunger Network, a coalition of food pantries, shelters and other organizations that focus on homeless and low-income adults and children.

Nathan Kittle (Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine)  
Nathan worked to develop treatment protocols for survivors of torture at the Marjorie Kovler Center who have experienced traumatic brain injuries.  He worked with survivors, health professionals and Kovler Center staff both individually and in small group settings to facilitate a shared learning environment.  He also had the opportunity to mentor and tutor clients with interests in health care fields.

Erica Koegler (University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration) 
Erica worked to reduce the incidence of low birth weight and infant mortality in at risk Chicago neighborhoods with Westside Healthy Start through Access Community Health Network.  The new Fit for Life program provided relaxation, exercise, and nutrition education and support to expectant and post natal women.

Georgina Lopez (Saint Xavier University, School of Nursing) 
Georgina initiated health promotion classes for students on the far south side of Chicago at Monee Elementary School.  The classes helped students understand how to make healthy food choices to avoid obesity and diabetes.

James Lott (Chicago State University, College of Pharmacy) 
James worked with physicians and social workers at Project Brotherhood, a free health and social support clinic for uninsured African American men on Chicago’s south side.  He provided medication therapy reviews for patients, health education seminars, and established a compilation of research studies surrounding African American men’s health.

Stephanie Price Low (Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine) 
Stephanie helped establish relationships between PrimeCare Community Health and local church congregations to provide support teams for patients dealing with chronic illnesses.

Surajkumar Madoori (Depaul University, Master of Public Health Program) 
In collaboration with the Howard Brown Health Center, Surajkumar conducted a writing-based advocacy, education and empowerment program for adolescents living with HIV. Participants engaged in various forms of writing for both personal and group empowerment as well as HIV/AIDS advocacy development.

Denise Maniakouras (University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry)
Denise provided oral health care education, promoted oral health care awareness, and provided preventive dental services to underserved children at a variety of schools and settings.

Melanie Odeleye (University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine) 
Melanie helped establish a program to improve literacy and reading comprehension skills for children served by the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club Club.  She conducted a baseline reading skills assessment, provided help with homework and designed activities to encourage reading.  Melanie also worked with Urban Initiatives to create a training curriculum for new coaches in the Chicago Public School.  This curriculum emphasized the importance of respect, safety, hygiene, teamwork and other key lessons.

Uchenna Ossai (University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Physical Therapy)
Uchenna designed and implemented healthcare workshops targeting health issues of homeless youth in Chicago.  The program also involved a special focus on improving healthcare literacy and outcomes among the African-American and LGBT population.

Sangeeta Patel (University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine & Harvard School of Public Health) 
In collaboration with Snow City Arts, Sangeeta taught hospitalized children how to play instruments, write music, and digitally record their own songs.  This project served primarily public aid patients and was designed to promote the healing process as well as facilitate learning outside of the classroom.

Elizabeth Ralyea (Saint Xavier University, School of Nursing) 
Elizabeth partnered with Heartland Alliance on Chicago’s north side to provide culturally appropriate health education, social support and empowerment to immigrants and refugees affected by HIV and AIDS. Her project engaged individuals on a one-on one basis to identify treatment barriers and to improve adherence and overall health.

Hajirah Saeed (Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine)  
Hajirah developed and implemented a violence prevention program within the Loyola hospital system for patients admitted through the Emergence Room or Trauma Center.  This project was in collaboration with Maywood Ceasefire, a local violence prevention organization and will also involve community education on violence prevention and health issues specific to the Maywood community.

Shana Salik (University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing, Nurse-Midwifery)
Shana initiated group prenatal care classes for the women served by ACCESS Community Health Clinics. She also worked to raise awareness about infant mortality and premature birth.

Gregory Van Hyfte (University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration) 
Greg created a relaxation and stress management curriculum and then provided trainings for staff and community members at Horizon Hospice and Palliative Care, Chicago Family Health Center, and other health care and social service organizations. He also organized the yoga community to serve in underserved organizations beyond the current program year.

Sara R. Van Koningsveld (Columbia College Chicago, Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling)
Sara initiated weekly therapeutic movement and relaxation based groups for formerly homeless women served by Deborah's Place. Sessions focused on developing a sense of community, while promoting mental and physical health. In addition, Sara facilitated discussion groups regarding self-awareness and empowerment, encouraging individual creativity, reflection, and acknowledgement.

Taranee Wangsatorntanakhun (Rush University College of Nursing) 
Taranee conducted patient education classes for uninsured residents served by the Old Irving Park Free Community Clinic. Her classes helped local residents manage their diabetes and hypertension, and empowered them to make educated, informed decisions regarding their health.

Justin Welke (University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry) 
Justin provided free dental exams and dental supplies for the underserved children of El Valor, a Chicago Head Start program.  He also presented oral hygiene instructions and education to children and adolescents in Chicago Public Schools. This education promoted proper oral care and better oral health in Chicago’s youth.

Amy Yetasook (Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago Medical School) 
Amy was a cardiovascular healthcare educator and tailored goal oriented health plans for uninsured and underserved patients at the Old Irving Park Community Clinic.  She also developed the patient literature and resources for the growing number of Latino and Polish populations at the clinic.  Her individual interactions were aimed at helping each patient make educated and informed decisions about their diet and health to help them reach their cardiovascular health goals.

Feng Zhang (Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine) 
Feng expanded a mentoring program that pairs Northwestern medical students with AVID students from Senn High School who are interested in health science careers.  The program encourages high school students to develop their knowledge of health-related topics and provides guidance for a future career in healthcare.

2008-2009

Emma Barton (Columbia College Chicago Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling Department) partnered with 3 different departments of the Lake County Health Department.  Emma helped outpatients with mental illnesses increase their communication, relaxation and coping skills to prevent relapses.  She also provided breathing and movement therapy to chemically-dependent women in a residential center to help them with stress management and to promote their self-care.
 
Birtukan Belew (Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine) directed a school based intervention teaching nutrition and exercise for overweight children in the Austin neighborhood who are at risk for Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Monika Black (DePaul University Psychology Department) expanded the curriculum for a self-esteem and personal development program for African and Latina youth (ages 12-18) in the Humboldt Park community.

Steven Chen (Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School) provided patient education and primary care enrollment with South Side Health Collaborative at the University of Chicago Hospital Emergency Department.

Merlyn Chua (St. Xavier University, School of Nursing) developed a Drop-In Health and Wellness Service as an outreach program sponsored by the Center for Whole Health, a program of Chicago Lights at Fourth Presbyterian Church for the Elam Davies Social Service Center. She provided health assessments, health screenings, counseling, education and referrals for the homeless guests.

Darla DeWolff (Loyola University Chicago Niehoff School of Nursing) led a Healthy Steps program that promoted use of tools available for identifying developmental delays and social emotional concerns and improving delivery of preventive health at Infant Welfare Society Oak Park-River Forest.

Svenya Elackatt (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing) developed a program to help raise awareness and fight the threat of domestic violence for children and other family members at the Family Shelter Services in Wheaton.

Edward Gometz (University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine) provided bilingual child safety, health promotion, and preventive medicine workshops for new parents and secondary caregivers as well as provide basic training in child and infant CPR.

Laura Granros (Chicago School of Professional Psychology) developed an after school program involving mentorship, shared book reading and art activities aimed at increasing social skills and self esteem for elementary students at Rachel Carson Elementary School in Chicago Public Schools District.

Maja Graonic (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy) conducted a Medication Therapy Management program for patients at CommunityHealth, a free clinic for Chicago residents without health insurance.

Sophia Hermann (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine) taught health education to youths at KIPP Ascend Charter School promoting healthy choices.

Shannon Kavanagh (School of the Art Institute of Chicago Program in Art Therapy) restarted a drop-in art group for homeless adolescents at Blue Sky Inn.

John Leahey (Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies, Masters of Public Policy and Administration) partnered with the Healthy Albany Park Coalition to implement a physical recreation program to provide sports equipment and routine exercise groups for underserved families in Albany Park. 

Janet Lee (Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine) designed a project at the American Indian Center with the Chicago urban Native American population to provide culturally appropriate information about wellness and health.

Ruth Marshall (DePaul University School of Music, Master of Music (MM) in Cello Performance) taught music after school to students at DuSable High School through a Community Schools Program. She also assisted with other after school offerings.

Jermaine McGill (Rush University Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences) addressed the obesity and diabetes epidemic through diet and nutrition education and community activities at KIPP/Ascend Charter School.

Mansha Mirza (University of Illinois at Chicago Disability Studies) developed and implemented a program to help service providers at World Relief to address access to medical care, social services, and disability resources for refugees with disabilities.

Lora Oswald (University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health) worked at Erie Neighborhood House with a group of health promoters to promote leadership and self-care practices using a "pass it on" model.

