Listed in order of submission
Electoral Group : Queens RCPSC |
Positions : 7 |
Currently Running : 19
Dr. Carolyn Barsoum
PGY-1 | Queens | Int.Med-General-
Bio
Hello! My name is Carolyn Barsoum, and I’m exciting to be starting residency in Ontario with my colleagues through PARO general council.
Throughout my training, advocacy has been a consistent part of my journey. Having the opportunity to train in various healthcare systems across Canada, USA and the Caribbean I’ve had the privilege of experiencing various learning environments and seeing different approaches to address resident wellness, education and culture. I hope to bring this unique and broad perspective to the PARO general council.
As president of my medical school’s Student Government Association, I worked closely with students and faculty to address concerns and organize initiatives that promoted student wellness and improved learner experience. These experiences taught me that advocacy begins with active listening and working collobatively to find practical solutions that keep those affected at the center of the discussion.
As a member of PARO general council, my goal is to ensure residents feel heard, informed regularly and supported in not only their learning, but in their wellness. I am committed to representing my peers with enthusiasm and integrity while advocating for an improved residency experience for future and current trainees.
Dr. Shadia Adekunte
PGY-2 | Queens | Int.Med-General-
Bio
Hello Queen’s residents!
My name is Shadia Adekunte and I am currently a PGY2 Internal Medicine resident. I have had an awesome time on the Queen’s PARO GC team last year as a member and the Transition to Residency lead. I am running for a second term because I am committed to advancing the interests of resident physicians and contributing to a culture of excellence, collaboration, and positive change.
As a GC member this past year, I have planned multiple events including the first paint your own pottery event (with great feedback!) and the incoming trainee boat cruise. I attended and meaningfully contributed to every single meeting with enthusiasm and dedication, which was particularly important during our accreditation year. This upcoming year, I strive to continue being an accessible and trusted resource for residents, listen carefully to your concerns, identify opportunities for improvement, and work collaboratively to develop practical, solutions-oriented approaches to any issues. I am committed to representing all residents, regardless of specialty, and to helping ensure that the Queen's PARO GC continues to be a forward-thinking group that responds to the evolving needs of trainees. This is particularly important as we enter contract negotiations this upcoming year.
Advocacy is important to me. Throughout my training so far, I have developed a strong appreciation for the importance of resident advocacy and the impact that effective governance can have on working, learning, and transitioning through residency. I believe that the strength of PARO GC lies in our ability to bring together diverse perspectives while remaining united in pursuit of what best serves residents as a whole.
I value professionalism, transparency, and teamwork, and I aim to lead by example through respectful engagement, thoughtful decision-making, and a genuine passion for medicine and resident well-being. I look forward to contributing my perspective, energy, and dedication to the Queen's PARO GC and helping PARO continue its important work on behalf of residents at Queen’s University.
Thank you for your consideration!
Best,
Shadia
Dr. Shamir Malik
PGY-3 | Queens | Diagnostic Radiology-
Bio
Hi everyone! My name is Shamir and I’m a PGY3 Diagnostic Radiology resident very excited to once again be running to be one of your representative for General Council Representative to PARO for Queens (RPCSP).
To tell you a little bit about myself, I love binging trash television, baking bread and being a general menace to society. Powered by caffeine, sarcasm and a vague sense of responsibility, I vow to advocate for resident wellness and supports in both practical and meaningful ways, just as I did in the past year.
As PARO General Council Representative, there are several areas I will make my top priority this year:
1. Collect and reflect resident feedback on EPAs and CBME implementation at PARO meetings. I hope to advocate for fair and transparent assessment practices, including timely feedback and accountability for resident evaluations.
2. Improving resident call rooms and lounges. From trampoline-like beds to temperature regulation to locker availability, I will survey Queen’s existing resident spaces and advocate for quality of life improvements.
3. Advocate for resident supports by promoting protected time for resident wellness, educational days, and adequate recognition for resident-led teaching and academic leadership roles.
