Health & Medicine Policy Research Group is proud to announce the 2025–2026 Chicago Area Schweitzer Named Fellows—emerging health leaders selected for special recognition within the prestigious Schweitzer Fellowship Program. These designations honor the legacies of key leaders and donors who have made enduring investments in health equity and public service.
Each Named Fellowship recognizes a student whose project aligns with the values and commitments of its namesake. All Schweitzer Fellows commit to a year of designing and implementing community-based service projects to improve the health and well-being of underserved Chicago communities.
Larry Goodman, MD Health Equity Fellow
Christina Rogers, Rush University, Medicine
Christina will lead community workshops for underserved older adults and their caregivers, promoting evidence-based lifestyle habits such as physical activity, cognitive engagement, social connection, and adherence to the MIND diet to support cognitive health and well-being.
Frank J. Indihar, MD Fellowship
Ugonna Nwakudu, University of Illinois Chicago, Medicine
Ugonna will lead improv workshops for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions on Chicago’s West Side. Her project will provide a supportive space for children and families to build interpersonal skills and emotional resilience.
Ashok Jagasia, MD, PhD CURE Fellowship
Mary Chaudhry, Midwestern University, Medicine
Mary will partner with the Hamdard Center to provide culturally tailored preventive health education and screenings for South Asian and immigrant communities. Her project aims to empower individuals to manage chronic conditions and improve health outcomes.
Leslie Nickels, MEd, PhD Fellowship
Nikita Rabbitt, Northwestern University, Physical Therapy
Nikita will design and lead movement and dance classes tailored for foster youth. The project seeks to promote self-efficacy, emotional regulation, and physical wellness among participants.
Bob and Caryle Perlman Fellowship
Victoria Roehl, North Park University, Nursing
Victoria will lead SMART goal-based self-care workshops for cancer survivors at the UIC Cancer Center. Participants will receive guidance and resources to support holistic survivorship care, including a digital guidebook to extend support beyond the sessions.
Named Fellowships are made possible by the generous support of donors and families who have helped ensure that the Schweitzer Fellowship continues to nurture the next generation of service-driven health professionals.
These Named Fellows are part of the larger 2025–2026 Schweitzer cohort that includes 26 outstanding students from 11 schools and 10 disciplines. Through 200 hours of community-based service and monthly professional development, all Fellows are united by a shared commitment to health equity and interprofessional collaboration.
To learn more about the Schweitzer Fellowship or support this work, visit https://www.hmprg.org/chicago-area-schweitzer-fellowship-program/.