Katie Murphy, a graduate student in Human Development and Public Health, Perelman School of Medicine and University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education, was selected as a 2012 Greater Philadelphia Schweitzer Fellow by The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship (ASF). Murphy's fellowship will fund her work which aims to strengthen health navigation skills and improve knowledge of child development among undocumented Mexican immigrants living in South Philadelphia.

Working with Puentes De Salud's women's groups, Murphy will help develop a curriculum on child health and development.

"Throughout the application and interview process, Katie's clear track record of working with underserved populations impressed our selection committeeas did her well-articulated, specific, and measurable approach to addressing the social determinants of health," said Nicole Moore, Director, Greater Philadelphia Schweitzer Fellows Program. "Additionally, with her international experience, previous leadership roles, and demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary learning, it was clear that Katie would bring a unique and enriching perspective to this year's group of Fellows."

Kara Cohen, a graduate student at University of Pennsylvania's School of Nursing, was also selected as a Fellow in this year's class. Cohen's research responds to the podiatric needs of homeless individuals in Philadelphia at the Ridge Avenue Men's Shelter. A full news release on Cohen's research is available here.

The approximately 240 Fellows selected nationwide will all help carry out ASF's mission by pursing service projects targeting health issues in underserved communities. After completing the yearlong fellowship, the students become Schweitzer Fellows for Life, joining nearly 2,500 others trained and dedicated to responding to the health needs of underserved people.

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Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $4.3 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine is currently ranked #2 in U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $479.3 million awarded in the 2011 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania -- recognized as one of the nation's top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report; Penn Presbyterian Medical Center; and Pennsylvania Hospital the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Penn Medicine also includes additional patient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2011, Penn Medicine provided $854 million to benefit our community.

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Perelman School of Medicine Student Named Albert Schweitzer Fellow