4. And many more! (Imagine one of those buy-one get one free deals on Uber).
I believe I am well equipped to perform these tasks. As a PARO Representative for the 2025-2026 academic year, it was an honour to voice your concerns of residents regarding call stipends, call rooms and AI implementation at PGMEC and KHSC organizational meetings. I greatly enjoyed (and hope you did as well!) helping organize and support some of the PARO events for resident wellness week. And of course, it was great to meet all the new R1s joining the Queens family at our annual Queens/PARO orientation sessions.
You could vote for someone else… but would they make a meme about your call room microwave being older than the hospital?
I hope that together we can help make meaningful change! Please feel free to come say hello anytime in the dark reading rooms of KGH 👻!
Also check out Wendu’s profile, he’s sick.
Dr. Brandon Azer
PGY-1 | Queens | Surgery-Urology-
Bio
Hi everyone! My name is Brandon Azer, and I’m a PGY1 Urology resident at Queen’s.
I’m excited to be running for a position on PARO General Council because I believe residency is about more than clinical training it’s about building a supportive community where residents feel heard, connected, and empowered to succeed.
Throughout medical school, I sought out opportunities to advocate for learners, mentor students, and create initiatives that strengthened our community. Those experiences taught me that meaningful change starts with listening, being approachable, and working collaboratively to turn ideas into action. I hope to bring that same energy to PARO.
As your representative, I want to be someone residents feel comfortable reaching out to, whether it’s to share concerns, suggest improvements, or simply ask questions. I’m committed to representing residents across all specialties, promoting wellness, ensuring transparent communication, and advocating for practical improvements that make day-to-day residency better. With contract negotiations approaching, it’s especially important that every resident’s voice is heard and represented.
It would be an honour to represent you on PARO General Council. Thank you for your support, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to chat or share your ideas!
Dr. Raina Kim
PGY-2 | Queens | Int.Med-General-
Bio
Hi everyone!
My name is Raina and I am a PGY2 Internal Medicine resident at Queen's, and I'm excited to be running to serve as one of your PARO representatives.
Throughout residency so far, I've enjoyed getting involved in initiatives that strengthen our resident community, which drew me to apply for this position. I fortunately had the opportunity this year to start Sign Out Rounds, a resident-led, case-based learning initiative that complements our Queen’s traditional Sign-In Rounds to create an additional supportive space for peer learning and connection. I’ve also been involved with our EDI team and will be continuing to be a part of the initiative as one of the new representatives of the group this year, where I will be working to help foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for residents.
My priorities as a representative within this group would be:
1. Advocating for residents: I want to ensure your concerns, ideas, and feedback are heard and represented. I hope to be a representative that can be approachable to everyone and committed to advocating for issues that matter to our resident community.
2. Building community: Although residency is challenging, I do think meaningful connections would make a difference. I'd like to continue supporting opportunities for residents to connect through educational, social, and wellness events!
3. Supporting wellness and inclusion: I would love to continue taking part in promoting resident well-being, celebrating the diversity of our community, and help create a positive, inclusive training environment for everyone.
Thank you for your time, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
Raina Kim
Dr. Taylor Dennison
PGY-2 | Queens | Paediatrics-
Bio
Hello everyone! My name is Taylor, and I'm a PGY-2 Pediatrics resident at Queen's.
Residency is rewarding yet demanding. I believe every resident deserves a learning environment that supports excellent patient care while also protecting education, well-being, and long-term career development. I am running for the PARO General Council to help make this a reality.
Throughout medical school and residency, I have represented learners at the institutional, provincial, and national levels. I have held leadership roles as a Canadian Paediatric Society Resident Representative, a member of the Paediatric Inpatient Research Network Trainee Advisory Committee, and a national project lead with the Canadian Federation of Medical Students. In these roles, I have led initiatives which improved learner experiences, developed educational resources, and supported patient- and trainee-focused projects. These experiences have taught me how to collaborate effectively and translate resident feedback into meaningful change.