Benjamin Preyss (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine) provided coaching and  program evaluation with Urban Initiatives, a health and education soccer program that serves underserved communities throughout Chicago.

Kymian Ray (Loyola University Chicago School of Law) worked with high school juniors at Harlan High School to create a magazine focusing on health issues in the students’ school and home communities.

Robert Redwood (Rush University Medical College) taught nutrition classes and conducted home visits with Latino patients at Centro Medico Michael Reese Hospital.

Bindiya Shah (DePaul University Department of Nursing) provided healthcare providers with sexual assault awareness education.

Christine Shaw (Adler School of Professional Psychology) partnered with the Chicago Women's Health Center to provide group and individual therapy for women who have experienced incest or repeated sexual trauma.

Angelina Shigeura (Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine) worked to increase access to healthcare resources and awareness of health issues facing the immigrant, undocumented and uninsured residents in Pilsen.

Mark Stoltenberg (Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine) inaugurated a patient advocate program involving Loyola medical students and Maywood residents.

Stephanie Toth (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine) Stephanie partnered with the Chicago Fire Department to provide ambulance patients with information regarding their immediate care needs or with more individualized information regarding a non-ambulatory health care concern.  She also focused on increasing patients’ access to care following their stay in the Emergency Room.

Jennifer Tsang (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine) promoted healthier food choices for people who are homeless on the Night Ministry's Health Outreach Bus by working with individuals and soup kitchens.

Lisa Wangerien (University of Illinois College of Nursing Nurse-Midwifery Program) taught a lay doula program to African American women to improve the health of new mothers and newborns while also providing patient and women’s health education to women waiting for their clinician appointments.

Urszula Winkiewicz (University of Illinois College of Nursing) focused on Intimate Partner Violence prevention through education at a Domestic Violence shelter.

Paraisia Winston (Loyola University Chicago School of Law) Paraisia Winston partnered with Gary Comer Youth Center to spearhead ROCKSTARS, a teen girls mentoring program. ROCKSTARS focused positive conflict resolution and living healthy lifestyles.

Qiana Woodson (DePaul University Department of Nursing) worked in conjunction with CommunityHealth to expand a community-based diabetes education program previously created by a 2007-08 Schweitzer Fellow. The program, "A Touch of Sugar," seeks to educate at risk communities across Chicago about diabetes prevention and management using a train-the-trainer curriculum.

2007-2008

Kiana Andrew (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine) implemented a peer driven mental health awareness campaign and sexual health peer education program with high school students serviced at the Orr Adolescent Health Center.

Suzanne Barker (West Suburban College of Nursing, graduate nursing) worked with the Total Learning Community of East Maine School District 63 to implement first aid, CPR, and wellness programs.  She has helped children, parents, and the community learn the importance of health promotion, safety and disease prevention.

Toni Bush (Northern Illinois University’s Public Health Program) worked at the University of Chicago Hospitals to implement a patient education and outreach program that helped emergency room patients understand the importance and benefits of primary care. She also identified patients’ needs in order to increase primary care follow-up compliance rates.

Rose Chidaushe (DePaul University College of Nursing) worked with the University of Chicago's Friend Family Health Center to implement a weight management program for pregnant clients, offering nutrition guidance, group support and empowerment for young women to be active in their own care and that of their new babies.

Christopher Edwards (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy) worked at CommunityHealth (a clinic serving uninsured Chicagoans) in their MedAccess pharmacy to provide patients with medication information.  This included creating fact sheets and providing personal counseling to improve medication administration and patient knowledge, and to achieve higher rates of medication compliance. 

Deresha Gibson (Loyola University School of Social Work) worked with Heart to Heart, a program that works with seniors, to create a Senior Buddy program, establishing a network among seniors to help reduce loneliness and isolation.
 
Adrienne Hampton (Northwestern University- Feinberg School of Medicine) worked with PCC Community Wellness Center to offer prenatal yoga classes to expectant mothers.  Her classes emphasized awareness and exploration of the mind-body connection, and combated stress and depression associated with pregnancy.

Jessica Horwitz (DePaul University College of Nursing) implemented a health promotion program at Uplift Community School. Through one-on-one nutrition counseling, interdisciplinary curriculum and a health promotion program she worked to improve the nutritional status and physical and mental health of students while helping them become involved in their health and that of the community.

Tanuja Jagernauth (Traditional Oriental Medicine program at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine) worked with Deborah’s Place to implement acupuncture and health literacy groups for homeless women. She utilized acupuncture, ear pellets, Qi Gong, meditation techniques, and health discussions to reduce stress, raise health awareness, and build community at three different sites.

Jane Jih (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine) worked with the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago Seniors Program to develop a culturally appropriate health education and wellbeing program for the Filipino community.  She also collaborated with Filipino community leaders and physicians to create an organization, Filipino American Senior Health Initiatives of Chicago, to sustain the efforts of her Schweitzer project.

Michelle Kendrick (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) started a Strong Girl Arts Club at Uplift Community School to address the issue of self-esteem through the study and creation of art.  Her youth outreach program helped build self-esteem in adolescent females by opening up dialogue and encouraging expression about it.

Saranya Kurapati (Loyola University- Stritch School of Medicine) developed a women’s health education and empowerment program at the New Life Volunteer Society Free Health Clinic.  Through educational workshops, community outreach initiatives and coordinated referrals, Saranya increased the number of women accessing preventative health services and armed them with the tools needed for effective health care decision making.

Tanya Melich-Munyan (Rush University College of Nursing) worked with the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind Child Development Center to implement a Wellness Policy.  This project included improving nutrition and increasing physical activity both at the school and home, creating dental and psychological care referral networks, and designing culturally appropriate educational materials to increase health literacy.

Cristiane Mohallem (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) worked at Namaste Charter School where she led art therapy groups for children presenting emotional and behavior issues.  In her groups she fostered a trustful and welcoming environment to help children/adolescents improve self-confidence, decrease feelings of loneliness, decrease aggressive behaviors, find solutions to problems within their control, and develop coping strategies to help them through everyday challenges.

Vipan Nikore (University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine) developed an interactive health education curriculum for middle school boys in underserved areas and implemented it at KIPP Ascend Charter School.  The class used unique interactive teaching methods, and the curriculum includes topics such as substance abuse, nutrition, violence prevention, yoga, overcoming obstacles, and sexual health.

Elisha Peterson (Rush University Medical College) worked with African-American youth through the MGR Foundation serving as a mentor and providing relevance and motivation to excel  academically via career exploration, educating teens on money management skills; and helping them develop positive behaviors.  She has also worked with Westside Health Authority/Austin Family Healthcare Center in developing a character-building, theme-based curriculum and designing a curriculum specifically for adolescent women.

Galina Radunsky (Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine)  worked at Project HEALTH, where she implemented Family Voices, a support group for caretakers of teens with sickle cell disease.  She linked caretakers with resources to help them manage their teens' condition and provided support to empower them and the teens to take control of their disease during the transitional period into adulthood.

Nadia Razaq (Loyola University- Stritch School of Medicine) worked with the Compassionate Care Network to increase the number of individuals screened and to improve the quality of service provided.  Her project included increased marketing of screenings and the recruitment of medical personnel who are fluent in the languages of the populations served.

Jason Reinking (Loyola University- Stritch School of Medicine) established relationships with clients who have been recently discharged from Interfaith House to provide medical follow-up as well as health education for clients while they are in-house.

Lisa Reyes (Rush University- Occupational Therapy) worked with the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to perform patient, caregiver, and community education; one-on-one reminiscing; patient screening; activity/memory loss groups; and respite care in Will County.

Chastity Rolling (University of Chicago Social Service Administration) engaged with students to create an interactive health education curriculum targeting middle schools in underserved communities with the goal of increasing awareness about mental and physical health.   She implemented the program at KIPP Ascend Charter School covering topics such as self-esteem, drugs, depression, sex education, fitness and nutrition.
 
Janna Stansell (University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health) worked at Chicago Christian Industrial League facilitating exercise and current events discussion groups, focusing on health issues.  The program aimed at bringing the residents of CCIL together in a positive way while increasing their exercise, communication, and critical thinking skills.

Mosmi Surati (University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine) has developed a diabetes education program called "A Touch of Sugar" which she has brought to various non-profit organizations throughout the city.  She has trained motivated members of the community to serve as diabetes health educators, thus providing the community with a long term asset that will allow people to feel empowered regarding their health. 

Kerensa Vinson (St. Xavier University School of Nursing) partnered with the Illinois Youth Center to educate juvenile females about HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.  Her Equipped & Empowered for Healthy Life Choices program reinforced a sense of personal empowerment by educating these girls on the importance of making healthy decisions about sexual behavior.

