GHHS Inducted Class of 2023
The purpose of GHHS is to recognize those students who exemplify humanistic attributes within medicine. Each year up to 15% of the third-year class can be elected for this honor based on nomination by their peers.
Executive Board
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Read More about Layla AbdullaLayla Abdulla
Co-President
Layla Abdulla
Co-President
Hi, I’m Layla (she/her)! I’ve moved around quite a bit but, a big part of who I am is from my time in Pakistan. I went to Brown University for undergrad where I majored in Health and Human Biology with a focus on the social context of health and disease. I’m planning to become a primary care Pediatrician with a focus on advocacy and medical education. This year I hope to continue building community with my amazing peers and exploring my interests in medical education and narrative medicine. -
Read More about Olivia PalmerOlivia Palmer
Co-President
Olivia Palmer
Co-President
Hi, my name is Olivia Palmer (she/her)! I grew up in Connecticut and went to Boston College, where I studied Biology and International Social Justice. I worked at Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program before starting medical school, which really ignited a spark for the type of physician I hope to become. I am currently applying in Med Peds and have a passion for health equity, advocacy, and policy. I aim to pursue a career in which I can both work with underserved populations and advocate for policies that enact system-wide change. This upcoming year, I hope to really maximize all that the Philadelphia has to offer - everything from culture and community to the food scene and city adventures!
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Read More about Victor AyeniVictor Ayeni
Chair of Community Engagement
Victor Ayeni
Chair of Community Engagement
Hey everybody! My name is Victor (he/him). I grew up in Georgia but went to Yale for college before coming straight through to medical school. I've long dreamt of serving individuals and communities through relationships, especially in difficult times, which motivates my current interest in cardiac critical care and cardiovascular public health initiatives. This also motivates my vision for serving in GHHS this year: creating opportunities for my peers to better know and love the Philadelphia community, and in the process serve it more faithfully.
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Read More about Hannah LeeHannah Lee
Chair of Student Wellness
Hannah Lee
Chair of Student Wellness
Hi, my name is Hannah (she/her)! I'm from Central Jersey and graduated from Penn in 2020. I'm interested in helping people move, especially empowering kids to run, play, and get to wherever they want to. This year, I am determined to prioritize what's most important to me including wellness and family, and hope to empower others to become the best they can be.
Student Members
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Read More about Rucha AlurRucha Alur
Rucha Alur
Hi everyone, I’m Rucha (she/her) and am applying into General Surgery next year! I'm from Philly (go birds!) and went to Princeton for undergrad where I majored in Neuroscience. At Penn, I discovered an interest in how the legal and healthcare systems interact and am pursuing a Masters in Law alongside my MD. Combining these with an excitement for surgery, I've spent the last few years investigating police interactions in the trauma bay and laying the groundwork for a potential Medical-Legal Partnerships in the hospital. I hope that this work one day helps patients get the legal help and legal protection that they deserve! Outside of this, I love playing volleyball with friends and enjoying the good food that Philly has to offer.
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Read More about Sheldon Amoo-MitchualSheldon Amoo-Mitchual
Sheldon Amoo-Mitchual
Hello everyone! My name is Sheldon (He/Him). I grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and attended the University of Pennsylvania, where I studied Neuroscience. My interests include medical education and global health equity and advocacy, with a particular interest in Ghana, West Africa from where my family originates. In my free time, I enjoy composing music, riding my bike on the Schuylkill trail, and spending time with family and friends. This upcoming year, I am looking forward to working with my fellow peers to see how we can best continue to address issues of health inequities in our local Philly community.
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Read More about Ranvir BhatiaRanvir Bhatia
Ranvir Bhatia
Hi, I'm Ranvir (he/him). I grew up in New Jersey and attended Penn for undergrad, majoring in Biochemistry and Biophysics, with a masters in Chemistry. At PSOM, I have been involved with the UCC, an organization that first kindled my love for clinical work, House Council, and a band I started with some of my classmates. I will apply into Internal Medicine this fall, hoping to eventually sub-specialize while being able to continue translational research and community work in some capacity. This year, after 25 years of living on this Earth, I hope to finally develop a jumper consistent enough to take Dickens to the Promised Land in House Cup.
