Program on Health, Spirituality and Religion

Elaina is a second-year medical student at UMMS. She was destined to be a Wolverine having grown up in Ann Arbor and attended U-M for her undergraduate degrees in music and biopsychology. Here at UMMS, she continues her involvement in the arts with her work in the Humanities Path, as well as an ambassador for the Medical Arts Program Artists’ Guild. Outside of the hospital she enjoys lifting weights, analyzing pop music trends and trying new pastries. She is excited to join this year’s class of fellows and spend dedicated time reflecting on medicine’s inevitable intersections with humanity, spirituality and culture.

Ramzi grew up in Dearborn, MI, and earned his BS in biochemistry from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where he was awarded the Chancellor’s Medallion. As an undergraduate, he was actively involved in humanitarian, educational and religious programming across southeast Michigan. He is currently a second-year medical student and is excited to explore the intersections of his passions of faith and clinical care as a fellow in the University of Michigan’s Program on Health, Spirituality and Religion. Ramzi is interested in pursuing a career in anesthesiology. His research focuses on the use of anesthetic agents in treating depression and on addressing disparities in pediatric obesity management. He is passionate about serving underserved communities and immigrant populations. Outside of medicine, he enjoys playing soccer and competing in video games.

Anna is a fourth-year medical student applying into pediatrics. Her academic interests include bioethics, particularly end-of-life care in pediatrics and emerging autonomy in adolescent populations. She grew up in the Boston area and spent her six gap years there conducting research in developmental medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at Cornell University, and she very much misses the Ithaca gorges. Her hobbies include running (very slowly), reading mystery and romance, and participating in pub trivia with her medical school friends.  

Cheryl Hershey is a third-year medical student from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. After spending several years working in social work she decided to change careers to medicine. She is passionate about maternal health, health care access and holistic health care. Outside of medicine she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, children and dog. 

Elizabeth is a fourth-year medical student applying into orthopedic surgery. Originally from Michigan, she grew up in Kazakhstan prior to returning to the U.S. for continuing education. She obtained her BS in biomedical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and spent several years working in accident reconstruction engineering prior to medical school. Elizabeth is passionate about global health equity and has a specific interest in intercultural education and cultural competency in surgical care. She is excited to return to the HSR Fellowship as a second-year fellow.

Julia Loula is a fourth-year medical student. She earned her undergraduate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Hope College where her academic studies and community involvement inspired a passion for advocacy. Before medical school, she worked with children and families affected by trauma and involvement in the child welfare system — experiences that continue to shape her path toward becoming a pediatrician. Outside of medicine, she enjoys gardening, reading and running. She is honored to join the Health, Spirituality and Religion Fellowship and looks forward to growing in her ability to provide empathetic, whole-person care.

David is a second-year MD | PhD student with an interest in ophthalmology. He was born in New York City, and during his childhood, his family gradually moved west — first to Minnesota, then to Idaho. He studied biochemistry at Brigham Young University and earned a master’s degree in biostatistics from Northwestern University. David spent two years in France engaged in religious service and now leads the MedFrench club at the University of Michigan. He has visited 40 states and 30 countries and loves discovering new places — especially when traveling with his wife. He is passionate about using medicine to bridge cultural and religious divides. In his free time, he enjoys (though doesn’t necessarily excel at) sports, photography, baking and having deep conversations. 

Anna is a fourth-year medical student who was born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI. She studied mechanical and biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, where she also competed on the varsity swim team. Her work in medical devices and the conversations she had with patients sparked her interest in medicine, leading her to complete a postbac at the University of Michigan. She is passionate about preventative medicine at both the individual and systems level, with a growing interest in how identity and values shape the healing process. Anna is considering a career in family medicine or obstetrics and gynecology and plans to pursue an MD/MBA dual degree to explore how health care systems can sustainably support preventative care. Outside of medicine, she enjoys spending time with her family, competing in Ironman Triathlons and learning about adaptive sports.

Amanda grew up Orlando, Florida and attended Emory University for her BS in neuroscience & behavioral biology with a minor in Spanish. She is a current M3 interested in pursuing critical care pediatrics. Her current research focuses on lactation quality improvement initiatives in Mott Children’s NICU as well as lactation policies for current medical students. She is passionate about working with underserved communities, specifically immigrant populations. Outside of medicine, she enjoys traveling with her husband (11 countries so far!) and spending time with her Italian Greyhound puppies, Cricket & Linguini!