Kiersten Doblanko

Dr. Kieran Steer is very excited to continue his journey with PARA as the VP Community and Internal Relations (VPCIR). Throughout medical school and residency, he has been highly involved with medical community affairs and feels the VPCIR position is an exciting opportunity to advocate for resident physicians, expand PARA initiatives and support resident physician wellness. This past year has seen numerous significant changes to the health care system, drastically affecting physicians. More than ever, Kieran sees a great importance in supporting the resident physician community through these challenges, by strengthening resident physician voices as advocates and continuing the incredible progress made in wellness initiatives.

Dr. Franco Rizzuti says it is a privilege to serve on the PARA executive as your 2021-22 Past-President. Dr. Rizzuti has been involved with PARA since his first year of residency; this will be his fourth year on the executive board; first as VP-OF and then two-terms as President. Through these roles, he has seen the significant impact PARA has on resident physician education, health system advocacy and particularly on resident physician wellness. 

Working within student governments to promote supportive learning and working environments has been an interest of Dr. Rizzuti’s since 2010. From these past leadership roles, he brings experience with finance, governance and medical education. Throughout his medical education, Franco has had the opportunity to represent learners as a Past-President of the Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS) and as a trainee representative on the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) board of directors, Resident Doctors of Canada (RDoC) board, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) board, the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) board and on committees within the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) and Royal College. Dr. Rizzuti additionally brings a unique perspective of trainees with disabilities or requiring accommodations as President of the Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities (CAPD).

Dr. Rizzuti says a highlight of working with PARA is meeting resident physicians across the province; the stories of both successes and of struggles are inspiring. He looks forward to continuing to support PARA members, while advancing residency education and enhancing the work and learning environments. 

Outside of medicine you will find Dr. Rizzuti rock climbing, camping, playing with his dog, catching up on the latest political news, (re)posting on various social media platforms or lost amongst a wardrobe of paisley.

As the Chief Executive Officer, Rob is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Association’s Strategic Direction, including its Strategic Priorities. 

Rob oversees the day-to-day operations of the Association, including providing support to the staff team working on behalf of resident physicians training in Alberta. He works closely with the PARA Executive Board in the development of current strategies to continue to move the strategic priorities forward. 

Rob is involved in the Negotiation Committee and often works directly with PARA’s partners to ensure that the challenges encountered by resident physicians during training are resolved in ways beneficial to all parties.

Tara has been with PARA since 2015, overseeing the Association’s communications, as well as playing a key staff role in advocacy efforts and initiatives, including the Diversity/Inclusivity portfolio and PARA advocacy related to PracID restrictions and physician resource planning. 

Tara is a passionate communicator and self-proclaimed word nerd, as well as a committed community volunteer. She is also an avid hockey fan, shoe connoisseur and travel addict. Her perfect day would include copious amounts of coffee, a beach, a good book and non-stop tunes.