Chris Castaneda ’10 (music) completed his M.D. from the University of Chicago on May 29. During his time at the University of Chicago, he completed the prestigious Schweitzer Fellowship where he created a STEM-focused college-access program for underserved youth on the South Side of Chicago. The program provides students opportunities to design and implement innovative year-long projects to help vulnerable Chicago communities improve their health and well-being. On May 2, he married Elise Madrid, who also completed her M.D. at the University of Chicago, and the couple will soon be moving to Los Angeles to begin their residency at the University of California – Los Angeles.
Named in honor of famed humanitarian and Nobel laureate Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program encourages service-minded students to “make their lives their argument” by addressing the serious health challenges faced by members of society whose important needs are not currently being met. In collaboration with existing community organizations, schools or clinics, each Schweitzer Fellow will provide 200 hours of direct service. Christopher and Alisha will each help and encourage students to excel in school and stimulate their interest in life sciences. Christopher will focus on high school students; Alisha will concentrate on middle school students.