Our Members
Vi Nguyen, T4
Hi! My name is Vi (pronounced Vee) and I am the current President of the MedFrat. I spent most of my life in Washington D.C. and worked in the city for a number of years before coming to New Orleans — my favorite city in the world. The most-loved qualities of our home are the people, the house’s unique “personality,” family meals, and spontaneous porch hangouts. The best decision I ever made besides coming to Tulane was choosing to live here.
Some things I like to do: exploring the abundant cocktail bars + coffee shops + NOLA food scene; improv cooking; training for triathlons; taking care of interesting things in my room like the house dog, an olive tree, Australian lime trees, an absinthe plant, nyctinastic plants, and outside fauna that somehow snuck themselves into my room.
Fun fact: I am an O1 in the Navy and hope to see the world after I graduate :)
Krishna Navaratnam, T3
Hi everyone! My name is Krishna Navaratnam and I am the Co-Treasurer of the house! I am a third-year medical student originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I still have no idea what I want to specialize in but am leaning towards Internal or Family Medicine as I really enjoy the interpersonal side of medicine. While not studying, I enjoy exploring New Orleans in my free time; I did my undergrad here at Tulane as well and love the fact that I am still discovering new restaurants, bars, and places to catch a cool sunset. Living at the house this past year has been a great way to establish community within TUSOM! From the get-go, I had mentors and peers who helped and encouraged me through some tough blocks. I love our house dinners (especially when Vi’s mom is in town or the 49ers are playing and Kasra makes his kebobs), porch beers, and all of our outings! I can’t wait for another year at Phi Chi!
Fun Fact: I am a dual citizen of USA and Canada!
Humza ChaudHry, T3
Hey guys, my name is Humza Chaudhry and I’m a third-year MD/MBA student. I’m from Lake Charles, Louisiana and went to Tulane for undergrad in a combined BS/MD program. Outside of school I like to play basketball, workout, and listen to music. My newest interest is binge watching The Sopranos. I’ve had a great time the past few years in New Orleans and can’t wait for the rest!
Fun fact: I’m in the top 0.5% of Drake listeners on Spotify
Kenneth Chiep, T2
Born and raised in New York, then moved to Southern California during my senior year of high school. Graduated from UCLA in 2019 with a degree in Chemistry and Biology. During my gap years, I worked as an ER Tech, and Microbiology Lab Technician, before commissioning with the US Marine Corps. I love to run, camp, and scuba dive! Before finishing medical school, I would love to complete an Ironman Triathlon. When given the chance, I will always take the opportunity to travel and explore somewhere new. Currently looking into a primary care position, but open to exploring surgical specialties as well. Looking forward to meeting new people!
Fun fact: I completed several marathons and triathlons already.
Riley Humphrey, T2
I’m from Detroit, Michigan, although I also spent some time in Lacombe, Louisiana. I graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2022 with a bachelor’s in biology. I’ve dreamed of becoming a doctor ever since a physician saved my life at a young age. In my free time, I like to exercise, go out with friends, watch movies, and write. Most of my writing is film reviews and essays, which I started posting online after working at my school’s newspaper. I’m excited to start at Tulane and I look forward to pursuing internal medicine (although I’m already interested in so many other fields)! Roll wave!
Matt Sala, T2
Hey, I’m Matt Sala! I’m from Long Island NY, I went to college at Syracuse and postgrad at Yale. Would like to be a neurologist when I grow up someday. For Phi Chi Omicron: I’m a VP, Treasurer, and Keg-gerator Maintenance Specialist. If I’m not on our porch swing, you can catch me at Bridge House clinic - or on bass+vocals with T2 rock band First Do No Harmonies!
Introducing our new first years, Class of 2028
Blakeley bagwell, T1
Hi, my name is Blakeley! I grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to New York to attend Barnard College. During my gap years I worked as a clinical research coordinator in oncology and as a server at a frozen yogurt shop. Having grown up in the PNW I love all things outdoors, especially, trail running, hiking, rafting, and skiing. In my free time I also enjoy reading, writing, thrifting, and lying in the sun. I’m not sure what I want to specialize in, but I am excited to learn more about all of the different fields! At Tulane I am a part of Acacia’s STI testing program and a leader at Bridge House.
Isabelle keren, T1
Hi y’all! I’m Isabelle Keren and I am a first year MD/MPH Student. I like to say I’m from Columbus, OH but really I’ve lived in a ton of different places! I went to Notre Dame where I studied Neuroscience and Anthropology and was on the Varsity Rowing Team. During my gap year I worked as a project manager at Epic Systems (read as: I can help with all your Epic problems). At Tulane I am the first year class president and the head of the first year volleyball team. In my free time, I love all outdoor activities, rock climbing, live music, trying new restaurants, and getting really invested in watching niche sports. I have no idea what I want to specialize in but I love med school and am so excited for the next four years.
