Courtney Murphy

As Director of Communications and External Relations, Kiersten leads PARA’s communications strategy and oversees the association’s media, public and government relations portfolios. Since joining PARA in 2016, she has focused on clear, purposeful messaging and building strong relationships with members, partners and external stakeholders.

Kiersten is dedicated to creating content that informs, connects and advocates for Alberta’s resident physicians. She brings a strategic lens to every project, with a focus on meaningful engagement and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Kiersten enjoys baking, traveling, reading and spending time with her husband and two young children.

Dr. Siavash ’Sia’ Zare-Zadeh was introduced to PARA through the 2023 Negotiations Committee, an experience that gave him insight into the organization’s core priorities and ongoing advocacy efforts. As PARA President, his primary focus is on the Call Review — an opportunity to help drive long-term structural changes to call scheduling and compensation. He is also committed to exploring how PARA can provide even greater value to its Members and ensuring that the organization’s advocacy efforts are clearly communicated and widely understood.

Dr. Zare-Zadeh brings a strong foundation in leadership and public engagement to the role, having previously interned for federal government Ministers, conducted media interviews, and served on multiple leadership committees at the University of Calgary. He values a collaborative and professional approach and is committed to drawing on the experience of PARA’s Executive and staff to support informed, balanced decision-making.

Dr. Zare-Zadeh views this position as a significant responsibility and takes seriously the trust placed in him to represent more than 1,400 resident physicians across Alberta. He approaches the role with humility, accountability and a willingness to learn. 

Dr. Robert Cianfarani is a Family Medicine resident at the University of Calgary with a professional background in analytics and a strong interest in full-scope family practice, sports medicine and acute care. Originally from Ontario, he completed medical school at Western University before relocating to Alberta with his partner and their six-week-old son to begin residency. They’ve since settled into life in Calgary—alongside a very vocal cat—and now have a busy toddler on their hands.

Before entering medicine, Dr. Cianfarani built a career in analytics, working with organizations such as Tennis Canada and BMO Financial Group. His corporate experience gave him a solid foundation in communication, team collaboration and cross-functional advocacy—skills that continue to inform his work in medicine. While at BMO, he served on a departmental committee that developed internal curricula to improve knowledge sharing and operational flow across teams.

Dr. Cianfarani has held national leadership roles in medical education, including serving as National Officer of Education for the Canadian Federation of Medical Students. In that role, he gained insight into Canada’s medical education system through his work with groups like the AFMC, CAME and CMA. He remains passionate about policy, education and resident wellness, and is an active member of the Resident Wellness Committee at the University of Calgary.

He brings a thoughtful, team-oriented approach to his leadership roles and is committed to representing the resident voice in conversations with key partners such as the Alberta Medical Association.

Dr. Emily Macphail is committed to improving the residency experience by addressing the structural and systemic barriers that impact resident well-being. As PARA’s Vice President of Community and Internal Relations, she collaborates with the Community and Wellness Committee, elected representatives and institutional partners to advocate for meaningful change and support initiatives that foster connection, inclusion and wellness across programs.

Dr. Macphail brings a strong track record of leadership and advocacy to the role, including her past work as the CFMS National Wellness Officer and as chair of the CFMS Wellness Committee. She has successfully led inclusive, nationwide wellness initiatives such as the CFMS National Wellness Challenge, and has co-organized multiple years of UCalgary’s “Forum on Failure”—a space for open dialogue about the struggles of medical training. She has also led efforts to create moments of community connection, from policy advocacy to post-exam treat stations for peers.

Dr. Macphail’s goals include strengthening support networks across program boundaries, continuing to offer resident-focused events and resources, and working with Alberta’s medical institutions to address policies and systems that may harm rather than help.

She is driven by the belief that while the challenges of residency are shared in many ways, residents’ lived experiences are shaped by diverse circumstances and intersecting identities. Her approach centres on equity, intentionality and inclusivity as key elements in improving the residency environment for all.