Tulane Student Editor Pursues Medicine Driven by Curiosity

Ian Faul, editor-in-chief of the Hullabaloo student newspaper, plans to become a doctor after graduating with dual degrees in psychology and philosophy.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:00pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring multiple images of a stethoscope and a pen or pencil, representing the dual interests of student journalism and the medical field that drive this Tulane University undergraduate.A Tulane student editor's passion for medicine and communication shines through in this vibrant pop art tribute.New Orleans Today

Ian Faul, the editor-in-chief of Tulane University's student newspaper the Hullabaloo, plans to pursue a career in medicine after graduating with dual degrees in psychology and philosophy. Faul's diverse academic interests and experiences, including an independent study on the philosophy of psychiatry, work in the Social Memory Lab, and volunteer roles in the community, have solidified his desire to become a physician who can effectively communicate complex topics in an accessible way.

Why it matters

Faul's path from student newspaper editor to aspiring doctor demonstrates how a well-rounded liberal arts education can prepare students for careers in fields like medicine, where strong communication and critical thinking skills are essential. His story also highlights the value of hands-on experiences, like volunteering in healthcare settings, in helping students discover and refine their professional passions.

The details

As editor-in-chief of the Hullabaloo, Faul introduced a new Data section covering science, technology, research, and health, and revamped the paper's writer training program. Outside of his journalism work, Faul has volunteered with the Jewish Community Center's Alzheimer's Care and Enrichment program and in the emergency department of University Medical Center, experiences that have confirmed his desire to pursue a career in medicine.

  • Faul will graduate from Tulane University in May 2026.
  • Faul has served as editor-in-chief of the Hullabaloo for the past two years.

The players

Ian Faul

The editor-in-chief of Tulane University's student newspaper, the Hullabaloo, who is graduating in May 2026 with dual degrees in psychology and philosophy and a minor in French.

Dan Burnston

An associate professor of philosophy and director of cognitive studies in the School of Liberal Arts at Tulane University, who supervised Faul's independent study on the philosophy of psychiatry.

Ben Deen

An assistant professor of psychology in the School of Science and Engineering at Tulane University, who oversees the Social Memory Lab where Faul has conducted research.

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What they’re saying

“I think the unifying theme in my education is a curiosity about the minds of other people.”

— Ian Faul, Editor-in-Chief, Hullabaloo

“My dream job one day is to be a physician, but also be a communicator, to be able to tackle some of the most sensitive and complex topics in people's lives and in society at large, in a way that is understandable, accessible and human.”

— Ian Faul, Editor-in-Chief, Hullabaloo

“Even though my job is pretty small in the grand scheme of things, I enjoy being able to provide some amount of comfort to people who are often coming into the ER in distress. I've been really honored and grateful for that experience.”

— Ian Faul, Editor-in-Chief, Hullabaloo

What’s next

Faul plans to continue his pre-med coursework and apply to medical schools after graduating from Tulane in May 2026.

The takeaway

Faul's diverse academic and extracurricular experiences, from student journalism to psychology research to community healthcare volunteering, have equipped him with the well-rounded skillset needed to pursue his goal of becoming a physician who can effectively communicate complex medical topics. His story highlights how a liberal arts education can prepare students for careers in fields like medicine.