Listed in order of submission
Electoral Group : Toronto Psychiatry |
Positions : 3 |
Currently Running : 10
Dr. Pooja Sankar
PGY-2 | Toronto | Psychiatry-
Bio
Hi everyone! I’m Pooja Sankar, a PGY2 Psychiatry resident at the University of Toronto. Despite having lived in Toronto for over 6 years now, I am still regularly humbled by the TTC and Google Maps. I am excited to put my name forward for the PARO Psychiatry Representative role because I believe strongly in the importance of resident voices in shaping our experience, education, and the future of residency training.
As the PGY1 PRAT Representative, I had the privilege of serving as a bridge between my co-residents and program leadership, bringing forward perspectives and concerns of my cohort. This role reinforced for me how meaningful it is when residents are actively involved in shaping the programs they are part of.
My interest in program development has grown through my involvement as both a Medical Student and Resident Lead in the Undergraduate Geriatrics Medical Education Committee, as well as through accreditation processes as a resident surveyor. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation for thoughtful curriculum development, program evaluation, and creating training environments that are engaging, equitable and promote the wellness of our resident body.
Above all, I value the strong sense of community that makes our Psychiatry program special despite being a larger program. I hope to bring enthusiasm and excitement to the PARO Psychiatry Representative role. When I am not in the hospital, you can probably find me finding good matcha in the city, napping, or back home in Guelph getting pet therapy from Murphy (my four-legged therapist).
Dr. Melanie Zhang
PGY-5 | Toronto | Psychiatry-
Bio
Hi everyone!
My name is Melanie Zhang, and I am excited to run for re-election to the PARO General Council. As a PGY5 Psychiatry resident at U of T, I have had the privilege over the past year of working alongside PARO staff, leadership, and fellow resident leaders to advocate for your rights.
In addition to my General Council role, my advocacy work has included the following:
-Resident Community & Outreach: Planned PARO-wide social events (Activate!), hosted info sessions to support incoming PGY-1s and IMGs, and served on the PARO Awards Committee to ensure hardworking residents and outstanding programs received provincial recognition.
- Resident Rights & Systems Advocacy: Attended meetings with Program Directors to protect trainee rights at the program level, liaison with the broader GC council to advise on future advocacy points as a collective.
- Transit Affordability Initiative: As a non-car owner, I know firsthand how essential public transit is in a city like Toronto. One of my biggest passions this past year was starting an initiative to ease financial and logistical burdens on residents by advocating for more affordable public transportation options.
I hope to continue to build on this momentum if reelected this year as your representative! Here are a few points of focus:
- Contract Negotiations: Leverage my institutional memory during this year's salary renegotiations to protect hard-won gains and push for the tangible improvements we need at the bargaining table.
- Transit Affordability: Continue advancing my transit initiative by directly negotiating with organizations like the TTC to secure discounted rates or alternative transportation options for all trainees.
- Contract Clarity: Demystify our collective agreement so you never have to guess what you are entitled to. I want to ensure every resident has the exact knowledge and confidence they need to exercise their workplace rights.
- Direct Communication: Close the gap between provincial decisions and the frontlines. I will prioritize clear, straightforward updates on PARO's behind-the-scenes work so you are never left in the dark about how policy changes impact your daily training.
- Trainee Connection: Expand on the success of past socials to create more funded, accessible spaces for us to decompress, socialize, and build genuine community outside the hospital walls.
It has been an honour to serve on GC over the past year, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue representing you. Thank you for your consideration! :)
Dr. Andrew Nguyen
PGY-3 | Toronto | Psychiatry-
Bio
Hi everyone,
My name is Andrew Nguyen, and I am excited run for re-election to the PARO General Council. Over the past two years on GC, I have had the privilege of working alongside PARO staff, leadership, and fellow resident leaders to advocate for residents across Ontario.
In addition to my GC role, I have been involved with the following:
1) Learner Wellness Advisory Committee: Worked with institutional leaders and learners to advance wellness initiatives and promote a healthier training environment.
2) Sunnybrook Resident Liaison Committee: Continued advocacy efforts from the Sunnybrook Shuttle Project to improve transportation accessibility and resident working conditions.
3) My past efforts have also included advocating on the Hospital-University Education Committee (HUEC) and PGME Guidelines for Residency Program Support Task Force
4) Resident Engagement & Enhancement: Planned PARO-wide events, including an ACTIVATE social, and successfully spearheaded funding through two Resident Enhancement Fund after reaching out to residents at our education sites. These initiatives supported several improvements to the resident lounge and enhanced resident community spaces.
