Listed in order of submission
Electoral Group : Queens CFPC |
Positions : 3 |
Currently Running : 3
Dr. Jalal Alakhras
PGY-2 | Queens | Family Medicine-
Bio
Hi everyone! I’m Jalal, a PGY-2 Family Medicine resident at Queen’s University. I am running for PARO Council because I believe in fighting for resident justice, which means demanding fair treatment, transparent policies, and real support for our well-being.
My path to residency gave me a broad perspective. I immigrated from the Middle East during my internship, completed rotations with five Canadian medical schools, and later worked as a teacher and Clinical Assistant in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Manitoba before matching to Queen’s. These experiences taught me how to navigate complex systems and work with people from many backgrounds.
I am also a father of two; my second son was born during my first week of residency!. I understand firsthand the pressure of balancing clinical demands, family responsibilities, and personal well-being. As someone with ADHD, I have navigated training and work while managing its challenges. This strengthened my commitment to supporting residents with disabilities and advocating for meaningful accommodations and greater awareness.
Advocacy has always been part of who I am. From student councils to clinical work, I have spoken up when a decision, policy, or process felt unfair or unclear. During medical school, I challenged a university decision affecting students’ scholarships, even though I was not personally affected. That experience reinforced something I still believe: fair treatment matters, and people should feel supported when raising concerns.
I bring that same energy to residency—whether helping colleagues understand the PARO collective agreement, raising concerns about unclear hospital processes, or mentoring internationally trained physicians navigating the Canadian system.
If elected, I will advocate for fair scheduling and call expectations, clear leave processes, proper remuneration, better communication about resident rights and benefits, and stronger representation for IMGs, residents with disabilities, and residents raising families.
Residency is tough enough; fighting for your rights should not be. I would be honoured to earn your vote and amplify your voice on the PARO General Council.
Jalal
Dr. Ben Larocque
PGY-1 | Queens | Family Medicine-
Bio
Hey everyone, I'm Ben. I'm a PGY-1 at the KTI site, and a Queen's Medicine graduate as well.
I've always been interested in labour relations, and would hate for us to be 'AT RISK OF NOT BEING REPRESENTED' so I thought I'd throw my hat in the ring for general council. Perhaps its the shorter length of our program that causes some hesitancy in filling these positions, but it is important we are properly represented for such important conversations, and that is something I won't take lightly. I hope to serve our program as a strong advocate for our rights and as a resource to each of you for all things PARO and our collective agreement.
Thanks for your consideration,
Ben
Dr. Christi Joyce
PGY-1 | Queens | Family Medicine-
Bio
Hi everyone! My name is Christi, and I am a new Family Medicine resident at Queen's! I am new to Ontario, and as someone born and raised on the East Coast, having a strong sense of community is at the heart of who I am. That's what makes me so excited to run for a position on the PARO General Council; the opportunity to help build community and the privilege of representing my peers in a way that is truly impactful.
During my time at Dalhousie Medical School, I became deeply involved in leadership and advocacy. Whether organizing women's health education events, serving on the Halifax Community Health Board, or advocating for patients at the bedside, I was committed to ensuring that people feel heard and supported. Having grown up in a rural community, I truly value collaboration and mentorship, and I understand that listening goes a long way. I know residency will bring both challenges and triumphs, and I hope to draw on these experiences to represent residents in a meaningful way, by championing wellness, supporting professional development, and helping build a training environment where residents can thrive and grow into the exceptional physicians I am lucky to call my colleagues.
Outside of medicine, you'll usually find me exploring new cafés and restaurants, spending time with friends and family, binge watching reality TV, on the golf course, or trying new fitness classes. As I put down new roots in Southern Ontario, I'd love to hear your favourite places to eat, explore, or spend a weekend. I'd also be happy to grab a coffee with anyone who wants to share ideas or chat. I can't wait to get to know you all! :)