Jason Waldinger (University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine) created a partnership between the University of Chicago community and the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club to support the Club's after-school program for teenagers.  He focused on promoting academic achievement by creating a new student organization, Chicago Adolescent Mentorship Program, which provides tutoring and proper nutrition through cooking classes led by medical students.

Louise Wasilowski (DePaul University College of Nursing)  partnered with Healthy Albany Park to administer a physical fitness program for the youth and families of Albany Park.  She also held workshops on health topics pertinent to this community.

Jennifer Yeung (Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine)  worked at Project HEALTH, where she implemented Family Voices, a support group for caretakers of teens with sickle cell disease.  She linked caretakers with resources to help them manage their teens' condition and provided support to empower them and the teens to take control of their disease during the transitional period into adulthood.

2006-2007

Kathleen Agard, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Kathleen focused on the creation of a farmer’s market to increase healthy food options for residents of Maywood. She also worked to promote a tradition of healthy living throughout the community by starting a community garden or garden club.

Faraz Ahmad, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Hamdard Center: In conjunction with the local Armstrong Elementary School, Faraz worked with the Center to develop a culturally competent, family-based childhood obesity and diabetes prevention program that aims to educate children and their parents about the health risks of type II diabetes and obesity as well as promote healthy living practices.

Shannon Aldworth, DePaul University Department of Nursing
Shannon developed a program with a focus on health care and health education for incarcerated juveniles and women.

Kimberly Bena, Loyola University Chicago, Department of Psychology
Holy Trinity High School: Kimberly tutored students at Holy Trinity.  She also lead workshops to prevent substance abuse and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as address mental health concerns.

Priscilla Chang and Marissa Zoladz, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center: Priscilla and Marissa worked to improve oral health among the elderly of Chicago, particularly those residing in assisted living centers. They worked with the Illinois Masonic Medical Center to establish a program to promote oral hygiene education and alcohol and smoking cessation, and provided general dental screenings.

Rupel Dedhia, Rush University College of Medicine
Kids-Shelter Health Improvement Housing Project: Rupel worked with Kids-SHIP to construct a series of lectures and workshops to provide women’s shelter residents with the information, resources, and skills necessary to successfully transition to an independent lifestyle, with an emphasis on access to treatment for the children of women living in shelters.

Clara Filice, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Reach out and Read: Clara’s project promoted childhood literacy by utilizing local pediatric health centers to facilitate family reading practices. 

Eugerie Douge, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Theresa House Family Shelter: Eugerie worked with homeless families at Theresa House to teach them the basics of nutrition, healthy eating, and general health awareness through weekly classes that focus on cost-effective nutrition and basic cooking skills.

Megan Foody, DePaul University Department of Nursing
Megan worked with homeless individuals who suffer from diabetes. She focused on teaching management of diabetes and accompanying complications with an emphasis on nutrition.  She also provided foot care.

Cassie Frank, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
South Shore High School: Cassie worked with the Chicago Public School system to address the lack of an appropriate and adequate health care curriculum. Her curriculum focused on teaching mental health strategies, safe sex practices, and good nutrition to 9th graders at the South Shore High School.

Joseph Freeman, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy
Joseph developed a program to educate soon-to-be released youth and adults in Chicago-area corrections institutions on STD and HIV prevention, nutrition and exercise, and drug and alcohol abuse prevention.

Mary Gainer, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
CommunityHealth Center: Mary worked with CommunityHealth, a free clinic for uninsured residents of Chicago, where she provided information to Spanish-speaking diabetic patients to help them manage their disease and maintain their health.

Angela Johnson, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
Children's Memorial Hospital: Angela worked with Judith Nan Joy Center for Integrative Medicine at Children's Memorial Hospital to implement an integrative therapy program for pediatric asthma patients.  She created and directed a mind body program (e.g., relaxation and imagery) to reduce asthma-related morbidity among children. 

Sonia Kennedy, DePaul University, School of Education
Sonia developed groups and workshops that provided peer-to-peer support to young women placed in community residential facilities. The groups and workshops aided young women in transition from residential facilities to independent living environments, focusing on the development of life skills to ensure a successful transition. 

Karen A. Larimer, Loyola University Chicago Niehoff School of Nursing
Karen’s project provided parish-based education for Hispanic adults regarding risk factors and treatment options for patients with cardiovascular disease. She coordinated with local parishes and health service centers to ensure that Hispanics living in  underserved regions are equally educated and, if necessary, treated.

Andrew P. Loehrer, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Safer Foundation: Andrew worked with the Safer Foundation, a group that provides assistance to individuals transitioning out of correction facilities, to expand the available programming in the area of health education, on topics such as HIV/AIDS, obtaining access to medical services, and overcoming health barriers.

Edwin McDonald, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Edwin combined his experience as a DJ and a medical student to train hip-hop and spoken word artists to promote awareness of health care issues facing African Americans.

Karen Meyer, Depaul University Department of Nursing
Karen developed a program to promote physical activity among inner city school-aged children who are at risk of childhood obesity. She also sought to foster a safe environment for children to learn self-esteem, communication tools and leadership skills.

Alejandro Olayo Mendez, Loyola University Chicago Social Work
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School: Alejandro reached out to immigrant parents of students at Cristo Rey.  He developed a curriculum for them to promote preventive health care and mental health awareness, focusing on issues of acculturation.

Reuben Miller, The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration
Reuben aimed to help uninsured children of low-income, terminally ill mothers by providing weekly one-on-one and group counseling services, mentorship, and big brothering.

Kathleen Moorhead, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Interfaith House: Kathleen worked with Interfaith House, a recovery center for ill and injured homeless men and women, developing and teaching classes to educate clients living with diabetes how to manage their disease. She integrated a garden-project to encourage healthy living and long-term disease management skills.

Michelle Parr, Rosalind Franklin University Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
Girls in the Game: Michelle worked with Girls in the Game, a program that encourages teenage girls to participate in athletic endeavors. Michelle implemented an outreach program to promote healthy living, leadership development, and active lifestyle choices among girls living in underprivileged communities.
Asfia Qaadir, Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Asfia established a student volunteer program within the Compassionate Care Network (CCN), a physician-based initiative that provides preventive health care services to uninsured families via free health screenings, education, and access to Network primary care physicians and imaging centers.  Through the student volunteer program, Asfia worked to increase access to affordable health care in the Albany Park neighborhood community in a supportive and culturally sensitive setting.

Rachel Reichlin, Rush University College of Nursing
Rachel addressed the health needs of adolescents through the development of a health promoter training program to empower students to promote wellness among their peers.   The trainings focused on physical activity, childhood obesity, and mental health. Rachel focused her efforts in a community that has identified teen health as a major concern.

Elizabeth Salisbury, Rush University College of Medicine
Infant Welfare Society: Elizabeth taught prenatal health education workshops for young latina woman and their partners at the Infant Welfare Society.  She focused on providing a setting in which the women could share stories and concerns, and support each other.

Preston Shumaker, Argosy University/Illinois School of Professional Psychology
Chicago Lakeshore Hospital’s Valeo Intensive Outpatient Program (VIOP): Preston provided substance recovery therapeutic support, HIV/AIDS education, and comprehensive mental health services for gay and bisexual men.

Maria Thottungal, Rush University College of Medicine
Indian American Clinic Association: Maria worked to implement a two phase program at the Indian American Clinic Association to improve education and access to screening techniques for prevention of Breast Cancer among South Asian women.  The intervention sought to address common barriers to lack of utilization of breast cancer screening techniques that exist among the South Asian immigrant population.

Shirley Stephenson, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing
CommunityHealth:  Shirley worked with CommunityHealth, a free clinic for uninsured residents of Chicago, to provide culturally-appropriate patient education information in an accessible format to increase access to medical services.

Eijean Wu, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and the Women with Disabilities Center: Eijean worked to increase health awareness for people with disabilities and to provide people entering the health profession with skills to understand the different medical and social needs of people with disabilities.

Tracy E. Yun, Rush University College of Nursing
Tracy worked with the South Chicago community to educate, discuss, and inform parents and children about the risks and solutions to childhood obesity through intervention in a pediatric emergency department.

2005-06
Kulsum Akbar, Rush College of Medicine
Apna Ghar: Kulsum partnered with Apna Ghar, a domestic violence shelter that serves Asian and other immigrant women and children.  Kulsum first did a health assessment among the women served by the organization and then did a series of health education sessions on those issues that emerged as of interest and most necessary to the women.

Fasika Alem, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health
Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago:  In collaboration with the Association’s youth program, Fasika led an interactive health promotion series for Ethiopian and other immigrant and refugee youth, with a focus on nutrition, physical activity, self-esteem, health communication and decision making, violence, and substance abuse. 

Mark Applebaum, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Uptown Teen Clinic:  Mark worked with the teens served by the free clinic to provide health education, focusing on healthy lifestyles and nutrition.

