Janene Sims, O.D., Ph.D.The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship of Alabama has honored Janene Sims, O.D., Ph.D., associate professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, as its 2025 Outstanding Academic Mentor for her exemplary commitment to her ASF mentee.

“Receiving an award for the privilege of being an educator and mentor is truly an honor,” Sims said. “The opportunity to nurture students and prepare them to deliver compassionate patient care in their communities inspires me every day.”

She was the academic mentor to Malia McDowell, an optometry student in the class of 2026 and a 2024-25 fellow. McDowell’s project, in partnership with the Community of Hope Health Clinic, provided free in-house eye care to patients with a history of diabetes, hypertension and other systemic diseases. The project implemented a surgical referral and vision correction glasses network to comprehensively address patients’ visual needs.

Sims is the director of Community Eye Care, the school’s community service arm. McDowell praised her for providing guidance and support.

“Dr. Sims taught me endurance this year,” McDowell said. “She gives me motivation to keep going when there is a list of things to do. I am very grateful for the relationship I formed with Dr. Sims this year, and I know she will help me with my future endeavors.”

The Alabama Fellows Program is one of 10 active Schweitzer programs across the United States dedicated to developing a pipeline of skilled emerging professionals committed to addressing unmet health needs.