My priorities on the PARO General Council are to:
1.Advocate for sustainable workloads, fair call expectations, and protected academic and wellness time.
2.Support fair compensation and working conditions that recognize residents’ essential contributions, including safe, functional call rooms.
3.Promote protected time and resources for licensing examination preparation and transition to independent practice.
4.Strengthen communication between Queen’s residents and PARO to ensure concerns are heard and acted upon.
Effective advocacy is collaborative, practical, and informed by the experiences of residents. It would be an honour to represent Queen’s residents on PARO’s General Council, and I would sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for taking the time to read my statement!
Sincerely,
Taylor D.
Dr. Bethel Samson
PGY-1 | Queens | Emergency Medicine-
Bio
Hi! My name is Bethel, a PGY1 EM resident and I am running for election to the PARO General Council (GC).
Over the past 6 years I have been heavily involved in collegiate student government, from my work as Student Representative of the Bachelors of Health Sciences at McMaster University in 2020-2021 to the Black Medical Student Association President at the University of Toronto in 2023-2024. These experiences have prepared me to advocate for residents.
Most importantly, throughout medical school, my most meaningful experiences have been facing challenges with my colleagues, who have become some of my closest friends. They have shaped me into the person I am today, and I hope to give back by advocating for residents and fostering a culture of acceptance, curiosity, and diversity!
Thank you for your consideration in advance,
Bethel Samson
Dr. Steve Meas
PGY-1 | Queens | Diagnostic Radiology-
Bio
Diagnostic Radiology PGY1 resident at Queen’s University, originally from Toronto. Completed MD/PhD at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, and earlier training at the University of Toronto including a BSc in Neuroscience and an MSc in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology. I hope to use my experience across Canada and the US and across both medicine and research to inform my views and contribute meaningfully to PARO and the residents we represent.
Previously Co President of the American Medical Association/Medical Society of Virginia at my medical school, where I organized white coat lobby days and supported student representation in the legislative process. I want to be part of PARO to help improve working conditions, strengthen resident supports, and make life better for Ontario residents.
Dr. Tanay Satarkar
PGY-1 | Queens | Int.Med-Neurology-
Bio
I am a PGY-1 Neurology resident beginning my training in Kingston, with a strong interest in resident advocacy, medical education, and improving the transition into residency for internationally trained and Canadian medical graduates alike. My path to residency has given me a broad perspective on the challenges residents face, including adapting to new clinical systems, navigating demanding schedules, maintaining wellness, and finding mentorship while continuing to grow as physicians.
As a resident, I hope to contribute to PARO by bringing a grounded, collaborative, and practical voice to issues affecting trainees. I am particularly interested in supporting resident wellness, equitable access to educational opportunities, smooth onboarding to new hospital systems, and advocacy around fair compensation. I believe residents do their best work when they feel supported, respected, and empowered.
Before residency, I completed my medical training in Ukraine and gained clinical and academic experience across multiple healthcare systems, including in India, the United States, and Canada. These experiences shaped my adaptability, communication skills, and commitment to patient-centred care. I would be grateful for the opportunity to serve, listen to my colleagues, and help translate resident concerns into constructive advocacy. My goal is to contribute to a culture where residents can thrive clinically, academically, and personally while continuing to provide excellent care to patients.
Dr. Muhib Masrur
PGY-2 | Queens | Int.Med-General-
Bio
Hello everyone! My name is Muhib, and I am a PGY2 Internal Medicine resident at Queen’s University.
I am applying to PARO General Council because, during my PGY1 year, I realized how easy it is for residents to lose track of the supports and protections available to us. Between long shifts, call, studying, and managing life outside the hospital, many of us simply do not have the time to stay updated on PARO benefits, contract issues, or the work being done on our behalf.
I would like to help bridge that gap by making PARO more visible and accessible to residents. This means staying connected with trainees across programs, understanding the concerns that arise in our day-to-day work, bringing those concerns forward at General Council meetings, and communicating back in a way that is concise, clear, and useful.
