LLOS Leaders
Below is a list of the Leo Leung Orthopaedic Society (LLOS) leadership who help organize events, provide peer mentorship, and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to contact any of us with questions about LLOS, orthopaedics, or mentorship!
- Faculty Leadership
- Co-Presidents
- Committee Chairs
- Treasurer, Secretary, Website Manager/Social Chair
- Student Board Members
Faculty Leadership
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Cara Cipriano, MD, MSc
LLOS Faculty Advisor
Email Cara Cipriano, MD, MSc
Cara Cipriano, MD, MSc Website
Cara Cipriano, MD, MSc
LLOS Faculty Advisor
cara.cipriano@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Cara Cipriano, MD, MSc Website
LLOS is lucky to have Dr. Cipriano as our faculty advisor. Her guidance is integral for student leadership in delivering meaningful programs to the Perelman School of Medicine student body. Dr. Cipriano serves as the Chief of Orthopaedic Oncology and as an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Co-Presidents
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Pranav Kodali
Co-President (M4)
pranav.kodali@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Pranav Kodali is an CDYO from Roseville, California. He graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2021 with a degree in Biochemistry and Chemical Biology and a minor in Scientific Computing. He is specifically interested in medical device innovation in orthopedics and using lessons from the OR to guide the development of existing and new technology. At Penn, he has been involved in PennHealthX as the treasurer, SAMoSA as a co-president, and TA’ed for the Wharton MBA class on Medical Devices. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, home improvement projects, and religiously following Formula 1.
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Ellie Bernstein
Co-President (MD-PhD)
elizabeth.bernstein@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Ellie is an MD/PhD student in the first year of her PhD. She is originally from Seattle, WA and attended Harvard University where she studied neuroscience and was a varsity lightweight rower. Within orthopedics, Ellie hopes to pursue sports surgery. She is getting her PhD in bioengineering and plans to study meniscus healing and tissue engineering. Ellie has been a part of the Elizabeth Blackwell Society, the Sports Medicine Interest Group and the Association of Women Surgeons. As an LLOS board member, Ellie is particularly excited to work on projects aimed at increasing gender diversity and student exposure to basic science research within orthopedics.
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Miguel Fiandeiro
Co-President (CDYO)
miguel.fiandeiro@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Miguel is an MS3 from San Jose, CA and graduated from Wyoming Catholic College with a BA in Philosophy and Theology in 2020. After graduating he worked as a backpacking and climbing guide, as well as a hemodialysis technician, before deciding to pursue medicine and completing a post-baccalaureate program at Johns Hopkins University. He is drawn to orthopedics for its ability to quickly and meaningfully restore patients quality of life, and is particularly interested in sports medicine and trauma orthopedics. At Penn Med, he is also a lead patient navigator at the Center for Surgical Health, a co-president of the ultrasound group, and founder of the Penn climbing club. Outside of the hospital, Miguel enjoys climbing, cycling, and playing soccer.
Committee Chairs
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Angela Chen
Research Committee Chair (MD/PhD)
angela.chen@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Angela Chen is an MD/PhD student studying health economics at the Health Care Management department of the Wharton School. She completed her undergraduate degree in economics at Wharton and spent a year at Tsinghua University in Beijing as part of the inaugural class of Schwarzman Scholars. Before returning to Penn, Angela worked for two years at the Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research (OrACORe) at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where she developed her research interest at the intersection of economics and orthopedic care—an area she now continues to explore in her doctoral work. Outside of academia, Angela enjoys playing piano, tennis, running half marathons, crocheting for her baby niece, and spending time with her parents in upstate New York.
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Jenny Hong
Education Committee Chair (M3)
jennifer.hong1@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Jenny Hong is an MS2 from Mason, Ohio. She attended Harvard College where she majored in Chemical and Physical Biology with a minor in Psychology. She was initially drawn to orthopaedics because of a piece of bone cement a surgeon gave her while shadowing during high school; the amazing impact that orthopaedics can have on people’s quality of life has kept her in love ever since. At Penn, she is a member of the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society, Student Curriculum Committee, Penn Med Christian Fellowship, and Penn Med Symphony Orchestra, where she plays violin. In her free time, she enjoys doing the New York Times crossword and cheering on the Eagles!
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Theo Lenz
Mentorship Committee Chair (M3)
theodor.lenz@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Theo is a MS2 from Vienna, Virginia who graduated from The University of Pennsylvania in 2022 with a B.A. in Neuroscience, where he played on the Division 1 Men’s Lacrosse team. His passion for orthopaedics began as an athlete and continued through his work as a medical assistant in an orthopaedic practice during his gap year. He enjoys the immense impact that orthopaedics can have in providing individuals the opportunity to return to doing the things they love and regain their autonomy. In his free time, he enjoys exercising, trying new coffee shops and restaurants around Philly, and cheering on DC sports teams.