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Read More about Jasmine BrownJasmine Brown
Jasmine Brown
Hi, my name is Jasmine Brown (she/her)! I graduated with a B.A. in Neuroscience at Washington University in St. Louis and an M.Phil. in History of Science, Medicine and Technology at the University of Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship. One intention I hold for myself for the upcoming year is to use my platform to encourage young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue medicine.
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Read More about Chip ChambersChip Chambers
Chip Chambers
Hi, my name is Chip (he/him)! I studied biology and economics at the University of Georgia, where I was first exposed to health system science and systems engineering. From there, I embarked on a journey to improve healthcare quality, population health, and joy in medicine as I pursue an MBA ahead of a career in primary care. Along the way, I hope to read, spend time with my church, pursue voracious curiosity, cook less atrociously, and remember to tell my family I love them.
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Read More about Felix ChinFelix Chin
Felix Chin
Hi, I’m Felix! I'm from Buffalo, NY and studied biology at Cornell. I spent a year before coming to medical school doing research on machine learning and anatomic 3D modeling at the Gates Vascular Institute. As a medical student, I’ve come to love single-cell biology, which I hope to pursue in the long run! My research is focused on mapping and characterizing the immune cells present in diseased skin. This work is currently being used for identifying clinically-useful biomarkers as well as single cell precision targets for therapies like CAR-T. In the long term, it’ll also contribute towards the mapping of a 3D cell atlas of the human body! As a member of GHHS, I will strive towards ensuring that the skin used in my research is inclusive of minorities traditionally under-represented in translational research. A 3D human cell atlas would be revolutionary! But we must be diligent to make sure it’s reflective of the diverse cultural backgrounds within our society.
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Read More about Carolyn ChowCarolyn Chow
Carolyn Chow
Hi, my name is Carolyn and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I graduated from Penn undergrad in 2020 majoring in Health and Societies and started medical school here that fall. I hope to be a physician who cares for the whole person in light of a patient's socioeconomic context, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In pursuit of that goal, I will apply into internal medicine, and I am considering a career in palliative care or geriatrics. This year, I intend to devote more time to serving the community and hope to renew my commitments to volunteer work.
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Read More about Lydia FedericoLydia Federico
Lydia Federico
Hi, I’m Lydia (she/her)! I grew up in Boston, MA and went to Harvard University for undergrad, where I studied Social Studies & Gender Studies. I spent a few years after college studying military PTSD and suicidality as a research coordinator at MGH, followed by an MPhil at the University of Cambridge where I researched the history of militarization of psychiatric approaches to civilian trauma. I then completed a post-bacc premed program at Bryn Mawr College. At Penn, I’ve been involved in research focused on cardiovascular and advanced lung disease, and will be applying into Internal Medicine. I’m also interested in a career in Med Ed and especially in reducing barriers to success and mentorship for first generation, low income, and URM students. This year, I’m excited to spend more time cooking, traveling, and hanging with friends and family.
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Read More about Danielle FefferDanielle Feffer
Danielle Feffer
Hi, my name is Danielle (she/her). During my time here, GHHS has organized events such as Solidarity Week/Month and talks about challenging aspects of medical school, and I would like GHHS to continue organizing these events. I also would be interested in seeing GHHS organize events with chaplains, palliative care clinicians, and/or patient care navigators to discuss how they provide empathy and help patients navigate difficult situations while maintaining their own wellbeing. Finally, I think it could be interesting to hold events to discuss integrity, respect, and compassion for each other and for ourselves as we continue developing our own clinical skills and practices.
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Read More about Kirubel GebreKirubel Gebre
Kirubel Gebre
Hi, my name is Kirubel Gebre (he/him)! I grew up in Lancaster, PA and went to Penn for undergrad, where I majored in Biology. I am applying into Dermatology and am interested in health disparities and community engagement. At Perelman, I have been involved in the United Community Clinic and Clinicom, and I plan on continuing to be involved in health disparity initiatives in our local communities. In my free time, I love to cook, run, and play soccer.
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Read More about Sophia HuSophia Hu
Sophia Hu
Hi, my name is Sophia (she/her). I went to Stanford for undergrad, where I studied anthropology and developed a passion for medical humanities and health equity. My professional interests include gender affirmation surgery, patient-reported outcomes and medical history. This year, my goal is to continue treasuring time with loved ones!
