Story #95: Jeffrey Schweitzer, CHAP Alum and Faculty at Harvard Medical School

Dr. Jeffrey Schweitzer ‘79, MD, PhD, is a highly experienced, board-certified neurosurgeon with over 30 years in the field, specializing in movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and other neurological conditions. Having served as Chief of Neurosurgery at Wright State University and running specialized programs at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center for 13 years, Dr. Schweitzer has made significant contributions to the field of functional neurosurgery. His expertise extends to surgery for brain and spine tumors, pituitary tumors, radiosurgery, and spinal problems. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Schweitzer has conducted extensive research on Parkinson's disease and is committed to advancing surgical techniques and stem cell-based therapies for treatment. Fluent in English, French, and Mandarin, Dr. Schweitzer’s multicultural experiences have shaped his approach to patient care, especially in diverse and underserved communities.

Dr. Schweitzer’s commitment to serving underserved communities began during his time volunteering with PBHA’s Chinatown Afterschool Program, where he mentored immigrant children in Boston’s Chinatown. As he shared in PBHA’s 2023 Alumni Survey:

“At PBHA I volunteered as a tutor in the Boston Chinatown immigrant community. Later I continued related work by teaching and volunteering in the medical field in China in the early 90s when it was still developing, and I have continued to help as a translator and advocate for the Chinese-speaking community in the healthcare environment, especially relevant given current social conditions.” - Jeffrey Schweitzer

For Dr. Schweitzer, his volunteer work with PBHA laid the foundation for his career as a physician serving trauma patients from marginalized communities. His early experiences with PBHA not only deepened his understanding of cultural competency but also fueled his lifelong dedication to improving access to healthcare for underserved populations.

“This was a deeply formative experience that shaped my understanding of immigration and other cultures. The PBHA experience was my first introduction to working with these communities and was the foundation of my ability to relate to these patients.” - Jeffrey Schweitzer

PBHA is so proud of Dr. Schweitzer’s continued commitment to advocacy, both in healthcare and in his ongoing volunteer work, as it reflects the deep values of service and compassion he cultivated during his time here.

Dr. Jeffrey Schweitzer accepting a certificate of appreciation for his work done in China.

Huashan Hospital in Shanghai (2023).