Tara Madden

Dr. Poshika Dhingra is an Internal Medicine resident at the University of Alberta and brings a strong understanding of the role and a clear vision for enhancing existing initiatives while developing new programming to meet the evolving needs of residents.

Dr. Dhingra has led several educational initiatives throughout her medical training, including professional development workshops and transition-to-clerkship sessions for medical students. Her governance experience as a Council Member at the Alberta College of Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists has deepened her knowledge of leadership and policymaking—skills she applies as PARA’s observer on the CPSA Council to ensure that resident physicians have a voice in shaping their training and professional development.

She is particularly passionate about expanding transition-to-practice resources for residents. Her priorities include strengthening support in areas such as CV development, interview preparation, billing education and leadership micro-skills like managing difficult patient interactions, navigating social media and time management in high-stress environments.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Dhingra enjoys hiking, pickleball and weightlifting. She brings adaptability, collaboration and a solutions-focused mindset to her work at PARA, with a strong commitment to fostering a culture of education, growth and peer support.

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. 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. 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.