Whiddon College of Medicine alumni recognized by Aequitas Health
Posted on September 8, 2026
Two graduates from the Whiddon College of Medicine’s Class of 2026 were recognized by Aequitas Health for student-led initiatives that advance health equity and improve access to care.
Qays Aljabi was named a recipient of the 2026–27 Chapter Project of the Year Award for his pediatric vision screening program in Mobile County, while Brandon Schonour was recognized for his work securing grant funding for health and wellness initiatives in his tribal community. Both are Fellows of the Aequitas Health Medical Honor Society.
Aljabi’s student-run vision screening program operates at recurring sites throughout Mobile County in partnership with Impact America’s FocusFirst program. Trained volunteers screen children on-site using portable autorefractors, helping eliminate transportation, cost and scheduling barriers that can prevent children from accessing vision care. Children who do not pass a screening are connected directly with local eye care providers for follow-up care.
Over the past three years, the program has screened more than 2,100 children and identified 141 who failed a vision screening. What began as a solo effort has grown to 18 regularly active volunteers and has been sustained through donated time and equipment.
Aljabi was among the recipients of Aequitas Health’s 2026–27 grants and awards, which recognize medical student-led initiatives that advance health equity in communities across the United States. This year, Aequitas Health distributed $2,000 across three award categories. Winners, including Aljabi, will have the opportunity to write about their projects for the Aequitas Health Journal.
Earlier this year, Schonour presented at the Aequitas Health 2025–26 National Conference. His fellow presentation, “Native American Health Initiatives: Tribal Grant Funding for Walking Trails and Telehealth Access,” highlighted efforts to improve health and access to care in his tribal community.
Schonour, an enrolled citizen of the Southeastern Mvskoke (Creek) Nation, partnered with his Tribal Council to secure more than $40,000 in grant funding for community health improvements. The funding supported walking trails that are now used daily by families and a telehealth building that provides elders with regular access to health care without requiring them to leave their community.