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Margaret Tamburro
Service Committee Chair (MD/PhD)
Margaret.Tamburro@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Maggie is an MD/PhD student completing her PhD in the Soslowsky Laboratory. She studied biomedical engineering at NC State University where she was also a gymnast. Maggie is drawn to orthopedics because of the overlap between medicine and engineering in injury biomechanics. As a future physician-scientist, she is very interested in closing the gap between the lab and the operating room to improve patient care. Outside of school and the lab, Maggie enjoys watching gymnastics, going to concerts, and exploring Philly. She is excited to be a part of the LLOS board to share her enthusiasm for orthopedics and orthopedic research with her peers.
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Varshini Babu
Outreach Committee Chair (M3)
Varshini Babu
Outreach Committee Chair (M3)
Varshini Babu is a MS3 from Herndon, Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry and a Certificate in the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh in 2021. She then completed a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology, also at Pitt, where she cultivated a strong foundation in population health and data-driven approaches to patient care. Varshini discovered her passion for orthopaedic surgery through years of playing basketball, where she gained an early appreciation for biomechanics and the powerful role of surgical intervention in restoring mobility and quality of life. At the Perelman School of Medicine, she is involved in the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society, Student Curriculum Council, House Council, Center for Surgical Health, and South Asian Medical Student Association.Outside of medicine, Varshini enjoys staying active through basketball and dance, discovering new restaurants with friends, and solving jigsaw puzzles!
Treasurer, Secretary, Website Manager/Social Chair
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Divya Jain
Treasurer (M4)
divya.jain@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Divya is an MS3 from Houston, Texas. She graduated from Rice University with a BA in history and kinesiology in 2022. Divya’s interest in orthopedics stems from the ability to work with diverse patients of all ages and the ability to significantly impact a patient’s quality of life by restoring function. She’s interested in ethics research in orthopedics and highlighting patient perspectives. At Penn Med, she’s been a part of Medical Student Government, House Council, the Association of Women Surgeons, and the Center for Surgical Health. In her free time, she enjoys religiously watching baseball and football, playing volleyball and pickleball, exploring new restaurants in Philly, and catching up with her friends. She is excited to be a part of the LLOS board and help others discover their passion for orthopedics!
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Michelle Kwon
Secretary (M2)
Michelle Kwon
Secretary (M2)
Michelle Kwon is an M2 from South Korea who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2022 with a B.S. in Bioengineering. Prior to medical school, Michelle worked in a biomechanics lab optimizing rehabilitation protocols for Achilles pathology using wearable devices. At Penn, she is involved with Penn Global Surgery Group, Elizabeth Blackwell Society, Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society and is a lead personal patient navigator for the Center of Surgical Health. She is interested in pediatric orthopedics, global health, and improving access to orthopaedic care. Outside of medicine, you can find Michelle running on the Schuylkill River Trail, playing billiards, being an obnoxious Philly sports fan, or trying new ice cream spots around the city.
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Julio Ojea Quintana
Website Manager/Social Chair (M4)
julio.ojeaquintana@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Julio is an MS3 from Connecticut who graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2021 with a B.A. in Natural Sciences, where he played on the varsity soccer team. He is drawn to orthopedics by the teamwork approach and the ability to restore function and independence to patients' lives. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, exploring Philly's food scene, and spending time with friends and family.
Student Board Members
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Ahab Alnemri
Mentorship Committee (M4)
ahab.alnemri@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, Ahab is a 4th year MD/MBA student at Penn Med/Wharton. He received his BA in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020. As Treasurer of the Leo Lung Orthopaedic Society and an Anatomy TA for the MSK block, Ahab actively supports peer education in Orthopaedics. He also co-founded the Perelman Barbecue & Joy Society to bring classmates together beyond the hospital. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, weightlifting, watching the Philadelphia Eagles win, and tutoring fellow students for Step 2. With his combined MD/MBA background, Ahab aims to help advance medical device and biotech innovations that streamline surgical care and improve patient outcomes.
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Trent Levy
Education Committee (M4)
trent.levy@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Trent is an MS3 who graduated from the University of Virginia in 2021 with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering. Before matriculating to Perelman School of Medicine, Trent worked as a federal health consultant for the DHA with Deloitte in Washington DC. At Penn Med, he has continued his interests in medical devices and entrepreneurship in medicine serving as an executive member of PennHealthX. His specific interests in orthopedics include MRI imaging, biomechanics, materials science, and translational research. Outside of the hospital, he enjoys painting, drawing, soccer, and running.
