Who We Are
The Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO) is the official representative voice for Ontario’s doctors in training.
PARO’s priority is to advocate on behalf of its members, addressing professional and educational concerns in order to optimize the training and working experience of Ontario’s newest doctors thus ensuring that patients receive the best possible medical care. PARO champions the issues that create the conditions for residents to be their best and ensure optimal patient care.
Members of PARO are, by definition, post-graduate medical residents training in accredited programs which lead to certification by either the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC), in one of their recognized specialty or subspecialty programs.
PARO also works on residents’ behalf to negotiate the Collective Agreement, together with the employer, the Ontario Teaching Hospitals (OTH). Among other things, this agreement ensures that residents are reasonably compensated for the duties performed as a hospital employee, and at the same time are able to take advantage of the training programs available.
Finally, it is important to note that PARO also supports residents’ interests at the national level. Through our membership with Resident Doctors of Canada (RDoC), we work with other resident organizations across the country to advocate for the best medical education experience for Canada’s 10,000 resident doctors (outside Quebec). By championing healthier, more sustainable ways to learn and work — and driving meaningful, system-wide change we are advancing the culture of medicine in Canada. Visit RDoC’s website to learn how you are supported nationally by RDoC.
All this to say, PARO has your back as you begin your new journey as a resident.
Welcome!
Interested In Getting Involved?
PARO is comprised of resident representatives from across the province, based on proportional representation distributed among 24 Electoral Groups. General Council representatives bring the voice of their resident constituents to General Council as PARO sets its policy and direction for the year.
Elections for a new General Council are held in July via an online election process. We encourage you to consider participating in PARO. An e-blast will be sent out detailing nomination information and key dates. We’d love to see you get involved!
Find Your Current Board of Directors and General Council Representatives Here:
Board of Directors
McMaster GC Reps
NOSMU GC Reps
Queen’s GC Reps
Ottawa GC Reps
Toronto GC Reps
Western GC Reps
Note – Beginning July 2025, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) will be accepting residents.
Need Us? Reach Us:
Phone: 416.979.1182
Toll Free: 1.877.979.1183
Fax: 416.595.9778
Email: paro@paroteam.ca
The PARO office has a hybrid working environment, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm. As such, staff may be working remotely. Should you need to get in contact with us, please send us an email or leave us a voicemail. All messages will be responded to within 1 business day.
Moving?
If you are changing addresses in between medical school and residency, please email the PARO office so we can keep you up-to-date on PARO-related matters.