Courtney Murphy

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. Pauwlina Cyca serves as Past President of the Professional Association of Resident Physicians of Alberta (PARA), following a term marked by active engagement across numerous advocacy and governance roles. While she was a resident at the University of Calgary, Dr. Cyca brought a strong foundation of leadership and stakeholder collaboration to her presidency, built through years of involvement at the provincial and national levels.

During her time with PARA, Dr. Cyca served as a delegate for the Family Medicine program, a member of the Leadership and Education Committee and the Negotiation Committee. She also represented resident physicians on the Stabilizing Comprehensive Primary Care Task Force. Her efforts focused on championing sustainable models of care and ensuring the resident voice was present in conversations about the future of primary care in Alberta.

Before entering medicine, Dr. Cyca built a strong leadership profile through her roles in pharmacy governance and patient advocacy. She served as President-Elect of the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists, Maritime delegate to the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities, Industry Lead with the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association Leadership Cohort, and Director of Governance for the founding board of the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation. These positions honed her skills in policy development, strategic planning and consensus-building.

As PARA President, Dr. Cyca focused on assertive diplomacy, informed advocacy and fostering trusted relationships across the health system. She continues to offer guidance and continuity as Past President, supporting the current Board and advocating for the needs of Alberta’s resident physicians.

Dr. Tamara Yee brings over five years of experience on PARA’s Executive Board, having served as Vice President of Operations and Finance, President and Past President. Her leadership has been grounded in strategic oversight, collaborative engagement and a deep commitment to representing the breadth of resident physician values across Alberta—particularly in Calgary and Southern Alberta.

In her current role as Calgary and Southern Alberta Ambassador, Dr. Yee continues to advocate for inclusive, evidence-informed approaches to PARA’s most pressing priorities. These include the next round of negotiations, call review, organizational responses to the changing CPSA leadership and AHS restructuring, and PARA’s role in reconciliation efforts. She is a strong proponent of leveraging international best practices to improve training conditions, with a focus on resident wellness, fair compensation and quality learning environments.

Throughout her time with PARA, Dr. Yee has consistently sought input from members on matters such as negotiations and external partnerships with RDoC, CPSA and Alberta’s medical schools. Her leadership is marked by thoughtful reflection, continuity and a strong understanding of both operational detail and long-term strategy.

She remains active in initiatives related to diversity, equity and inclusion, and continues to work closely with both the University of Alberta and University of Calgary to enhance residents’ day-to-day experiences. Dr. Yee views professional development as an ongoing responsibility and is committed to listening to, learning from and acting on the needs of her fellow resident physicians.

Advocating for Alberta’s resident physicians has been a highlight of Dr. Yee’s training and she is proud to continue this work in support of her colleagues across Calgary and Southern Alberta.

Tara Madden currently does not have a biography.