Students Awarded Fellowship for 2025

Destany Habte Michael (College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2028; MSMHS 2024 Graduate; Master of Public Health 2023 Graduate), Pooja Mhatre (College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2028), and Beatrice Ojekunle (Dual Degree DO/MPH Class of 2028; MSMHS 2024 Graduate) have been recognized for their commitment to improving healthcare access and education.

Destany and Pooja are collaborating to improve menopause care for women in Vallejo. Launching a wellness screening and peer support program at La Clínica, their initiative aims to address gaps in menopause education, screening, and social support for women navigating this critical life transition. Participants will receive additional screenings followed by educational workshops and discussions. Destany and Pooja aim to empower participants with knowledge and resources while fostering peer connections.

"I’m excited to work with La Clínica — whose deep community roots and commitment to culturally responsive care aligns closely with my values. Expanding menopause awareness and education feels especially meaningful in a setting where older women often experience both medical and social invisibility.” Said Mharte. “I’m also grateful for Dr. Melissa Belec’s mentorship—her experience in women’s health and as a former Schweitzer Fellow has been invaluable. I look forward to our continued collaboration.”

Beatrice will be collaborating with the Refugee Enrichment and Development Association (REDA) in Sacramento to expand access to culturally tailored health education and preventive cancer screenings for refugee women. Serving as a health navigator, she’ll provide support to help participants connect with healthcare services, schedule medical appointments, complete paperwork, and overcome barriers to accessing the care they need.

“I’m incredibly excited to work with REDA because of their deep connection with the local refugee community and commitment to uplifting women through education and support. This project is especially meaningful to me as it addresses gaps in preventive care and empowers women to take ownership of their health in a new and unfamiliar system.” Says Ojekunle. “I’m grateful to be mentored by Dr. Shipra Bansal, the faculty coordinator for both the Lifestyle Medicine program and Refugee Health Navigator program at TUC. Her experience in community-based care has provided invaluable insight and guidance as I shape this project.”

Established in 2006, the San Francisco Bay Area Albert Schweitzer Fellowship has been a prestigious opportunity for students. TUC proudly honors its legacy of involvement with 27 Fellows since Michael Herndon’s trailblazing role in 2009. We are additionally deeply grateful to Dr. Walter Hartwig for his dedication, support, and leadership as our Fellowship liaison.

Congratulations to Destany, Pooja, and Beatrice for receiving the fellowship. Their continual efforts in public health exemplify the spirit of service and commitment that the Schweitzer Fellowship embodies.