Kameka Brown, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing
TCA Clinic in Altgeld:  In collaboration with the TCA Clinic in Altgeld, Kameka facilitated an asthma education and health maintenance program for residents of the Altgeld public housing community. 

Susana Castro, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing
Community Health Partnership Aurora Clinic: Susana addressed diabetes and diabetes management among the migrant farmworker population served by the Clinic, first by assessing their knowledge and beliefs about diabetes through focus groups and then by creating a Resource Manual and educational workshops.

Kathleen Cevasco, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Maywood elementary school:  Kathleen partnered with an elementary school in Maywood on nutrition education by implementing a weekly food-based curriculum for first through third graders. 

Jennifer Cole, DePaul University Department of Nursing
At Chicago Family Health Center, Jennifer implemented a multifaceted educational program for African American women that promoted protection against STDs and unwanted pregnancy and incorporated the mind, body, and spirit.

Jacqueline Diaz, Rush College of Nursing
Lower West Side Neighborhood Health Center:  Jacqueline worked with the Center’s Living Well with Diabetes Program, helping to monitor diabetes, promote diet and exercise in the management of diabetes, and address medication compliance among the Center’s Latino clients.

Eric Gantwerker, Rush College of Medicine
In collaboration with King Elementary School, Eric helped combat childhood obesity and diabetes through a program of sports/exercise and nutrition education. Eric also provided tutoring, and succeeded in planning and building a new playground for the school. 

Jenna Garcia, DePaul University Department of Nursing
Jenna worked in a primary care setting, conducting street outreach to engage teens in health promotion and prevention around such issues as nutrition, safer sex, and drug use.

Tracy Gertler, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Northwestern Memorial Hospital:  Tracy planed and implemented a social group for bereaved individuals—primarily spouses and family members of hospice patients—that included arts outings and opportunities to debrief together. 

Kenya Hemingway, Rush College of Nursing
Mercy Phillips Health Center:  Kenya partnered with this school-based health center to conduct health education workshops for the predominantly African American students, on such topics as nutrition, sexual activity, and safety. 

Anthony Isacco, Loyola University Chicago Department of Counseling Psychology
Holy Trinity High School:  Anthony expanded tutoring services and student/parent workshops—with a focus on life skills mentoring, career development, and the high school-to-college transition—for the school’s African American and Latino students and their families.

Quan Lan Jasmine Lew, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
YWCA:  Jasmine set up an education program, in conjunction with the YWCA, to raise awareness among teenagers about sexual assault.

Cody McSellers-McCray, Northern Illinois University College of Health and Human Sciences
Woodlawn/Englewood Health Education for Lifestyles Project:  In partnership with the Project, Cody developed a physical activity program for low-income African American women living in the Englewood community. 

Zita Molnar, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy
Mount Sinai Hospital:  Zita set up a pharmacy counseling program for the Latino and African American population served by the hospital and organize monthly health seminars for the hospital’s cardiac patients about diet and exercise. 

Breanne Pachecho, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Chicago Youth Programs (CYP):  Breanne created a summer and after-school physical activity program for the youth served by CYP’s Washington Park center; the program will include golf lessons for the youth and nutrition clinics for them and their families.

Maria-Carolina Pardo, Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work
Marjorie Kovler Center for the Treatment of Survivors of Torture:  Carolina initiated a holistic psychotherapy/support group for women survivors of torture and conducted one-on-one counseling with the Center’s clients, as well.

Amy Parecha, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Amy partnered with the Salvation Army to implement an art therapy program for twelve- to fifteen-year-olds; the program combined art projects with exploration of issues of self-esteem and healthy relationship building.

Indrani Parker, Columbia College Chicago Dance/Movement Therapy Program
Namaste Charter School:  Indrani helped implement Rena Kornblum’s Disarming the Playground, a program that educates students on recognizing and naming their emotions and solving conflict with appropriate social skills, for students in kindergarten through second grade.

Olivia Roanhorse, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health
American Indian Health Service:  Olivia conducted a needs assessment at the American Indian Center and then addressesd the community’s needs.

Rebecca Sands, Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Northwestern University:  Rebecca’s project involved leading scrapbooking workshops and groups for individuals who were living with cancer.

Stephanie Schmitz-Bechteler, University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration
Chicago Recovery Alliance:  Stephanie worked with young injection drug users at the Alliance’s Youth Drop-in Center, serving as health educator and service worker and helping to train peer educators. 

Kirsten Schwiesow, Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work
Kirsten formed a peer support group and buddy system for individuals with a history of homelessness and a dual diagnosis of mental health and substance abuse disorders. 

Sara Szkola, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
CommunityHealth:  Sara continued a project initiated by 2004-2005 Schweitzer Fellow Marcella Alsan, helping the clinic’s diabetic patients manage their disease through one-on-one counseling.

Lauren Taglia, University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Physiology and Biophysics
Children’s Memorial Hospital:  Lauren organized a social/support network for children with skin disorders treated at the Hospital’s dermatology clinic.

Faaiza Vaince, Rush College of Medicine
DuSable High School:  Faaiza worked with seventh graders at the new prep school of medicine, implementing a program of workshops, field trips, and interest groups to increase their exposure to clinical and public health aspects of medicine.

Meredith Warden, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Reproductive Health:  Meredith implemented a contraception and emergency contraception education program, providing one-on-one counseling and follow-up for the women served by the Center.

Junirose Zaide, Malcolm X College Physician Assistant Program
Stroger Hospital of Cook County:  Junirose worked in the Hospital’s Ambulatory Screening Clinic, enhancing the services of its CIC-Start clinic for diabetic and hypertensive patients by helping them obtain medications and coordinating support groups and community awareness events.

2004-2005
Jeanine Baqai, Rush Medical College
Jeanine implemented a vision care program with a Spanish-speaking population.
 
Jessica Buckholz, DePaul Univeristy
Jessica did diabetes education at the Stroger Hospital Fantus Clinic.
 
Saule Buzaite, Pacifica Graduate Institute
Saule did psycho-educational/therapeutic group for people served by the Marjorie Kovler Center for the Treatment of Survivors of Torture
 
Henry Cheung, DePaul University-Nursing
Henry worked with the DePaul Nursing Services Clinic for the homeless.
 
Eileen Kane Dollear, Rush College of Nursing
Eileen worked with Fourth Presbyterian’s Center for Whole Life in their Health and Wellness Drop-in Clinic.
 
Darlene Duggan, School of Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago
Darlene worked on a radon gas awareness/abatement program.
 
Heather Fruen, Jane Addams School of Social Work at The University of Illinois at Chicago
Heather’s project involved working with an animal-assisted therapy program.
 
Kyla Gilmore, Dance/Movement Therapy Program at Columbia College Chicago
Kyla worked with "at-risk" children and adolescents through the Jewish Children's Bureau on issues of emotional regulation, self-versus group identity, and group interaction.
 
Emily Hendel, DePaul University-Nursing
Emily developed a process for obtaining food stamps for the homeless population served by the DePaul Nursing Services Clinic. 
 
Justin Hubbarth, The University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health
Justin helped to establish a comprehensive men’s health initiative at the PCC Community Wellness Center in Oak Park. 
 
Shamim Huda, DePaul University-Nursing
Shamim worked with a new clinic serving Chicago’s Ismaili Muslim community to provide primary care and develop health education in the primary language spoken by the community. 
 
Vandana Khungar, The University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School
Vandana implemented an HIV awareness program, in conjunction with the CORE Center, for the women of Genesis House—a residence, support, referral, and crisis center for prostitutes. 
 
Danielle Kidston, DePaul University-Nursing
Danielle worked with the Night Ministry Health Outreach Bus to bring health care onto the streets for the homeless population.
 
Zin Young (Jeanie) Kim, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Pharmacy
Jeanie worked with the Lincoln Park Community Shelter Health Education and Clinic to provide health education for homeless adult men and women.  She recruited other students from her school to assist with health screenings, including blood pressure checks and glucose readings. 
 
Sachin Jain, Rush Medical College
Sachin provided free vision screenings and spreading awareness about vision health at schools, clinics, and homeless shelters. 
 
Jamila McClinton, Master of Science in Health Systems Management at Rush University
Jamila worked at Advocate Bethany Hospital, developing their Sister Health Circle into a community health outreach program for the residents of Chicago’s West Side. 
 
Marcella Mousavi, Loyola University Medical School
Marcella did HIV Outreach and Prevention for Chicago’s Homeless Population, in partnership with Heartland Health Outreach. 
 
Becky Nagel, Loyola University School of Social Work
Becky initiated an art-based program with pre-teen girls through a Boys and Girls Club to promote self-esteem and assertiveness. 
 
Raina Phillips, The University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School
Raina implemented a parent-child integrative program to promote healthful behaviors and lifestyle changes in diet and exercise.
 