Fun Fact: I am the tallest person in the house
Zach Ramsey, T1
Hey all, I'm Zach Ramsey. Originally, I'm from Oregon, but have spent the majority of my adult life in Louisiana. Avid enjoyer of spontaneous road trips down I-10, bonfires and blackpot cooking. During Saturdays in Fall, I can be found in Yulman stadium cheering on my alma mater. I am grateful for the opportunity to spend these incredibly formative years of medical school in the great city of New Orleans.
Benjamin sichel, T1
Hi I’m Ben, I’m from San Diego, and I’m a first-year MD/MPH student. I did undergrad at Tulane, so I’ve been in New Orleans for a little while now (ask me about my list of best happy hours in New Orleans). Currently, I’m interested in internal medicine, and I’m involved in student clinics, Run Club, and serve as Tulane’s national representative for the AAMC. Outside of class, you can probably find me at the gym, running in Audubon Park, cooking, or sitting on the porch swing.
Fun fact: I was a professional rat surgeon in my gap year.
samir sureshbabu, T1
Hey I’m Samir and I’m from Houston. I’m a first year at Tulane and also went here for undergrad. Some things I love to do are play tennis, anything coffee related (especially coffee from Cafe du Monde), watch sports, and play with my dog Percy. Some stuff I’m involved in at school are MSG, Louisiana Orthopaedics Association, pickleball and tennis club, and sports medicine interest group. I looking to pursue Orthopaedics as a specialty but also excited to learn more about other fields throughout med school!
Members-At-large
Liam Field, T3
Hey all! My name is Liam and I’m the second coolest person in the house (first place goes to Kasra). Super excited to meet everyone. I finished up undergrad at Western Washington University and I like to spend my time whitewater kayaking, playing cards, and cooking!
Fun fact: I am a USA and Canadian citizen just like my other T3 housemates, Krishna and Alex.
Kasra Mansourian, T4
Hi I’m Kasra. I am the coolest person in this house. I am from NorCal. I am currently on a neurosurgery research year at Baylor.
Fun Fact: I am not from Canada.
Jelani Regan, T4
Hi, my name is Jelani and I’m from Atlanta. I am involved in 500 million Tulane organizations and I basically never sleep. I’ve wanted to do Internal Medicine since day 1 of med school. I ran track in college but I no longer run for fun — I play volleyball, rock climb, and rollerblade instead.
Fun fact about me: I also have an MBA.
Andrew Olinger, T3
Hi all! I’m Andy Olinger. I am starting a skin clinic with a Tulane Phi Chi alumni in downtown New Orleans — grand opening this Fall, check us out! I am interested in pursuing plastics and have presented my research at national conferences.
Fun fact about me: I also have an MBA. Also, without me, the house would not be standing.
Alex Lawrence, T3
Hey guys my name is Alex and I am the Co-Treasurer of the Medfrat. Coming from Arizona State University. I enjoy hiking, volleyball, and basketball. As of now, I am interested in neuro or optho. Never been to New Orleans before starting school so it has been an adventure for sure!
Fun Fact: I am also a dual citizen of USA and Canada.
PETS!
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PETS! *
Hugo
I am the house dog and I work a full-time high-stress security job barking at undergrads, children, other dogs, and anyone who doesn’t live at the MedFrat.
I was born near Washington D.C. in February 2022 and moved to New Orleans in April 2022. If I’m not at home, you will find me on duty as security detail to my mom in Murphy or at a coffee shop. In my limited free time, I like chasing squirrels and rabbits on the Tulane undergrad campus, playing fetch on the third-floor hallway, decompressing at local bars and breweries, and chewing on bully sticks until I fall asleep. I also like eating unattended food.
I only sploot for people I love and my favorite thing about the house is cuddling with my housemates on the living room sofa.
Fun fact: People often mistake me for a golden retriever even though I look like an 11-pound slinky. I am actually a mini strawberry cream long-haired dachshund.
gilbert
Gilbert is our house guinea pig who lives in Blakeley’s room. Often described as a walking toupee by those who see him, Gilbert enjoys taking naps, eating carrots, and popcorning around his room. Gilbert has microphthalmia and is blind in one eye, which inspired his name (think Gill from Finding Nemo).
gumbeaux
Hi, I’m Gumbeaux. I’m exactly what you’d expect from an orange cat - singular shared brain cell and all. Catch me trying to break into the pantry or eating your hair in the middle of the night. Outside of snacks and hair, I love anyone who walks through the door and gives me attention.
Fun fact: euifdsg3-2405i[t’k