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Read More about David JimenezDavid Jimenez
David Jimenez
I'm David Jimenez (he/him), and I grew up on Long Island, NY. I received a B.S. in computer science with a minor in chemistry from Duke University. My professional interests include healthcare innovation, clinical informatics, serving the Latino/Hispanic patient population, mentoring aspiring healthcare providers who are underrepresented in medicine, and medical education. For this upcoming academic year, I intend to regularly make time to reflect on/remind myself of my personal motivations for pursuing a career in medicine.
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Read More about Michael KaramardianMichael Karamardian
Michael Karamardian
My name is Michael, and I use He/Him pronouns. I completed my undergraduate degree at Duke University, majoring in Economics and minoring in Chemistry and Biology. Professionally, I am still undecided on medical specialty. I am interested in the intersection of medicine, entrepreneurship, and innovation, and I plan to combine my clinical career with roles exploring this intersection. One intention I hold for myself in the upcoming academic year is to remain open to growth through new ways of approaching problems as I'll be pursuing the joint MD/MBA program at Wharton.
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Read More about Nipun KottageNipun Kottage
Nipun Kottage
Hi! My name is Nipun (he/him) and I am an MD/PhD candidate in medical anthropology. I grew up in Rockville, MD and graduated from the University of Maryland with degrees in biochemistry and anthropology in 2019. While at Penn I have organized with the Save the UC Townhomes Coalition, volunteered with the Social Needs Response Team, and co-facilitated Students Opposing Racism in Medicine (StORM). My PhD work studies the root causes of social inequality and structural violence by exploring how people navigate corporate, state, and relational networks of care. I plan to apply into emergency medicine residency programs. I aspire to work with community organizations to develop programs that address social needs such as fair employment and safe housing. This year I intend to climb new mountains!
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Read More about Brian LevineBrian Levine
Brian Levine
My name is Brian (he/him). I grew up in West Hartford, CT before majoring in biology at Williams College for undergrad. Professionally, I am interested in the primary and secondary prevention of chronic disease, as well as palliative care approaches at the end of life. Over the coming year, I intend to spend time with friends and family and keep encouraging my cat to walk on a leash.
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Read More about Lydia LutzLydia Lutz
Lydia Lutz
My name is Lydia Lutz (she/hers) and I am a third-year med student at PSOM. I studied Neuroscience and History of Science at Vanderbilt University and completed a service year with AmeriCorps prior to beginning medical school. I am passionate about harm reduction, street medicine, and healthcare grounded in principles of service, community, and justice. My intentions for this year are to grow in my independence and confidence as a provider and chip away at my ever-growing booklist.
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Read More about Nate McLauchlanNate McLauchlan
Nate McLauchlan
Hi all! My name is Nate (he/him/his), and I grew up in Austin, TX before attending college at the United States Naval Academy. I then took a few years to study nuclear science and technology policy at MIT and train in the Navy’s submarine community. I’m now completing medical school on the Navy’s scholarship and will return to active duty upon graduation, hopefully as a urology resident. At Penn, I’ve had the pleasure of serving in Medical Student Government as a class co-chair and participating in multiple student initiatives, including as a leader for the ultrasound interest group and as a coordinator for a policy advocacy course. I am most proud, however, of founding the military medicine interest group, which aims to build on Penn’s rich history of strong military-civilian medical partnerships, currently exemplified by the full Navy trauma team embedded at Penn Presbyterian. Over the next year, I hope to continue fostering interest in the military-civilian medical partnerships amongst both faculty and students. In my free time, I enjoy dialing in espresso, fermenting kombucha, and spending time with my wife and dog.
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Read More about Love OsunnugaLove Osunnuga
Love Osunnuga
I’m Love Osunnuga (she/her), a third year medical student. I’m originally from Granger, IN and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2020 with a B.S. in mathematics and biological sciences. I went straight through from undergrad to medical school here at Penn. My interests are in medical education as I serve as one of the co-presidents of the Student Curriculum Council. I'm also interested in research and my current focus is on cancer immunotherapy. One intention for this year is to decide on a specialty that I'm passionate about and can dedicate myself to.