Alexander Uihlein, Northwestern University Medical School
Alexander worked with Lakefront Supportive Housing to address mental health problems among the homeless—and those in danger of becoming homeless—through a weekly photography workshop.
 
Kimberly Vander Griend, University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration
Kimberly’s project involved expanding mental health services for adolescents in the juvenile justice system. 
 

2003-2004
Kimya Barden, University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration
Kimya worked at the Friend Family Health Center promoting breastfeeding among African American teens.

Kristin Bowden, Rush College of Nursing
Kristin provided clinical and educational services to the elderly through DePaul Nursing Services. 

Daisy Batista, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Daisy worked at CommunityHealth developing and implementing a Spanish-language education program for hypertension and high cholesterol management.

Carol Blendowski, DePaul University-Nursing
Carol worked with DePaul Nursing Services obtaining resources for the St. Vincent DePaul clinic and helping to provide clinical services for its homeless clients.

Deidre Brown, Loyola University Chicago
Deidre worked with the Michael Reese HIV Care Program facilitating HIV outreach and prevention programs for African Americans on Chicago’s south side.

Renée Cho, Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Renee taught cultural competency through the Asian Health Coalition of Illinois. 

Monique Collins, DePaul University-Nursing 
Monique implemented the Childhood Obesity Prevention Project, in partnership with West Side Health Authority, to promote fitness and nutrition among African American youth. 

John Galvin, College of Medicine and the School of Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago
John ran photography workshops for at-risk youth as a way to help prevent violent behavior in later years.

Molly Godwin, DePaul University-Nursing
Molly worked on a bilingual nutrition and exercise program to help combat the increase in non-insulin dependent diabetes among minority youth.

Jane Howell, Rush University-Nursing
Jane assisted the homeless in managing their mental illness through medication compliance.

Adam Hunninghake, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Adam created video documentaries as a means of helping terminally ill individuals and their families cope with death and the issues that surround it. 

Shelby Joseph, Rush Medical College
Shelby worked with Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center providing support for child abuse victims and implementing programs to help promote self-esteem and prevent substance abuse.   

Kanako Kawai, Rush Medical College
Kanako worked with Children’s Memorial Hospital helping to prevent HIV infection among African American adolescents through peer education. 

Lavanya Kondapalli, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Lavanya established after-school and weekend enrichment programs, including art, physical fitness, and music classes, for physically- and mentally-disabled children through LaRabida Children’s Hospital.
Deborah Krajecki, DePaul University-Nursing.
Deborah developed a case manager position to provide follow-up for the homeless clients at St. Vincent DePaul.

Michael Ladewski, Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Michael worked at CommunityHealth enhancing services through a student-run clinic with other Osteopathic students and creating targeted health education programs for specific populations served by the clinic. 

Jennifer Marks, School of Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago
Jennifer helped address gaps in service at Saint Anthony Hospital that might contribute to the low rates of breastfeeding among its immigrant Latina patients.

Matthew Miller, Loyola University Chicago
Matthew worked with the Korean American Resource and Cultural Center to implement the Korean American Intervention Project, which helped increase access to mental health services among adolescents and address the psychological distress associated with, for example, the experience of acculturation, discrimination, and familial conflict.

Tim Novak, Loyola University Chicago-Social Work
Tim addressed cross-cultural adaptation through a combination ESL/mental health program for newly-arrived immigrants.

Joanna Pakula, Rush Medical College 
Joanna worked with CommunityHealth to implement a health and safety education program for the clinic’s Polish patients. 

Will Patino, Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Will worked at CommunityHealth to develop a program that focuses on men’s health, providing health education and helping to improve the process of assessing patients’ overall health.

Ann Rakoczy, University of Illinois at Chicago-Pharmacy
Ann worked at Alivio Medical Center setting up programs that address various disease states to improve patient knowledge and access to medication. 

Eileen Rhee, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
Eileen created programming to educate immigrant Asian youth about healthy lifestyle choices and preventive health care, with an ultimate goal of training the youth as peer educators. 

Julie Roper, Midwestern University-Physical Therapy
Julie implemented a fall and fracture prevention program for older adults in underserved urban communities. 

Nirali Shah, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Nirali worked with victims of rape and domestic violence and to ultimately help train health care providers to better deal with issues of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Dana Smith, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Dana initiated a Mother/Daughter Speaker Series with high school students and their mothers to address the health concerns, including self-esteem, exercise, and nutrition, of African-American women in underserved communities. 

Julie Venci, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Julie implemented REACH (Research, Education, and Community Health) Chicago, in conjunction with the Prieto Clinic; REACH has a mission of creating a healthier and safer community by promoting awareness about diabetes, obesity, and domestic violence.

Thu Vo, University Chicago-Social Work
Thu worked with the Women’s Health Program at the Vietnamese Association of Illinois to institute a counseling/mental health referral office.  

2002-2003
Samina Ahmed, Rush Medical College
Cook County Hospital: Conduct diabetes education and management classes.  Develop a study to evaluate the impact of a psychological intervention in the management of patients with Type 2 diabetes

Sara Busarow, Northwestern University Medical School
Chicago Youth Programs: Develop curriculum enhancements for a parent-run evening preschool program at Cabrini Green public housing

Anna Chao, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy
The CORE Center: Promote medication compliance among HIV+ patients

Nicole Charlebois, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy
Arai School Health Center: Promote medication compliance among the students who utilize the school-based health center

Peter Chien, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Horizon Hospice: Document patients' stories through a variety of media

Christine Cruz, DePaul University School of Nursing
Lincoln Park Community Shelter: Develop a nursing case management program for the Shelter's homeless population

Cynthia Davis, DePaul University School of Nursing
Lake County Health Department: Develop a colorectal screening and prevention program for African Americans

Karen Gagala Roach, Loyola University of Chicago School of Social Work
Care and Counseling Center: Design and facilitate parenting skills workshops for young mothers

Yasmeen Golzar, Rush Medical College
Inner city Muslim Action Network (IMAN) and Hamdard:
Help capacity building at IMAN's free clinic and create a health education program for
Muslim women and children at a domestic violence shelter

Jennifer Griffin, Rush Medical College
American Indian Health Service of Chicago: Provide health education for women, help secure new lab equipment for the clinic, and update the patient database

Angela Harris, Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Lawndale Christian Health Center: Implement C.A.M.B.I.O.S. - classes to help women live in comfort with English, work, and health

Shannon Hensley, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Chicago Youth Programs: Conduct adolescent substance abuse prevention and tutoring programs

Sharon Jenkins, DePaul University School of Nursing
Train church leaders to promote alternatives to corporal punishment in the African American community
Susan Kinsley, DePaul University School of Nursing
Northwest Suburban P.A.D.S. (Public Action to Deliver Shelter): Provide social services and health care to the shelter's homeless population

Mary Lamonica, Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Community Health: Establish a food pantry at the clinic 

Jacqueline Le, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Chicago Health Outreach: Assess and help improve the quality and delivery of health care to the clinic's homeless patients

Benjamin Levi, Northwestern University Medical School
Community Health: Establish an arts program for the clinic's mentally and physically-challenged patients

Tamara Lim, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health
DuPage County Health Department: Promote awareness about mental health issues and services

Daniel Livorsi, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Rush Hospice: Provide social support to terminally ill patients
Antionette Lullo, Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Family Shelter Services: Conduct support groups for victims of domestic violence

Cori Malone, University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration
Minority Outreach Intervention Project: Promote HIV/AIDS prevention and support in the African American community

James McFadden, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Cook County Hospital's Black Lung and Respiratory Disease Clinic: Provide patient education on oxygen use, nutrition, and exercise

Carla Morgan, Northwestern University Medical School
Train African American adolescents to become peer educators

Jonathan Newman, Northwestern University Medical School
Children's Memorial Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department: Develop a process for domestic violence screening among women bringing their children to the Emergency Department and conduct follow-up for victims of domestic violence

Anna Ringwelski, Northwestern University Medical School
Chicago Health Outreach: Provide health services and education, particularly on nutrition, to people living with HIV/AIDS

Joshua Taber, Rush University College of Nursing
Interfaith House: Assist with client intakes, lead health education sessions on smoking and alcohol cessation, and facilitate a support group

Charu Thakral, Loyola University Chicago Department of Counseling Psychology
Indo-American Center: Provide outreach to the South Asian community on mental health services

2001-2002
Shrujal Baxi, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Bethany Hospital: Promote a caregiver support group for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Shivangi Bhatt, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Apna Ghar: Provide services to victims of domestic violence.

Mary Bretzlauf, Loyola University of Chicago, School of Social Work, Esperanza Community Services: Develop a social skills program for children with special needs.  

Christopher Butler, W. M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, CommunityHealth Clinic: Provide diabetes education to the Latino community.

