Originally founded in 1940 to support Albert Schweitzer's hospital in Africa, The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship (ASF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop Leaders in Service: individuals who are dedicated and skilled in meeting the health needs of underserved communities, and whose example influences and inspires others.
ASF supports Schweitzer Fellows (primarily graduate students) as they partner with community-based organizations to develop and implement yearlong, mentored service projects that meet the health needs of underserved populations.
250 Schweitzer Fellows annually: • Serve at 13 U.S. locations and the Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon, Africa • Provide nearly 50,000 hours of service • Serve nearly 25,000 low-to-moderate income clients • Partner with nearly 250 community-based organizations • Represent more than 100 leading universities
The Schweitzer Fellows for Life alumni network: • Supports a pipeline of Leaders in Service more than 2,000 strong and growing • 70% spend more than 75% of their professional time in clinical or human service • 59% of their patients and clients, on average, are from underserved populations • 99% say ASF is integral to sustaining their commitment to serve the underserved
ASF's central office is hosted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, the official sister hospital of the Schweitzer Hospital in Africa.
ASF now administers the Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism on behalf of its Schweitzer Fellows for Life. Recent recipients have included former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher (2009) and community health center founder H. Jack Geiger.