Listed in order of submission
Electoral Group : NOSMU East |
Positions : 2 |
Currently Running : 3
Dr. Jalisa Kassam
PGY-2 | NOSMU | Surgery-General-
Bio
I'm Jalisa Kassam, a current PGY-2 General Surgery resident in Sudbury.
Leadership and service have been central to my journey long before residency. Throughout medical school, I served in several student leadership roles, including Vice President of Finance and Communications Officer for the Medical Students' Association, while also representing learners on the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry's Social Accountability Committee. These experiences taught me the importance of listening to colleagues, communicating transparently, and transforming feedback into meaningful action. I have also enjoyed mentoring junior learners, interviewing prospective medical students, and supporting initiatives that foster inclusion and professional growth.
Prior to medicine, I was actively involved in research, varsity athletics, and student governance. As captain of my NCAA varsity soccer team and president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, I learned the value of teamwork, accountability, and advocating for the people I represent—qualities that continue to shape how I approach leadership today.
As a General Surgery resident, I understand both the rewards and the challenges of residency. Whether it's navigating demanding schedules, prioritizing wellness, or ensuring access to high-quality education and professional development, I believe every resident deserves to have their voice heard.
If elected to PARO General Council, I will advocate for transparent communication, equitable training experiences, resident wellness, and practical solutions that improve the day-to-day experience of trainees across Ontario. Most importantly, I will listen to my colleagues and represent their perspectives with integrity, professionalism, and enthusiasm.
It would be a privilege to represent my fellow residents, and I would be grateful for your support.
Dr. Danica Jekic
PGY-3 | NOSMU | Anaesthesia-
Bio
My name is Danica Jekic. I am currently a PGY-3 Anesthesia resident at NOSM University, based in Sudbury. I am very excited to share this next chapter of residency with this incredible resident community.
Throughout my training, I have sought to be a welcoming presence and advocate for my colleagues. As an IMG in Northern Ontario, I am intimately familiar with the challenges of adjusting to and progressing through residency. In particular, I am able to speak to the diversity of people and experiences in the NOSM community, and the complexities of training in such dispersed programs, whether one grew up in the North or settled in recently.
Throughout my academic and professional careers, I have devoted myself to mentorship and teaching my juniors. In medical school, I spearheaded multiple initiatives for peer tutoring in anatomy and pharmacology, and collaborative research. Outside of my work in medicine, I have worked with charities and advocacy groups across Ontario, including the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and Campfire Circle. My time with these organizations have helped me to develop key skills that I will carry with me to the PARO general council. I connect quickly with my peers, establish trust and camaraderie, fulfill accessibility needs, and promote an environment that allows everyone to share their thoughts and concerns, and work towards solutions.
If elected to PARO General Council, I promise to be an approachable, reliable, and vocal representative for the many voices in the NOSM community. I am committed to ensuring that our residents are represented in provincial discussions and decision-making. With transparency and ongoing collaboration, we will push for equity in training, improved wellness and support.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
With your support, I look forward to representing the NOSM community this year.
Dr. Amaka Odega
PGY-3 | NOSMU | Psychiatry-
Bio
My name is Amaka Sophia Odega. I am a PGY3 Psychiatry resident at NOSM University, based in Sault Ste Marie.
I am a dedicated NOSM University learner with a clinical background in Family Medicine, and master's in public health (MPH). I am running to be your PARO General Council Representative for NOSM U East because I believe residents in Northern Ontario deserve strong, strategic, and solution-focused representation that addresses our unique geographical, clinical, and administrative realities. I bring a comprehensive, systems-level, and collaborative perspective to resident advocacy and leadership.
The NOSM U PARO General Council (GC) needs diversified resident representation that is experienced, approachable, and collaborative, in advocating for policy reforms that not only recognizes challenges but also focuses on structural solutions. I understand the toll of complex policies, heavy work demands, regional service inequities, and administrative bottlenecks. So, I am committed to bringing my inquisitive, solution-oriented, warm persona to the GC table.
My leadership experience as a clinician and medical learner have been driven by a deep commitment to healthcare administration, policy reform, teaching, mentorship, and most importantly - the wellbeing and working conditions of my peers as they deliver compassionate care. From being a student-tutor with the American Medical Student Association, championing learner wellness as an intern, establishing a non-profit organization, serving as a resident leader during my previous residency training, to currently serving as Sault Ste Marie Psychiatry senior resident and representative on program sub-committees; my ability to translate dense policy issues into transparent, engaging, and accessible dialogues have been a strength. I will ensure open, reliable communication between the GC and the NOSM U East resident body.
I look forward to being your proactive, collaborative, accessible and resilient voice, as the NOSM U PARO GC continues to advocate for equitable resource distribution across our various sites. With your support, we can work together to ensure safe, supportive, and empowering learning environments.