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.
As Director of External and Government Relations, Tara oversees PARA’s advocacy and stakeholder/government relations portfolios. With PARA since 2015, Tara collectively has more than 25 years of communications and advocacy experience in the regulatory and professional association environments, much of it within health care.
Tara is passionate about the power of community and is a committed community volunteer. She is also a self-proclaimed word nerd, avid hockey fan, shoe connoisseur and travel addict. Her perfect day would include copious amounts of coffee, a beautiful landscape, a good book and non-stop tunes. She is also avidly anti-Oxford comma (and relishes the chaos this stance brings).
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 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.