Lance Byczek, University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Nursing, Cook County Hospital: Provide health education to patients with pulmonary disease or those at risk for disease.  

Jessica Carney, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, The Children’s Place:  Provide care to children and their families with HIV/AIDS.   

Alvin Ciosek, DePaul University, School of Nursing, Mt. Sinai Hospital: Work with patients managing their asthma.  

Stephanie Davis, Northwestern University Medical School, Howard Brown Health Center: Work with women incarcerated in the Cook County Jail providing HIV/STD education and services.

Leo Dokshutsky, Northwestern University Medical School, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago: Work with children with disabilities.

Pam Esperanza, Rush Medical College, Youth Service Project, Inc.: Facilitate health education workshops for young Latino and African American women.

Florence Huang, Rush Medical College, Howard Brown Health Center: Provide health education lesbian and bisexual women.

Shiao-Lin Hui, DePaul University, School of Nursing, Chinese Benevolent Association of Chicago: Expand health care services to the Chinese community. 

Ram Kirshanmoorthi, Northwestern University Medical School, Lawndale Christian Health Center: Provide education about immunizations to patients and their families.

Andrea Knepper, Loyola University of Chicago, School of Social Work, All Saints’ Episcopal Church: Organize efforts in providing food for the homeless community.

Brian Kolski, Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, CommunityHealth Clinic: Provide advocacy and care to Spanish-speaking patients.

Bryan Kono, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, La Rabida Asthma Center:  Develop counseling sessions for children with asthma and their caretakers. 

Sandi Lam, Northwestern University Medical School, Chinatown Community Center and Clinic:  Provide prevention education to the Chinese community.

Kathleen Laslo, Northwestern University Medical School, Infant Welfare Society:  Plan reproductive health seminars for women and teens.

Andrea Lindley, Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine,  Will be working with victims of domestic violence.

Anagha Loharikar, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Interfaith House: Provide health education to homeless patients.

Jennifer McBride, Rush College of Nursing, Night Ministry: Outreach to the homeless community. 

Deborah Pearsall, Rush Medical College, Chicago Women’s Health Center:  Improve health education and services for women.

Kevin Pei, Chicago Medical School, North Chicago Veterans Affairs Medical Center:  Work to provide free mental health and medical services to homeless individuals.

Maribeth Pender, Loyola University of Chicago, Department of Counseling Psychology, Children’s Memorial Hospital:  Provide psychosocial education with children infected with HIV.

Charles Polcari, Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, The Children’s Place:  Work with children with HIV/AIDS.

Dayna Qato, University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Pharmacy, Social Services Assisting Neighborhood Arab American Development (SANAD): Offer education to clients about their medications and their disease.

Mette-Jaya Ramanathan, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing, Chicago Youth Programs: Work with children to develop to build self-esteem and confidence through outdoor activities.

Kimberley Reese, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing, DuPage Community Clinic: Provide care to children with attention deficit disorder.

Joseph Strickland, University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration, The University of Chicago Hospital: Establish a faith based health wellness program. 

Shannon Swift-Barsotti, University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, Association House of Chicago: Develop a community food project with children to promote nutrition.

2000-2001
Blanca Bladoceda, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, General Woods Boys and Girls Club: Address the health needs of preteen and teen girls in the Latino community.

Amy Blair, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Community Health Clinic: Provide health education and prevention information to the uninsured Latino population.

Shahla Bolbolan, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Jorge Prieto Clinic: Provide reproductive health information and prenatal care.

Gretchen Miller Carolan, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Nursing, Chicago DOULA Project: Organize mentorship program for pregnant adolescent girls.

Rochelle Cross, Loyola University School of Social Work, Ada McKinley: Provide support services for children who have witnessed violence.

Heena Desai, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, UIC Pediatric ICU Unit: Develop support groups for parents and families with acute and chronically ill children.

Beverly Dooley, Rush University School of Nursing, Beethoven Elementary School Health Clinic: Conduct asthma education for children living in the Robert Taylor Homes.

Tom Doyle, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Interchurch Refugee Ministries: Provide health education and advocacy for refugee and immigrant populations.

Sogand Ghassemi, Loyola University Graduate School of Biology, Psychiatry Department, Rush Medical College: Integrate the arts with individuals experiencing depression and other mental illnesses.

Betsy Jacob, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Nursing, Cook County Occupational and Environmental Clinic: Organize intervention groups for people with diabetes or asthma at Cook County Hospital.

Katherine Johnston, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Hospice Clinic: Work with patients suffering from terminal illness and their families.

Sarah Kasprowicz, Rush Medical College, Sarah's Inn: Provide support for women and their children experiencing domestic violence.

Gauri Kolhatkar, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago Youth Programs: Develop a violence prevention program for youth that incorporates the arts.

Samuel Koo, Northwestern University Medical School, Illinois Health Education Consortium: Conduct a hepatitis B immunization education program for Korean Americans.

Jocelyn Logan, Northwestern University Medical School, Missionaries of Charity: Serve women and children.

Eva Lu, University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, Chinese-American Service League: Assist Chinese immigrants to access health care.

Isabel Martinez, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Centro San Bonaficio: Develop a domestic violence awareness project in West Town.

Michael Mendoza, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Washington Park Clinic: Develop a drop-in-center for youth in the community.

Dima Qato, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy, Social Services Assisting Neighborhood Arab American Development: Provide services to Arab American women and children.

Samantha Ratner, Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago: Provide dance therapy to children who have vascular diseases or are rehabilitating from surgery on their lower extremities.

Diane Rhee, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy, Interfaith House: Work with residents to improve their access to and provide education about prescription medications.

Minesh Shah, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and School of Public Health, Chicago Youth Programs: Work with homeless children, immigrants, and families living in public housing.

Stephanie Shapiro, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Gads Hill Center: Design a violence prevention program for adolescents.

Zina Simmons, DePaul University School of Nursing, Cook County Hospital: Develop an intervention for cocaine-exposed infants.

Amanda Stodd, Rush University School of Nursing, Family Shelter Services: Develop a domestic violence intervention for women and their children.

Joanna Turner, Rush Medical College, Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights: Work with the deaf community to improve their access to health care.

Jason Wall, Chicago Medical School, Erie Family Health Center: Work with Spanish speaking children suffering from asthma.

Erin Whitcomb, Northwestern University Medical School, Camp Wildcat: Expand the program to involve more underserved children throughout the Chicago area in a weekend educational camp.

Trinnette Zahakoylo, DePaul University School of Nursing, DuPage Emergency Shelter: Develop a comprehensive health care and health awareness program for their clients.

1999-2000
Lina Augius, UIC School of Public Health, Community Health Clinic: Comprehensive Diabetes Education
Lina implemented a comprehensive diabetes classes to work with patients of the Community Health Clinic the important aspects of their disease. The Clinic's patient population is primarily Spanish-speaking and therefore classes were offered in Spanish and addressed topics including information about blood sugar levels, eye care, foot care, nutrition, medications and the psychological effects of diabetes. Patients were awarded a free glucometer and were taught how to check their own blood sugar levels. As a result of Lina's work, the diabetes classes evolved into a support group for the patients who are dealing with this disease on a daily basis.

Una Curran, Northwestern University, School of Physical Therapy, Chicago Youth Programs: Stress Education for Children
Una's project targeted children from the Cabrini Green community from the ages 3 to 8 years that have or are likely to witness violence during their childhood. Her project focused on working with the children to develop positive coping skills to deal with the violence and stress they experience. This stress management project encouraged the children to express their feelings and helped them to find positive ways to release their anger and stress without using violence. Una also designed a workshop for parents of the children in her program. She led discussions with parents about the physical and behavioral symptoms of stress their children may display. This element of the program was essential for parents in identifying ways in which parents could assist their children in dealing with anger and helped reinforce her work with the children.

Heidi Fletemier, Loyola University, Stritch School of Medicine,
Salud Family Health Center: Health Education for Pregnant Women
Heidi coordinated a total 115 health education sessions for primarily Spanish-speaking pregnant women during their prenatal care visits. Topics discussed during the health education sessions included prenatal nutrition, stages of labor, and the mechanics of breast feeding and newborn care such as feeding, nutrition, the importance of well baby check-ups and the baby's developmental stages.

Jenise Hopkins, DePaul University, School of Nursing, Chicago Department of Public Health: Barriers that Impact the Follow-Up of HIV+ Maternal Clients and their Infants
Jenise's project was centered on identifying and overcoming the barriers to providing medical and social services to HIV positive mothers and their infants. Jenise worked the clients with anti-viral therapy once they had been notified that they were positive to reduce the number of transmissions to the fetus. For those mothers who babies were positive, Jenise worked with them to access the necessary medical treatment through the CDPH clinics and social services.