If elected, I hope to help make residency at Queen’s fairer, more transparent, and more supportive. I may not have every answer, but I am willing to listen, speak up, and do the work behind the scenes. I would be proud to represent Queen’s residents and help turn the concerns we discuss in call rooms, hallways, and group chats into meaningful action.
Dr. Anusha Kunasingam
PGY-2 | Queens | Int.Med-General-
Bio
Hi everyone!
My name is Anusha Kunasingam, and I am a PGY2 Internal Medicine resident at Queen's. I hope to be one of your PARO GC representatives for this coming year :)
Throughout residency so far, prioritizing resident wellness has been one of my greatest passions. As one of the current IM Wellness team leads, I have already had the opportunity to organize social events and wellness initiatives to support our residents. If elected for PARO GC, I hope to continue supporting and diversifying initiatives that promote resident well-being across all programs. I believe one of the most important qualities of a PARO representative is being approachable. I want ensure your concerns and ideas are heard in order to make Queen's the best possible place to train! As we will enter contract negotiations this year as well, I will also be committed to ensuring that your perspectives are represented during these discussions.
It would be an honour to represent you on the PARO General Council. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with and advocate for our resident community this year!
Anusha Kunasingam
Dr. Isabelle Filion
PGY-1 | Queens | Diagnostic Radiology-
Bio
Hi! I’m Isabelle, born and raised in Ottawa. I completed my double bachelor’s degree in music performance and biochemistry, as well as a master’s in music performance, all at uOttawa, before starting medical school at uOttawa. I am now a PGY-1 Radiology Resident at Queen’s University! I love playing video games and my viola in my free time, and I probably spend too much time watching horror game playthroughs or Smosh on Youtube (but you can pry that away from my cold, dead hands).
I’ve acted as a student representative in many different environments throughout the years and greatly enjoyed the experience. Whether it be to advocate for better teaching concerning gender diverse healthcare or voice student feedback about the curriculum, administrative issues and pitfalls in teaching during music school and medical school, nothing brings me greater satisfaction than making sure people are heard, supported and understood. I personally know the amazing things that can be accomplished when people work together to underline issues in a system and fight together to transform it for the better.
I believe my experience as VP academic affairs in music school, class representative for uOttawa’s ePortfolio program, an advocate for better gender affirming care training in medical school and residency and a student committee member during uOttawa’s Mock Accreditation speaks to the passion and dedication I will bring as a Queen’s General Council Member of PARO. I hope we all have a wonderful year together and I look forward to representing PARO at Queen’s University.
Dr. Shangi Vijenthira
PGY-1 | Queens | Int.Med-General-
Bio
Hello! My name is Shangi and I'm a PGY1 resident in Internal Medicine. I'm thrilled to be joining a strong community of residents at Queen's, and I'm excited to run to serve our community as one of our representatives on PARO General Council.
From my time as a medical student at Queen's, I bring experience in student representation as a member of the University Senate and through a number of roles within the medical student council including developing a medical student mentorship program. I am eager to join a productive team where I can continue to listen to and support my peers.
I aim to be an approachable, reliable, and thoughtful representative of all of the residents at Queen's. I want to be an effective advocate for residents' best interests, and make sure residents are informed on our rights. I am excited to organize events to strengthen our community as well.
In my free time, I have been baking cookies and feeding them to my coresidents. I hope to find broader ways to improve our lives, and I look forward getting to know more of you over the years!
Cheers,
Shangi
Dr. Wendu Gebeyehu
PGY-3 | Queens | Int.Med-General-
Bio
Hey there! I'm Wendu, a proud PGY3 in Internal Medicine here at Queen's. I'm very honoured to be running for re-election as one of your PARO General Council representatives. I've had a great time being a part of PARO and am very humbled to have been a part of such a great team this past year. And I'll explain why I'd love to continue that work.