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Praneeth Thota
Mentorship Committee (M4)
Praneeth Thota
Mentorship Committee (M4)
Praneeth is a 4th year MD/MBA student from Potomac, MD who graduated from the University
of Maryland with a B.S in Bioengineering. His interest in orthopedics started with his time
designing workplace devices for people with musculoskeletal disabilities and continued to grow
as he saw how impactful the field was in helping him recover from his own significant sports
injuries. He hopes to one day use his MBA and his background in biomedical engineering to
bring new tools and technologies to the field that will further optimize patient outcomes. In his
free time, he loves to play basketball, explore Philly’s food scene, root for the sad New York
Giants, and spend as much time possible with friends and family. -
Jacob Jordan
Education Committee (M4)
Jacob Jordan
Education Committee (M4)
Jacob is an MS4 from Atlanta, Ga. After graduating from UPenn’s Vagelos Life Sciences and
Management (LSM) program with a degree in Biology and a degree in Economics from
Wharton, Jacob subsequently spent his gap years working at JP Morgan in the Healthcare
Investment Banking group. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, running, drawing, and playing
outdoor sports with friends. Jacob is interested in orthopedic surgery given its ability to restore
patient function and provide a better quality of life. He wants to combine his medical knowledge
with his business background and work to bring innovations to the field as well. He is excited to
be a part of the LLOS board to help contribute to fellow students interested in orthopedics! -
David Isaacs
Education Committee (M4)
David Isaacs
Education Committee (M4)
David is a fourth-year medical student from Bethesda, MD, graduating from the University of
Pennsylvania in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and a minor in Chemistry. His
interest in Orthopaedic Surgery began early through a variety of sports injuries, but it solidified
during his undergraduate years through research in pediatric sports medicine, where he
developed a deep appreciation for the field’s intricate anatomy and profound impact on quality of
life. This passion continued to grow through research in pediatric neurology where orthopaedics
played a vital role in managing neuromuscular complications, as well as his research in
orthopaedic oncology, where he witnessed the breadth of care the field offers. Outside of
medicine, David enjoys swimming, running along the Schuylkill River, and discovering new
restaurants! -
Harmon Khela
Research and Mentorship Committees (M3)
Harmon Khela
Research and Mentorship Committees (M3)
Harmon is an MS3 from Sacramento, CA who graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2022 with a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Public Health Studies. Harmon’s interest in orthopaedic surgery stems from its ability to deliver lasting, meaningful improvements to patients’ quality of life through a combination of biomechanics, hands-on problem solving, and functional restoration. He is passionate about research and aims to bridge innovation in biotech, medical technology, and data-driven tools to enhance surgical care and outcomes. At Penn Med, he has served as VP of Curriculum for PennHealthX, a lead patient navigator at the Center for Surgical Health, and a leader in the Sarcoma Strong Initiative. Outside of medicine, Harmon enjoys playing basketball, watching sports, and exploring new restaurants in Philly.
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AJ Profeta
Mentorship Committee (M3)
AJ Profeta
Mentorship Committee (M3)
Abraham Profeta, “AJ,” is an MS3 from Miami, FL. He graduated with a B.S. from Cornell University in 2021 and worked for two years as a Clinical Trials Associate before matriculating at PSOM. His passion for orthopedics stems from lifelong sports involvement, including baseball and water polo throughout high school and college, and an interest in procedural medicine crafted through years of woodworking experience. At Penn he has also been involved in the Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group, Penn Latino Surgical Association, and the Latino medical Student Association. In his free time he enjoys fishing, baking, hiking, freediving, and playing guitar.
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Omar Shareef
Service Committee (M2)
Omar Shareef
Service Committee (M2)
Omar is an MS2 from Vero Beach, Florida. He graduated from Harvard in 2023 with a joint degree in computer science and philosophy. He is especially interested in how artificial intelligence, especially computer vision technologies, can be used to enhance patient outcomes and improve diagnoses and is drawn to orthopedics for its ability to tangibly restore function by leveraging extensive imaging modalities. At Penn, he has been involved in PennHealthX as a VP of SDoH, a personal patient navigator for the Center for Surgical Health, and the AI in Medicine Society (AIMS). In his free time, he enjoys eating, snowboarding, and trying new coffee shops.
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Ryan Turlip
Research Committee (M2)
Ryan Turlip
Research Committee (M2)
Ryan is an MS2 from Scranton, PA and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2024 with a B.A. in Neuroscience. He became interested in orthopaedic surgery through the field’s blend of hands-on problem solving and the ability to improve patients’ function and mobility, and he is interested in integrating AI as a tool to assess patient outcomes. At Penn, he is also involved with PennHealthX as the VP of Conference and Sarcoma Strong. Outside of medicine, Ryan enjoys exercising, cooking new recipes, and trying new restaurants around Philly.