Co-President
Ilana Nelson-Greenburg (she · her · hers)
I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, and graduated from Brown University in 2010, where I majored in Development Studies (developing countries – not babies or money!) with a focus on global health. I then spent a year in Kibera, Kenya, as the Health Services Director for Shining Hope for Communities, helping to open a clinic there. The following year, I went to work at Partners In Health (PIH), where I was on their Development team before becoming a Program Coordinator for the Haiti team. In that role, I traveled between our Haiti and Boston offices, helping to open Hopital Universitaire de Mirebalais, and then supporting Zanmi Lasante (the Haitian sister organization) throughout the Central Plateau. At PIH I decided I wanted to become a doctor; I completed my pre-med requirements at Bryn Mawr and joined the entering class of Penn Med in 2015. I want to be a primary care internist and focus domestically, working with poor and marginalized patients in the US. Currently, I’m finishing my MBA at Wharton to better understand and manage the institutions and policies that affect how people access and experience healthcare. I hope to continue to expand my world this year, and take (scary!) risks, which may not be successful in the traditional sense – i.e. not be afraid to “fail”!
Co-President
Alexander Azan (he · him · his) 🌈
Hey! I’m Alex and I am a MS4 preparing to start residency in Internal Medicine Primary Care at Montefiore’s Primary Care and Social Internal Medicine Residency Program. I was born and raised in a Jamaican, Chinese, and Lebanese American household in South Florida. Later on, I went to Tufts University for college where I studied Biology and Studio Art with a concentration in photography and media installation. During my gap year, I served as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Los Angeles through which I tutored and mentored 7th grade students in central LA.. In addition, I served as an after school art teacher with WoodCraft Rangers. In medical school, I have been involved with various student-run clinics and academic initiatives. Additionally, I have had the privilege of working with national organizations such as Physicians for Human Rights and the Student National Medical Association. Over the last 4 years, I have developed a strong interest in narrative medicine, urban primary care, and research focused on population healthcare systems and urban design. For the upcoming year, I intend to hold space for introspection, accountability, and gratitude with the hopes of growing in my ability to love, unconditionally.
Chair of Patient and Community Engagement
Shelley Thomas (she · her · hers)
Hey! I was born and raised in the northeast section of Philadelphia. After graduating from Harvard University in 2011 with a degree in African and African American Studies, I joined Teach For America as a science teacher in Jacksonville, Florida. I remained in the classroom for an additional year after completing the corps and eventually went on to join TFA staff as a science coach. I am currently preparing to start residency in Family Medicine at the Family Medicine Residency Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. This year I hope to help build authentic relationships between Penn and the West Philadelphia community.
Chair of Student Wellness
Neha Mukunda (she · her · hers)
Hi! My name is Neha, and I’m an MS4 preparing to start residency in Internal Medicine at the Internal Medicine Residency Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. I was born and raised in New Jersey, but made a brief jump to St. Louis for college and then Chicago for my gap year, where I worked for City Year as a tutor and mentor for high school students in the South Side. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t resist the call of the East Coast, and promptly answered by coming to Penn for medical school. I love Philly, but actively try to channel that Midwestern friendliness everywhere I go. After a long undifferentiated medical school journey, I finally decided on Internal Medicine; now, my passions include medical education and the intersection of medicine and women’s health. I hope to merge these interests by ultimately working with underserved populations in urban, academic centers. This upcoming year, my goals are to help cultivate a positive medical school environment by actively engaging students from all years, and to personally make space to reconnect with my initial passion for medicine, so that I may enter the crazy world of residency as clear-headed and inspired as possible.
Associate Director, Office of Student Affairs
Carrie Renner (she · her · hers)
Students at Perelman know me as a go-to person in the Office of Student Affairs. After all, I am the main administrator for Perelman students applying to residency through ERAS. But I do so much more! I coach exercise classes at Pottruck Gym, organize house events at the medical school, and last but not least I am the associate faculty director of the the Perelman GHHS chapter.