Executive Board

Dr. Pauwlina Cyca is currently a second-year family medicine resident physician at the University of Calgary (U of C). Before entering medicine, she worked as a pharmacist and a researcher. Advocacy has been integral to each stage of her career, learning and evolution as a clinician. Seeking ways to influence and effect positive systemic change, she felt the need to be part of the system that advocates in the space.

Pauwlina first joined the PARA Assembly as one of the U of C Family Medicine Program delegates and participated in the Leadership & Education Committee and the Negotiation Committee. Now, as the PARA President, she aims to bring a collaborative and pragmatic approach to having PARA recognized and invited to tables where change decisions are made.

Outside of medicine, Pauwlina enjoys camping with her three children and prior to residency training, participated in training and racing triathlons.

Dr Emily Macphail is an Internal Medicine resident physician at the University of Alberta. She has been a member of the PARA Community and Wellness Committee, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee, as well as the Negotiation Committee. Now as the Vice President Community & Internal Relations, Emily is committed to advocating for reduction of structural and systemic barriers that impact resident well-being and to continue providing wellness-enhancing initiatives and opportunities. She is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with her resident colleagues to improve residency wellness supports and the residency environment for current and future trainees.

Dr. Stephanie Gibbon is an Orthopaedic Surgery resident at the University of Calgary and is excited to serve as the Vice President of the Leadership and Education Committee.

She says that, “as physicians we hold a large space within the medical community. Optimizing non-clinical skills is essential to the success of individuals and the medical community. The Leadership and Education role exemplifies and aligns with my value of being a well-rounded clinician and in this role, I hope to help facilitate the same for other resident physicians.”

Her aim as VPLE is to align Royal College goals and activities of transition to practice and collaborate with other provincial resident physician governing bodies to enhance a cohesive, engaging and meaningful program for individuals transitioning out of the safety of residency and into practice.

Outside of residency, Stephanie enjoys wine pairing, weightlifting, gravel biking, fly fishing and spending time outdoors with her friends and family.

Dr. Michael Zeeman is an Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine resident physician at the University of Alberta. He has work experience, extracurricular involvement and personal interest in financial management and is excited to bring this experience to the role of Vice President of Operations and Finance.

As part of the PARA Executive Board, Michael will advocate for financial responsibility and focused spending towards the best interest of resident physicians. He hopes to bring innovative approaches towards effective financial management of the association while expanding the ways resident physician opportunities and wellness can be improved.

Outside of medicine, Michael is passionate about fitness and martial arts. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, canoeing and kayaking, as well as exploring new restaurants or cooking new recipes. He also enjoys reading his way through the American Classics.

Dr. Lenka Stafl is an Adult Endocrinology and Metabolism resident physician at the University of Calgary. She has always been passionate about serving her fellow resident physicians. Inspired by her amazing colleagues, she wishes to give back through leadership and advocacy. This is her second time serving on the PARA Executive Board as the Calgary and Southern Alberta Ambassador.

Lenka aims to bring positive energy and clear communication skills to the position to advocate for and elevate the resident physician voice at local and provincial tables. Her goal is to optimize the working and learning environment so that resident physicians in Alberta can thrive. She looks forward to hearing from her colleagues to best champion the resident physician perspective.

In her time off, Lenka can be found hiking with her mini donkeys, eating ice cream or trail riding mules in the backcountry with her husband and two children—all backcountry adventures are better with donkeys. Her favorite mule is named Strawberry Blossom, an absolutely awesome saddle mule. She also enjoys archery and gardening.

Dr. Shuen Sung, who goes by Tony, is a Core Internal Medicine resident physician at the University of Alberta. During his first year of residency, Dr. Sung was active on the wellness committee for his program. He continues to be passionate about resident wellness and firmly believes in the importance of work-life balance in preventing burnout during residency. He brings this passion to his position as the elected Edmonton and Northern Alberta Ambassador (ENAA). His objective as ENAA is to represent Northern Alberta resident physicians’ interests and values across different specialties.

 Outside of medicine, Dr. Sung enjoys traveling and spending time with family. He loves doing nature walks with his wife and children and trying different foods with them.

Dr. Simran Sharma is a Public Health and Preventive Medicine resident physician at the University of Calgary. She joined the PARA Executive to advocate for her friends and colleagues in residency. As the Alberta Medical Association Ambassador, she aims to foster collaboration between PARA and AMA, thereby advancing the interests of residents and supporting the future physicians of Alberta. Dr. Sharma enjoys astronomy, sudoku and exploring the mountains. She recently took up film photography to document her adventures.

Dr. Tamara Yee currently does not have a biography.