Albert Schweitzer & Medical Anthropology

Who was Albert Schweitzer? Philosopher, Theologian, Musician, Medical Doctor, winner of the Nobel Prize. But why do we include him here under medical anthropology? Because at the age of thirty-three, after having obtained his medical degree with specialties in tropical medicine, Dr. Albert Schweitzer embarked upon a passionate quest to establish a jungle hospital in Equatorial French Africa to “give back” in some way to the African negro who had suffered so much and for so long under the yoke of white colonialism. As you peruse these materials, you will encounter a person who had to adapt his European cultural training to a set of very different cultural circumstances and challenges in order to be successful in treating his native patients, much in the same way contemporary medical anthropologists must adapt their thinking and project to the needs of the community whom they wish to serve. Thus, I encourage you to watch this series of videos titled “Albert Schweitzer; My Life is My Argument” published by the Chapman Schweitzer Institute and learn how you, too, might be inspired to use your medical training, or special skills, in the service of humanity in whatever manner you may feel called to do and in the name of “Reverence For Life.”

Video & Web Resources

Albert Schweitzer – My Life is My Argument

Citation

Chapman Schweitzer Institute. (2014, October 20). Albert Schweitzer; My life is my argument [Video series]. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/showcase/3098343?page=1

I also encourage readers to visit the Albert Schweitzer Institute web page at Chapman University. You will find a treasure trove of information about Schweitzer and his ethic of Reverence For Life.

Albert Schweitzer Institute

Douglas Anderson

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Please help me grow this blog by making a one-time donation

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

¤5.00
¤15.00
¤100.00
¤5.00
¤15.00
¤100.00
¤5.00
¤15.00
¤100.00

Or enter a custom amount


Thank you so much!

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

About Douglas J. Anderson

I'm Douglas J. Anderson, Ph.D., a multifaceted educator with two decades of experience. Holding a Ph.D. from the Graduate Theological Foundation, an M.A. in Anthropology and Southwestern Archaeology, and a comprehensive Oxford TESOL/TESL/TEFL certificate, I weave together diverse disciplines in my approach to teaching. My academic journey began at Fresno City College, where I honed my archaeological skills, which extended to on-field experience in Californian and New Mexican prehistoric cultures. This practical knowledge, enriched by my master's research on Narbona Pass chert in the Navajo Nation, informs my teaching. Deeply influenced by Dr. Albert Schweitzer's "Reverence for Life" ethic, I aspire to guide minds of all ages, instilling respect for all life forms in my teaching and community activism. My commitment to teaching excellence has earned me several professional awards, including a Master Teacher Award (2015-2016) and Teaching Excellence Awards in Philosophy (2013-2014), and Anthropology (2012-2013) from Front Range Community College in Colorado. I am an essential Subject Matter Expert in Cultural Anthropology for the College of Professional Studies, University of New England. I have expanded my influence beyond traditional academia, contributing as a Peace Corps Virtual Service Volunteer to the Philippine Science High School STEM curriculum. With my wife, Ana María, I devoted nearly three years with the Peace Corps to UNESCO's TiNi children's education program in Ecuador. Today, I share anthropological and related disciplinary insights via my blog and offer academic coaching through Apprentus.
This entry was posted in Medical Anthropology and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply