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 2026 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 2026 Recipients are:
- McMaster University
Dr. Adam Legge (Department of Medical Imaging) - NOSM University
Dr. Danielle Gustafson-Mitchell (Department of Family Medicine) - Queen’s University
Dr. Robert Johnson (Department of Ophthalmology) - University of Ottawa
Dr. Omar Anjum (Department of Emergency Medicine) - University of Toronto
Dr. Kevin Singh (Department of Medicine)
Dr. Sherif Youssef (Department of Medicine) - Western University
Dr. Jennifer Par (Department of Family Medicine)
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 2026 Recipient is:
Mr. Mohsin Akhtar
Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (University of Toronto)
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 2026 Recipient is:
Dr. Leslie Martin
Department of Medicine (McMaster 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 2026 Recipient is:
University of Ottawa – RCPSC Emergency Medicine
RESIDENT TEACHING AWARDS
The Resident Teaching Awards honour residents who have provided outstanding clinical teaching experiences to junior housestaff and clinical clerks.
The 2026 Recipients are:
- McMaster University
Dr. Mark Grinberg (PGY4 Paediatric Neurology) - NOSM University
Dr. Erik Slade (PGY3 Internal Medicine) - Queen’s University
Dr. Kyle Comishen (PGY2 Internal Medicine) - University of Ottawa
Dr. Rana Kandel (PGY5 Gastroenterology) - University of Toronto
Dr. Shane Eaton (PGY4 Neuropathology)
Dr. Jethro Kwong (PGY5 Urology) - Western University
Dr. Emily Wildman (PGY3 Internal Medicine)
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 2026 Recipients are:
- McMaster University
Mr. Omar Hague - NOSM University
Ms. Tiana Bressan - Queen’s University
Mr. Tristan Sinnatamby - University of Ottawa
Ms. Patricia Burhunduli - University of Toronto
Ms. Brenda Nkonge
Ms. Aljeena Rahat Qureshi - Western University
Mr. Jason (Hanshin) Lee
