Press Release: The Medical Society Consortium Announces Its Fifth Cohort of CHEF Fellows

February 21, 2025

Contact:                                                           
Kimberly Williams, PhD
Climate & Health Equity Fellowship Program Manager
kimberlywilliamsphd@gmail.com

Fairfax, VA– The Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health is excited to announce the selection of the fifth cohort of Climate and Health Equity Fellowship (CHEF), a dynamic group of physicians dedicated to addressing the intersection of climate change, health impacts, and equitable solutions. This new cohort reflects significant expertise, experience, and commitment to advancing health equity in all communities, especially those disproportionately affected by environmental hazards.

Since its inception, the CHEF Fellowship has empowered physicians with the tools and knowledge necessary to drive meaningful change in climate and health education, advocacy, and policy. The fifth cohort brings together 14 fellows from across the country, each committed to tackling health inequities exacerbated by climate change, particularly in historically marginalized communities.

“Our CHEF Fellows play a critical role in bridging the gap between climate science, health equity, and policy action,” said Dr. Shaneeta Johnson, Fellowship Director. “By equipping the Fellows with education, mentorship, tools and resources, community engagement, and a platform to advocate for change, we are strengthening a movement that prioritizes community-driven solutions to climate-related health challenges.”

During the Fellowship, they collaborate with national, regional, state, and local partners, implementing initiatives that enhance climate and health knowledge, resilience, and positive health outcomes. The CHEF Fellowship fosters a network of changemakers dedicated to educating and protecting vulnerable communities, policymakers, and colleagues about the health impacts of climate change with equitable solutions

2025 Fellows: Keisha Reneé Callins, MD, MPH, Obstetrics and Gynecology (GA), Justin Chin, DO, MEd, Family Medicine (CA), Kathi Earles, MD, MPH, DABOM, Pediatrics (GA), Lala Forrest, MD, Psychiatry (CT), Fernando Fuentes MD, FACP, FCCP, DABFM, Internal Medicine (CO), Marshala Lee-McCall, MD, MPH, FAAFP, Family Medicine (DE), Micah Nishigaki, MD, Family Medicine (TX), Ifeanyi Olele, DO, MBA, MS, FAPA, Psychiatry (VA), Sheree Poitier, MD,
Internal Medicine (CA), Khalil Savary, MD, Pediatrics (NJ), Selika Sweet, MD, FAAFP, Family Medicine (AL), Audrey Tanksley, MD, FASAM, Internal Medicine (IL), Janelle White, MD, MHCM, FAAP, Pediatrics (NC), and Ben Wibonele, MD, Otolaryngology (WA).

Support for the Fellowship is provided by generous donations from Johnson & Johnson, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Energy Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the American Medical Association. The Fellowship currently partners with the National Medical Association, the National Hispanic Medical Association, the GLMA Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality, the National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians, the Association of American Indian Physicians, the Meharry School of Global Health, and the Virginia Sea Grant.