Yuri Iwaoka, University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration, The Women's Treatment Center: Mother's Journal Project
Yuri's project was designed to provide a safe supportive environment for exploration, reflection, and writing for women living in a residential drug treatment facility on the near West side of Chicago serving pregnant and parenting women who are addicted to drugs. The Mother's Journal Project encourages women to see themselves as creators through their writing and allows them to reflect and begin to process the experiences in their lives. Each week, the women would come together to write. Each session had a focal topic that served as a catalyst for their writing and reflection. Women's writings would then be assembled into a book that they would be able to keep once their treatment was completed. The Mother's Journal Project was just one of many forms of therapy that the women underwent during their stay at the Center.

Kirsten Jennings, University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration, Washington Park Children's Clinic: Integrating Social Services at the Washington Park Children's Clinic
Kirsten's project entailed the creation of a procedural system for the delivery of social services at the clinic that primarily serves African American families from Washington Park. Kirsten provided information to families about housing, food, clothing, and toys for the children. Prior to her involvement, the Clinic was only able to provide medically related services. Kirsten was also instrumental in expanding the variety of social services at the clinic and facilitated communication and outreach with the community on issues such as immunizations, and KidCare.

Anna King, W.M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Interfaith House: Health Education and Wellness Program
Anna's project focused on the expansion of services n the areas of health education and wellness for residents at Interfaith House, a sixty-bed respite care facility serving homeless adults in Chicago. Anna led smoking cessations support groups, assisted residents with their medications and with those residents undergoing physical therapy.

Anita Krishnan, Northwestern University Medical School,  Near North Community Health Center: Team Breathe
Anita's project consisted of designing educational tools about asthma for children and their families in the Chinatown, Devon and Cabrini Green communities. Anita also created a framework for "Team Breathe", an eight-week asthma education program for children from Jenner Elementary School combining weekly asthma education and exercise. Anita collaborated with another fellow, Charu Ramaprasad on this project. The two are currently working with incoming Northwestern medical students to continue this pilot program in the community.

Natalya Lvoff, Northwestern University Medical School, Winfield Moody Health Center and Ashland Community Health Clinic: Improving Patient Compliance Through Education and Pill Organization for Hypertensive Elderly Patients
Natalya designed a health education program working with patients taking hypertensive medication about the importance of compliance. Natalya was responsible for triaging patients and while meeting with them in the waiting room, she was able to talk with patients about their pharmacological regimen and refer them to various programs to help them with their disease including diabetes education, nutritional counseling, and smoking cessation.

Julie Myung, Rush College of Nursing, Chinese American Service League: Community Health Services for Seniors in Chinatown
Julie's project centered on providing community-based health education and prevention efforts for residents in Chinatown. There is a great need for culturally and sensitive linguistically appropriate education materials and screenings and Julie was able to provide these services through a series of community events that she coordinated by recruiting over 40 health professional student volunteers from Chicago's universities.

Sharon Ortega, Rush College of Nursing, DuPage County Health Department: Expanding KidCare Outreach to the Latino Population
Sharon's project involved targeted KidCare outreach efforts to the Latino population throughout DuPage County. Sharon was responsible for distributing and presenting KidCare information to families through local parishes, public schools, health fairs and other organized events.

Jeff Peterson, Loyola University, Stritch School of Medicine,
Maria Shelter: Health Education and Promotion at the Maria Shelter for Women and Children
Jeff's project centered on expanding and improving the services of the evening medical clinic offered to women and children staying at the shelter. Jeff worked towards increasing the shelter's involvement in the neighborhood located in Englewood and worked to improve the shelter's educational services for the children living there.

Charu Ramaprasad, Northwestern University Medical School,
Near North Family Health Center: Team Breathe
Charu and Fellow Anita Krishnan collaborated on a project to enhance the level of education that children and their parents possess about asthma. Charu worked with children with asthma and their parents from Cabrini Green to provide health education information to assist children better manage their disease.

Thessa Robertson, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, Cook County Hospital: Quality Improvement for Patients with Congestive Heart Failure
Thessa's project addressed the needs of hundreds of patients suffering from congestive heart failure. Often patients are not well informed about the needs of their disease or about the signs of complications. Consequently, they are likely to make several trips to the emergency room each year and are often hospitalized. Thessa began holding weekly sessions for clinic patients that included education from a physician, nurse and a dietician to help patients manage their disease. Another aspect of Thessa's work involved designing a follow-up system to encourage patients to regularly attend their clinic visits. It was determined that many of the patients that were experiencing complications and frequent emergency room visits were those patients that had missed their appointments. Designing a follow-up reminder system allowed for the needed contact between a provider and the patient and in turn reduced the number of missed appointments.

Jaewon Ryu, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine and Law School: Woodlawn Health Center: Health and Legal Services for African-American Men
Jaewon implemented a health and legal referral service clinic for the Woodlawn Health Center. The clinic targeted African-American men from the south side of Chicago to assist them with an array of issues including assess to Medicaid and Medicare, housing, and provided information about various health related illnesses and prevention measures.

Adrienne Scherenzel, W.M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, AIDSCARE, Inc., Community Wellness Center: Foot Care for HIV/AIDS Patients
Adrienne designed her project to address a condition commonly found among individuals with HIV/AIDS called peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition where the nerves in the feet are damaged due to the heavy drug regimen. Diminished sensation in the feet is once symptom that many patients experience. Adrienne established a weekly clinic for residents at the Community Wellness Center providing foot care and prevention information about infections.

Katrina Schlatter, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Family Shelter Services: Bilingual Support for Latina Clients of Domestic Violence
Katrina's fellowship project centered on providing crisis support and health and support services as a medical advocate for the Shelter's bilingual clients. Katrina provided heath related information to the women in Spanish on an array of topics including reproductive health, nutrition, and stress management. Katrina also provided referral information to the clients about domestic violence related services such as legal resources and counseling services.

Parmi Suchdev, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago Youth Programs: Camp Wildcat
Camp Wildcat is a student-initiated service organization that provides camping trips for Chicago's inner city youth. As the founder of the project, Parmi established a relationship between Northwestern University Medical School and Chicago Youth Programs to provide overnight camping trips to over 80 middle school children from Chicago's most underserved neighborhoods. Parmi was responsible for recruiting over 75 volunteers including students from Northwestern medical, law, physical therapy, and graduate schools. Camp Wildcat provides a unique opportunity for children to try new activities, explore creative outlets, challenge personal limits, and enhance self-esteem in a safe environment. The Camp encourages group building, teamwork and the depiction of higher education as an attainable goal.

Misty Thompson, University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration, Sinai Family Health Centers: Answering the Challenge Program
Misty's project targeted four religious congregations in the Lawndale, East/West Garfield, and Austin communities to address the health needs of members and families. Misty provided a series of health education seminars through partnerships with the religious congregations to address issues such as heart disease, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory ailments, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS and diabetes mellitus.

Sarah Wild, Rush College of Nursing, DuPage County Health Department: Expanding KidCare Outreach
Working to expand children's access to health insurance, Sarah and Fellow Sharon Ortega collaborated with DuPage County Health Department to increase the awareness of KidCare. Sarah project targeted pregnant women and their babies who were unlikely to know about KidCare. Sarah was also responsible for outreach efforts in the public schools and assisted in the organization of health fairs and targeting parents with uninsured children throughout the County.

Nicole Williams, Loyola University, Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago Youth Programs, Washington Park: Science Seekers
Nicole developed a science enrichment project through Chicago Youth Programs for elementary school children on Chicago's south side to expose students to the path of careers in science. Nicole designed an eight-week curriculum and facilitated tutoring sessions for the students. At the end of the eight-week sessions, Nicole organized a science fair for parents, students, and teachers to attend.

Demian Yakel, Midwestern University, School of Osteopathy, Interfaith House: Physical Rehabilitation Education for Homeless Victims of Traumatic Injury at Interfaith House
Demian's project focused on offering rehabilitation education for homeless victims of traumatic injury. Clients were guided through individually tailored exercise programs focused on maintaining strength, range of motion and improving overall function allowing maximal independence and quality of life.

1998-1999
Rishi Agrawal, Northwestern University Medical School
Site: Erie Family Health Center
Project: Rishi worked with a reading program for infants and children and their families.

Natakom Nash Chulamorkodt, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine
Site: Chicago Department of Public Health
Project: Natakom implemented a peer-counseling program for 4th and 5th grade students in the Chicago Public Schools.

Rebecca Couch, Rush College of Nursing
Site: Sarah's Place
Project: Sarah provided support and health education to homeless women.

Ericka Dillon-Daniels, University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy
Site: Friend Family Health Center
Project: Ericka developed a book initiative club for teen girls.

David Fisher, Rush Medical College
Site: Roseland Christian Health Ministry
Project: David implemented a diabetes education program and screening program.

Marcio Fletes, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Pharmacy
Site: Community Health Clinic
Project: Marcio assisted patients with cholesterol screening and pharmacological interventions.

