Antonio Pellerito, a first-year medical student at the University of Michigan, recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience from U of M in the winter of 2022. In the year between completing his undergraduate studies and starting medical school, Antonio dedicated his time as a physical therapy technician at Team Rehabilitation of Novi and Shelby Township. This experience not only deepened his understanding of fitness but also reinforced his belief in the pivotal role exercise plays in fostering a long and healthy life. Living within walking distance of Stoney Creek Metropark, Antonio finds joy in spending his afternoons mountain biking with friends and family. His connection with physical activity has been a consistent source of stress reduction throughout the years. Antonio is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of his fellow classmates and the broader community through Medicine in Motion, aiming to share the invaluable benefits of exercise as a powerful tool for both physical and mental health.

Benjamin Heasman is an M1 at the University of Michigan Medical School. Born in the UK, Ben grew up in England, South Korea, and eventually Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State University in the fall of 2020 with a BS in Human Biology, and prior to matriculation worked as an EMT in Pontiac, Michigan. Ben has been a lifelong enjoyer of sports and exercise. Growing up, he played soccer (football) and ran track competitively, whilst recreationally playing any sport he had access to. His approach to exercise is now less competitive and much more health centered. With a passion for maintaining an active lifestyle through the likes of weightlifting, golf, running, and yoga, Ben enjoys educating others on the mental and physical benefits of regular exercise. Through Medicine in Motion, he is excited to work with his fellow classmates to increase awareness and knowledge of such benefits.

Cassie Evans is a first year medical student at University of Michigan Medical School. As a Maryland native, sports have always been a huge part of her life. Cassie played Division I lacrosse at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County where she graduated in 2021 with a BA in Biology and a BS in Psychology. In her time off before medical school, Cassie served with Americorps and worked for a nonprofit called Harlem Lacrosse helping to expand the game of lacrosse and provide mentorship to high school girls in Baltimore City. This experience solidified the monumental impact that physical activity can have in coping with mental health issues and dealing with trauma. Cassie is very excited to continue her work in promoting the amazing benefits of exercise!

Dania Alazawi is currently in her first year of medical school at the University of Michigan Medical School. In 2021, she graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Biomolecular Science. During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dania discovered a heightened interest in fitness, turning to outdoor activities as a safe and fulfilling way to destress. This led her to take up biking, gradually progressing to covering 25-30 mile trails every morning with several friends. Entering medical school further emphasized the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for Dania. Her favorite part of the day is working out at the gym, where she not only engages in exercise but also values the social interactions that provide an escape from the academic pressures of school. Dania has joined Medicine in Motion to share her passion for fitness and contribute her enthusiasm to the healthcare community.

Erin is a 3rd year medical student at the University of Michigan. As an undergraduate at Cornell University, Erin led the Student Assembly's health and wellness committee to incorporate a fitness series and worked part-time at a gym. Eager to recreate a sense of camaraderie and fitness-driven community in Ann Arbor, Erin founded Medicine in Motion to cultivate an inclusive space where promoting mental and physical wellbeing co-exists!

Krupa Patel is a first-year medical student at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, MI. After graduating from U of M in 2022 with a BS in Neuroscience, she worked as an Orthopaedic Surgery Research Fellow in Detroit. As a former competitive athlete, Krupa is passionate about fitness education and the long-standing health benefits of exercise. She played volleyball for 10 years and continues to maintain an active lifestyle through rock climbing, golfing, and cycling. She also volunteers for a local Adaptive Sports Program and established the RJOS Women in Orthopaedics Chapter at U of M. Krupa founded Medicine in Motion to promote holistic wellness and address burnout among her peers and the Michigan Medicine community at large.

Sophie Maloney is an MS1 at University of Michigan Medical School. She grew up on a farm in upstate New York and majored in mathematics at Dartmouth College. She biked across the country for affordable housing in 2015 and has continued biking both competitively and for fun ever since. Sophie was the vice president of the cycling team at Dartmouth for three years. She continued to volunteer for affordable housing throughout her undergrad education and completed an Americorps year for affordable housing with the same organization, COVER. She also was an EMT and worked in the emergency department prior to her matriculation at University of Michigan. She is excited to continue bringing together philanthropy and activity through Medicine in Motion.