The PARO Awards recognize deserving individuals and programs for their contributions to the training of residents. Each year, we receive numerous exceptional nominations, making the selection process incredibly challenging. After a thorough and thoughtful deliberation, the PARO Awards Selection Committee is proud to present this year’s winners.Download 2025 PDF
EXCELLENCE IN CLINICAL TEACHING AWARDS
The Clinical Teaching Awards acknowledge the essential role that good clinical teachers play in the training of physicians. Residents are asked to outline the qualities that make their nominee an excellent teacher including patient care, quality of bedside teaching, and interest in the trainees’ personal development and well-being.
The 2025 Recipients are:
- McMaster University
Dr. James Yan (Department of Surgery) - NOSM University
Dr. Valerie Nicholls (Department of Psychiatry) - Queen’s University
Dr. Akshay Rajaram (Department of Family Medicine) - University of Ottawa
Dr. Adam Jones-Delcorde (Department of Emergency Medicine) - University of Toronto
Dr. Farshad Nassiri (Department of Surgery)
Dr. Yashesh Patel (Department of Medicine) - Western University
Dr. David Plemel (Department of Ophthalmology)
LOIS H. ROSS RESIDENT ADVOCATE AWARD
This award is given to one individual each year, at any site, who consistently advocates on behalf of residents and resident issues, within their role as an administrator or program coordinator.
The 2025 Recipient is:
Ms. Debbie Hall
Psychiatry (University of Ottawa)
DR. ROBERT CONN RESIDENT ADVOCATE AWARD
This award is given to one individual each year, at any site, who consistently advocates on behalf of residents and resident issues, within their role as a clinician or teacher.
The 2025 Recipient is:
Dr. Julie Ann Van Koughnett
General Surgery (Western University)
RESIDENCY PROGRAM EXCELLENCE AWARD
This award is given to one Program in the province that consistently provides an exceptionally positive and rewarding experience to residents, while producing physicians who are expertly trained to care for their patients.
The 2025 Recipient is:
Queen’s University – Core Internal Medicine
RESIDENT TEACHING AWARDS
The Resident Teaching Awards honour residents who have provided outstanding clinical teaching experiences to junior housestaff and clinical clerks.
The 2025 Recipients are:
- McMaster University
Dr. Jocelyne Beelen (PGY2 Family Medicine) - NOSM University
Dr. David Seligman (PGY4 Orthopaedic Surgery) - Queen’s University
Dr. Arunima Soma Dalai (PGY5 Infectious Diseases) - University of Ottawa
Dr. Alexandra Wudwud (PGY5 Emergency Medicine) - University of Toronto
Dr. Austin Pereira (PGY5 Ophthalmology)
Dr. Jaime Cazes(PGY5 Neurology) - Western University
Dr. Adam Forster (PGY5 Nephrology)
CITIZENSHIP AWARDS FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS
The Citizenship Awards recognize medical students who, in addition to maintaining an adequate academic standing, have made significant contributions towards improving the general welfare of fellow medical students.
The 2025 Recipients are:
- McMaster University
Ms. Megan Brookbank - NOSM University
Ms. Claire Poulin - Queen’s University
Mr. Liam Rautu - University of Ottawa
Ms. Zoe Tsai - University of Toronto
Ms. Heather Jianbo Zhao
Ms. Natasha Verhoeff - Western University
Ms. Lina Ghattas