As an internal medicine resident, I've gotten to know many of you throughout the past 2 years (and to those starting this month - am excited to meet you in the coming months/years!). I've seen how hard you all work - from grinding away on the wards to blasting through clinics. No amount of money or words could quantify the sacrifices made by all of you to keep KGH running. That's why I believe you deserve dedicated advocates who care about your issues. Things I aim to address in the coming year:
1) Financial empowerment: I have already been in talks with folks at MD Financial Limited in Kingston to put together a financial literacy talk (important info with free food - can't go wrong). It's important that we all are made aware of the ways we can make the most of our salaries during residency and plan for our futures.
2) Facility improvements: through the resident enhancement fund, I have several ideas about resident spaces that can be made better (but will be asking for input from you all before targeting one of KGHs MANY lackluster resident spaces).
3) Advocating against violations: despite PAROs vigilant advocacy, we all know there are moments where your rights can be put at risk, whether by a lack of knowledge or by the high patient volumes we are often experiencing. If elected, I will always work to ensure your rights as a resident are being respected and that any potential violations are taken extremely seriously.
Most importantly, I'm committed to representing *YOU*. As a senior in internal medicine, I will be (to my dismay...) extremely available both on the wards and in the ED. If I'm elected, please do not hesitate to text me, or pull me aside in the halls of the hospital and let me know your ideas or concerns.
Thank you in advance for your consideration!
Wendu G.
Also please vote for Shamir too!
Dr. Emma Harland
PGY-1 | Queens | Int.Med-General-
Bio
Hi everyone,
I'm Emma, a PGY-1 in Internal Medicine, and I'm excited to be running to represent Queen's residents on PARO General Council!
Throughout medical school, I was fortunate to serve as Chair of Compass North, a student-led clinic in Northern Ontario, as class representative, and as a member of the Senate Appeals Committee and Medical Education Committee at NOSM University. These roles allowed me to work alongside students, faculty, and administrators in a variety of contexts. I supported learner wellness initiatives, contributed to the evaluation and improvement of medical education models, developed risk management policies, and gained insight into medical liability and malpractice insurance coverage. These experiences taught me the importance of approachable leadership and the responsibility of ensuring the perspectives of those I represent are meaningfully heard.
As your PARO representative, my goal is to be accessible, responsive, and accountable. I hope to advocate for the needs and concerns of our current cohort while also considering how decisions will shape the experience of future residents. Whether it’s celebrating what’s working or speaking up about what isn’t, I’m committed to ensuring Queen’s residents have a strong voice at the table.
Thank you for your consideration!
Emma Harland
Dr. Christina Hanna
PGY-2 | Queens | Int.Med-General-
Bio
Hi everyone!
My name is Christina Hanna, and I am a PGY-2 Internal Medicine resident at Queen’s University. I am excited for the opportunity to join the Queen’s PARO General Council team and serve as your resident representative. Residency is a defining stage of our training, and I am passionate about creating an environment where every resident feels supported, heard, and empowered to succeed.
Throughout my training, I have sought opportunities to improve the experiences of both medical students and residents. As a medical student, I helped develop a trauma-informed care educational resource to better prepare learners for challenging conversations with patients, strengthening confidence in providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
I currently lead the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resident Innovation Team within Internal Medicine, where we are developing initiatives to foster a more welcoming environment, including mentorship opportunities for incoming residents. After reflecting on my own transition into residency, I also worked with colleagues to create Sign-Out Rounds, a resident-led, case-based educational initiative that provides practical approaches to common Internal Medicine presentations while promoting a supportive learning environment.
I am passionate about resident wellness and community building. I hope to create opportunities throughout the year for residents across all programs to connect through wellness initiatives while exploring the Kingston community. Building these connections can strengthen our sense of belonging and make residency a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Supporting residents is something I care deeply about. Through leadership, advocacy, education, and mentorship, I have learned the importance of listening, collaboration, and transforming resident feedback into meaningful initiatives. If elected, I will work to ensure residents' voices are represented while advocating for practical improvements that enhance both education and well-being.
