“Our job as students isn’t just to learn, but to use our knowledge to apply [it] to real-world issues.”
—CWRU senior Gautham Chitturu, founder of CWRU’s chapter of Universal Health Aid
Case Western Reserve University seniors Will Schwartzman and Gautham Chitturu (pictured) will soon be off to medical school, but their impact on the health of Clevelanders will live on.
Gautham is a double major in neuroscience and healthcare management; Will is majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in sociology. Together, they created the Cleveland chapter of Universal Health Aid, an organization that galvanizes students in efforts to alleviate health disparities in the greater Cleveland community.
Recently, Gautham and Will penned an op-ed urging fair access to COVID-19 vaccines for minority and low-income Cleveland residents. Six other undergraduates, all members of Universal Health Aid Cleveland, contributed research to the piece. Among the organization’s other recent efforts are initiatives helping community members sign up for Medicaid and raising awareness about lead poisoning in the area.
“Problems stemming from health care disparities may seem daunting, but CWRU students have the resources and [guidance from] faculty of a renowned institution to actually effect change,” Gautham says. “I am grateful to attend an institution that houses various clubs and organizations like Universal Health Aid that promote social justice initiatives.”
Let’s hear it for the change agents. 👏👏👏 I hope to count you among them.