Tara Madden

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.

Dr. Michael Zeeman is an Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine resident. Over the past year, he has led key organizational initiatives, including chairing the committee responsible for a comprehensive review and overhaul of PARA’s bylaws. These updates aligned PARA’s governance with current best practices and introduced greater transparency into its operations.

On the financial side, Dr. Zeeman has worked closely with PARA’s staff and board to ensure responsible stewardship of member dues and long-term financial sustainability. He has focused on improving internal operations and developing systems that will benefit the organization well into the future.

Dr. Zeeman’s background in finance and operations began with bookkeeping for his family’s small business in Medicine Hat. He later built on those skills through advocacy and leadership roles during his time at the University of Calgary, including initiatives in mental health, fitness and diabetes awareness. In medical school, he developed and secured funding for a mental health crisis and suicide prevention elective, which was eventually adopted and funded through the University of Alberta’s medical education program.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Zeeman enjoys cooking, martial arts, fitness, reading and spending time outdoors. He lives in Edmonton with his wife and their two cats.

Looking ahead, he is focused on advancing PARA’s strategic goals by supporting resident professional development, advocating for equitable policy across programs and continuing to strengthen the organization’s financial foundation.

Courtney Murphy currently does not have a biography.

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.