Karen Funk, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine
Site: James Jordan Boys and Girls Club
Project: Karen developed a exercise, nutrition and wellness program for children at the club.

Charles Holmes, Wayne State University, College of Medicine
Site: Chicago Health Outreach
Project: Charles provided direct observed therapy for homeless patients with tuberculosis.

Ron Huberman, University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration and Business School
Site: Woodlawn Health Center
Project: Ron worked to assess the health care needs of patients seeking care at the Center.

Kevin Jacobs, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Optometry
Site: American Indian Health Service
Project: Kevin worked and provided diabetic retinopathy screening for clients.

Ashok Jagasia, Rush Medical College
Site: Pilsen Free Clinic
Project: Ashok implemented a breast cancer screening program for women in the Pilsen community.
 
Patricia Liao, Northwestern University Medical School
Site: "Read To Me" Program
Project: Patricia developed and expanded a reading advancement program for children in the Uptown community.

Matthew McGehee, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine
Site: Sinai Family Health Centers
Project: Matthew worked to increase organ donation awareness among the African-American community.

Jason Mendoza, Rush Medical College
Site: Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center
Project: Jason designed and implemented a big sibling model program between medical students and chronically ill children.

Aditya Nadimpalli, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine
Site: Devon Free Clinic
Project: Aditya conducted health screenings for East Indian immigrants.

Gail Patrick, Loyola University, Post-Baccalaureate Program
Site: Sinai Family Health System
Project: Gail worked with west side churches to provide health screenings and referrals to members of the congregations.

Natacha Pierre, Rush College of Nursing
Site: Sinai Family Health Centers
Project: Natacha developed an asthma education and prevention program for those patients seeking care at Sinai.

Stephen Schrantz, Jr., Chicago Medical School
Site: Cook County Hospital
Project: Steven counseled young people with HIV about their health and their medications.

Ann Marie Scoigletti, St. Xavier University, School of Nursing
Site: Family Health Society
Project: Ann Marie worked on health education and prevention efforts for patients with diabetes, coronary artery disease, and hypertension.

Deborah Wagner, Loyola University, Stritch School of Medicine
Site: Erie Teen Health Center
Project: Deborah provided education for teen girls about health related issues and offered emotional support to pregnant teens.

Thomas Warne, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
Site: Washington Park Clinic
Project: Tom helped to establish the clinic and the services offered.

Wendy Winckelbach, W.M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
Site: Cool County Hospital
Project: Wendy developed a gestational diabetes screening and awareness program for women.
 
 

1997-1998
Laverne Barnes, Midwestern University, College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Site: Roseland Christian Health Ministry
Project: Laverne developed a health ministry with churches on the southwest side of Chicago.

Paula Bednarek, Northwestern University Medical School
Site: Cabrini Green Youth Program
Project: Paula worked with young girls in the "Children Teaching Children" program.

Elsa Bishop, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Pharmacy
Site: Ashland Community Health Clinic
Project: Elsa facilitated medication education to patients receiving care at the Clinic.

Mary Brown-Walker, DePaul University, School of Nursing
Site: Westside Health Authority
Project: Mary worked with African-American men to improve availability and access to health care in Austin.

Alyna Chien, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
Site: Maria Shelter
Project: Alyna developed and offered health education workshops to women and children.

Sunit Das, Northwestern University Medical School
Site: Cabrini Green Youth Program
Project: Sunit developed health curricula for children in the "Children Teaching Children" program.

Tracie Dunek, Loyola University, Post-Baccalaureate Program
Site: Komed Health Center
Project: Tracie implemented the "Movin' Kids Preschool Physical Activity Program" for children whose mothers were enrolled in WIC Program.

Apoor Gami, Northwestern University Medical School
Site: BRASS Foundation, Inc.
Project: Apoor developed a support network for clients recovering from substance abuse.

Linda Gottwald, Rush University, College of Nursing
Site: Anti-Cruelty Society
Project: Linda developed a pet therapy program for local nursing homes and community health clinics.

Sharon Gray, Midwestern University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Site: DuPage County Health Department
Project: Sharon provided breast and cervical cancer screening in the African-American and Latino communities.

Elizabeth Guonjian, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
Site: Roseland Christian Health Center
Project: Elizabeth implemented asthma education workshops to the Center's patients.

Claude Jacob, University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health
Site: Haitian-American Community Association
Project: Claude developed a project to improve social networks among the elderly in the Haitian community.

Robert Joseph, W.M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
Site: Cook County Hospital
Project: Robert provided education, management, and treatment to diabetic patients seeking care at the Hospital.

Jina Kim, University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration
Site: Hull House Association-Uptown Center and the Vietnamese Association
Project: Jina worked with immigrant children experiencing stress due to acculturation.

Eli Korner, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Pharmacy
Site: Chicago Health Outreach
Project: Eli provided education to HIV/AIDS patients to improve their understanding about their drug regimens.

Lisa Rosman, Rush Medical College
Site: Greenhouse Shelter
Project: Lisa worked with children who witnessed domestic violence.

Melissa Simon, Rush Medical College
Site: Community Health Clinic
Project: Melissa developed a series of one-on-one "mind-body" talk sessions with adolescent girls to improve self-esteem and image.

Kavitha Sithanandam, Northwestern University Medical School
Site: Cabrini Green Youth Program
Project: Kavitha worked with the peer mentoring program "Children Teaching Children" to decrease the violent behavior among youth.

Cirstin Tremante, University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration
Site: VITAS Hospice
Project: Conducted grief-counseling sessions for families with members suffering from a terminal illness.

Chris Yee, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
Site: Alivio Medical Center
Project: Chris developed a exercise and nutritional program for patients at the Center.
 
 

1996-1997
Cinnamon Bradley, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine
Site: Southside Help Center
Project: Cinnamon developed ASPIRE: Giving Girls a Real Chance, designed to raise their self-esteem.

Sanjay Gandhi, Northwestern University Medical School
Site: Erie Family Health Center
Project: Sanjay provided prenatal information for pregnant teens and women.

Minal Giri, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
Site: Apna Ghar
Project: Minal provided health care services to South Asian women and children seeking shelter.

Aunita Marie Hill, University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health
Site: Family Focus Lawndale
Project: Aunita Marie worked to address the high infant mortality rate in the community of West Englewood.

Howard Horne, Northwestern University Medical School
Site: Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center
Project: Howard educated adolescents about health and hygiene.

Gary Hsin, Northwestern University Medical School
Site: Chinese Mutual Aid
Project: Gary developed culturally appropriate health education information in the immigrant and refugee Asian communities in Uptown.

Avanti Kumar-Singh, Rush College of Medicine
Site: Hamdard Center for Health and Human Services
Project: Avanti developed a proposal for a volunteer-run health clinic.

Heather MacDonald, Chicago Medical School
Site: The Children's Place Association
Project: Heather worked with girls whose families were affected by HIV to help them with their school work and provide respite from their care giving responsibilities.

Geeta Maker, Rush Medical College
Site: Cathedral Shelter
Project: Geeta developed and implemented a wellness/disease prevention program for formerly homeless residents.

Robert McKersie, Rush Medical College
Site: Chicago Juvenile Detention Center
Project: Robert worked to educate youth about basic preventive medicine with the Music Theater Workshop.

Denise Ndukwu, Midwestern University, College of Osteopathy
Site: Grand Boulevard Family Health Center
Project: Denise provided asthma education for children and their families.

Amy Nevin, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
Site: Maria Shelter
Project: Amy developed a volunteer-run health clinic for women at the shelter.

Sarah Evans Norris, Loyola University, Post-Baccalaureate Program
Site: Project VIDA
Project: Sarah worked to reduce child abuse by teaching parenting skills to families in Little Village.

Rajesh Parikh, University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health
Site: Illinois AHEC
Project: Rajesh developed an outreach and patient education program called Project HOPE for immigrants and refugees.

Camille Quinn, University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration
Site: Erie Family Health Center
Project: Camille implemented and integrated primary care and psychosocial services at the Center.

Sonya Rasminsky, University f Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
Site: Woodlawn Maternal and Child Health Clinic
Project: Sonya provided information and education materials for staff and the community about domestic violence.

Mara Schonberg, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
Site: New City Health Center
Project: Mara developed nutrition classes for women accessing WIC services.

Bhavesh Shah, W.M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine
Site: Cook County Hospital
Project: Bhavesh developed diabetes education programs for patients at the Hospital.

Susan Soest, University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration
Site: The Children's Place Camp
Project: Susan worked with children infected with HIV/AIDS.

Marcia Stevens, University of Illinois at Chicago, Graduate Program in Art Therapy
Site: Erie Family Health Center
Project: Marcia conducted art therapy with children who have been exposed to violence.