It would be a privilege to represent Queen’s residents on PARO General Council, and I would be honoured to advocate on your behalf.
Thank you,
Christina Hanna
Dr. Jeena Khan
PGY-1 | Queens | Int.Med-General-
Bio
Hi everyone!
My name is Jeena and I'm a PGY-1 Internal Medicine resident at Queen's University. I'm excited to be running to represent my fellow Queen's residents on PARO General Council!
As someone who has trained in both Canada and Ireland, I’ve had the opportunity to experience different healthcare systems and learning environments. There is an Irish proverb I picked up during my training which translates to "there is no strength without unity". This resonated deeply with me because it reflects the power of coming together, building bridges, listening to one another and ensuring every resident’s voice is represented.
Throughout my training, whether serving in student leadership, organising initiatives, or mentoring peers, I’ve learned that effective advocacy begins with understanding the experiences and needs of those around us. Best ideas often come from listening closely to the people we hope to serve! Every resident’s journey and experiences are unique, and I believe the strongest solutions come from collaboration, open communication and keeping our communities at the centre of every conversation.
Since joining Queen’s, I have been inspired by how supportive, collaborative, and welcoming our resident family is. If elected, my goal is to give back by ensuring our residents feel heard, informed and represented. I want to be someone who is approachable, responsive and committed to advocating for resident wellness, and the issues that matter most to you. Whether you have an idea, a concern or simply want to connect, please reach out anytime, I’m always just a hello away!
It would be an honour to represent Queen’s residents on PARO General Council. I look forward to connecting with many of you throughout the year. Thank you for your support.
Dr. Aryan Azmi
PGY-1 | Queens | Diagnostic Radiology-
Bio
Most of us already have more than enough demands on our time, so I understand why taking on another role may not be especially appealing. Still, each section needs people willing to represent it, and it looks like we may not fill all the available seats in ours. So I’m putting my name forward.
I have enough experience with policy and committee work to communicate our concerns clearly and vote thoughtfully. I don’t think there’s anything uniquely qualifying about me, many of you could do this just as well, or better. I’m running because someone has to, and I’m willing.
Dr. Toros Canturk
PGY-4 | Queens | Anaesthesia-
Bio
Greetings,
I am Toros Canturk, a PGY4 in Anesthesiology and one of your General Council colleagues. I have had the privilege of serving as a GC member for the past three years, and on the Board of Directors this past year. I am sharing my interest to continue serving you.
Serving my colleagues is what drew me to leadership. During medical school I was elected class president four times, serving throughout COVID while advocating for curricular and mental health needs and improving our school's environmental sustainability and EDI practices. Training as a peer supporter taught me how to support colleagues through difficult transitions. As a CMA Ambassador, I have continued building my leadership skills through courses and conferences. As the elected Student Director of Medicine, I represented over 800 students and learned to advocate at a higher level. Each of these roles required collaboration, which is how I function best, and for three years PARO has been exactly that environment.
As a GC member, I have sat on numerous committees and seen firsthand how much their work shapes our education. From QRMEC and the LUMEO transition to three years on the PARO Awards Committee, I have brought forward the concerns that affect us daily, including parking and transportation. I continue my leadership growth with CMA's and PARO's leadership programs.
Last year, I served on PARO's Board of Directors, one of the most rewarding roles I have held. Incorporating feedback and working collaboratively through the issues shared across every Ontario residency program has given me perspective I will bring back to my role on General Council next year. Currently, I sit on the negotiations committee for our next contract with the government, where I continue to advocate for all of us.
I want to continue improving our residency experience: our education and our wellness, both mentally and financially. My ongoing work on the negotiations committee speaks directly to that. I am also looking forward to helping plan the PARO events that bring our programs together, like trivia. Representing you has been an incredible experience, and I am excited to build on it.
Thank you for your support!