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Read More about Sriram PalepuSriram Palepu
Sriram Palepu
Hi, my name is Sriram (he/him)! I majored in Business at the University of Texas at Austin, and graduated in 2020. I am interested in LGBTQ health and environmental health, and hope to do work in India in the future. I will intend to hold myself to being more present and mindful in the clinical setting.
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Read More about Kiran RajaKiran Raja
Kiran Raja
Hi, my name is Kiran (she/her/hers). I graduated from UPenn with a degree in Neurobiology and injuries from a rugby career. In med school, I served as Head of Operations for MyoArete before founding Formly, a company dedicated to increasing physical therapy access to reduce acute and chronic injury risk. Now pursuing the MedEd track as a two-time PennTalks champion, I hope to become a MedEd person of importance in the future. As an EM doc in the making, I aim to bridge my chosen specialty with interests in MedEd and writing this year.
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Read More about Sarah RowleySarah Rowley
Sarah Rowley
Hi y'all! My name is Rowley (she/her). I grew up outside of Tampa, FL and went to Penn for undergrad, where I majored in Health and Societies, concentrating in Public Health. I am applying into Family Medicine as I am passionate about maternal child health, reproductive health and justice, and general primary care. I am looking forward to reading and writing more as well as spending quality time with friends during this upcoming year.
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Read More about Han-Seul RyuHan-Seul Ryu
Han-Seul Ryu
Hi, I’m Han-Seul Ryu (she/her/hers). I majored in Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University and stayed at Columbia for a year to continue my research in DNA repair pathways and CRISPR-based genome editing. I am currently in the first year of my PhD program in Bioengineering, utilizing single-cell multiomics to understand cell type-specific short tandem repeat instability in Huntington’s Disease. This year, I’m excited to mentor and share my research interests with high school and undergraduate students who identify as underrepresented in science.
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Read More about Linda SaikaliLinda Saikali
Linda Saikali
I'm Linda (she/her) and I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2020 with a BS in Neuroscience and BA in Religious Studies. After completing a research year out, I will be applying to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. In the upcoming year, I hope to expand my knowledge base and skill set within the specialty I've chosen to pursue and to find ways to incorporate surgical equity work into this process.
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Read More about Rebecca SchapiroRebecca Schapiro
Rebecca Schapiro
Hi! I'm Becca Schapiro (she/her). I grew up in Atlanta and then went to college at Yale where I majored in the History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health and got my Masters in Public Health. I'm interested in working at the intersection of LGBTQ+ health, the health of pregnant patients, and substance use disorder. This year I'm hoping to explore more restaurants in Philly!
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Read More about Turner SchwartzTurner Schwartz
Turner Schwartz
My name is Turner Schwartz and I use He/Him pronouns. I attended Johns Hopkins University where I majored in Molecular and Cellular biology prior to matriculating to medical school. I hope to become an ophthalmologist where I can incorporate teaching and research into my practice. As I begin to wrap up medical school, I intend to always approach patient interactions as an opportunity to form a connection as human beings, to make patients feel heard and to make everyone feel as though they are supported and valued.
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Read More about Andrew Siaw-AsamoahAndrew Siaw-Asamoah
Andrew Siaw-Asamoah
Hi, my name is Andrew Siaw-Asamoah (he/him)! I grew up outside of Buffalo, NY and went to undergrad at Yale University, where I majored in Applied Mathematics. At Yale I was awarded the Paul Mellon Fellowship to pursue an MPhil in Epidemiology at the University of Cambridge. At PSOM, I got involved with SNMA as Academic Chair, apenndx magazine (PSOM’s literary medicine magazine) as an editor, and AMP, an organization for URM faculty, house staff, and medical students to connect and build community. I am currently applying for residency in Internal Medicine, and I’m hoping this year to experience even more of Philly’s amazing BYOB scene, get better at swimming, and start saving for Super Bowl tickets next year (go Birds!)
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Read More about Katherine XuKatherine Xu
Katherine Xu
Hi, I'm Katherine (she/her/hers)! I grew up outside of Philadelphia and studied chemical engineering at Columbia University. At PSOM, I've served as the treasurer for Medical Student Government. I am planning on applying into otolaryngology. This upcoming year, I hope to spend more time playing piano and paying forward the kindness and mentorship upperclassmen have shared with me.