I hope to continue to build on these experiences through my P.A.R.O. platform:
1) PARO-OTH Agreement: Continue improving awareness and accessibility of our collective agreement so residents feel empowered to advocate for themselves and understand the supports available through PARO.
2) Accessibility: Increase visibility of PARO's ongoing advocacy efforts and committee work so residents remain informed about the initiatives and policy changes being advanced on their behalf.
3) Re-engage: Continue advocating for tangible improvements to residents' day-to-day experiences, wellness resources, resident spaces, and other local concerns identified by trainees.
4) Optimal Experience: Foster a stronger sense of community through inclusive social, professional development, and wellness-focused events that support connection, belonging, and resident success.
It has been an honour to serve on GC over the past two years, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue representing PARO.
Dr. Chelsey Zhao
PGY-1 | Toronto | Psychiatry-
Bio
Hello everyone! My name is Chelsey Zhao, and I am a PGY1 psychiatry resident. I am excited for the opportunity to serve on the PARO General Council because I am passionate about advocacy, resident wellness, and fostering a supportive and connected resident community.
During medical school, I was involved in student council as both our social convenor and class historian. In these roles, I organized community-building events, including holiday parties and match day celebrations to strengthen connections among my classmates. These experiences reinforced my commitment to listening to my peers, understanding their needs, and advocating for meaningfully.
I am new to residency life, and the city of Toronto, and I look forward to figuring it out with everyone along the way!
Dr. Sami Sabbah
PGY-1 | Toronto | Psychiatry-
Bio
I am a first-year psychiatry resident at the University of Toronto with a strong interest in medical education, advocacy, and the creation of healthier training environments for learners.
Throughout medical school at the University of Ottawa, I have been involved in initiatives focused on learner wellness, mental health care, 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion, and access to evidence-based education. I have represented learners at provincial and national advocacy events, meeting with elected officials to discuss issues including access to mental health care, emergency department pressures, and the family medicine crisis. I have also contributed to advocacy efforts to strengthen 2SLGBTQ+ content in medical curricula.
My work in medical education has included helping to develop standardized naloxone training, creating psychiatry-focused OSCE cases, organizing mentorship opportunities, and supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds interested in medicine. I have also remained active in psychiatric research, with work examining depression, anxiety, psychedelic therapies, and the experiences of transgender and gender-diverse patients accessing acute psychiatric care, as well as highlighting the unique challenges these individuals face.
As a PARO General Council representative, I would aim to be approachable and responsive. I want residents to feel comfortable raising concerns and confident that those concerns will be communicated clearly. I would advocate for resident wellness, an inclusive training environment, and timely support with the everyday issues that affect residency training.
Most importantly, I would listen to the residents I represent, keep them informed, and work collaboratively to turn their concerns into action. It would be a privilege to serve as their representative.
Dr. David Vaz
PGY-1 | Toronto | Psychiatry-
Bio
Hi everyone! My name is David (he/him) and I'm a PGY1 at the psychiatry program. I've had the privilege of living, studying, and training all over this incredible province. From growing up in Mississauga (best city in the world!), completing my MD in Kingston, working in fly-in remote communities on the Hudson Bay and James Bay, training in clinical settings from Hamilton to Oshawa, hunting down pastries at the Persian Man bakery in Thunder Bay, and dancing at my favourite EDM venue in Ottawa. My love for the land and people of Ontario is why I believe PARO is the perfect platform to give back to the communities that raised and trained me.
I bring a strong foundation in governance and student representation, having served as Chair, Speaker, and Chief Elections Officer for the Queen's medical student council, as well as collaborating on the MD EDIIA panel to establish Queen's first-ever mentorship program for equity-deserving applicants.
Within our program, I care deeply about representation, advocacy, and doing right by our members. My academic interests center on medical education, curriculum development, and student mental health, and I am excited to bring the same strong sense of community I've already experienced in the UofT Psychiatry program to the provincial level.
Outside of medicine, you can find me at the gym or workout classes like Barry's, grabbing dim sum at Rol San, or spending quality time with my family nearby. I would be incredibly honoured to have your support and to represent our collective voice on the PARO General Council!
Dr. Tushar Sood
PGY-1 | Toronto | Psychiatry-
Bio
Hello everyone! My name is Tushar and I am a first-year resident at U of T Psychiatry. I have spent the last four years in Toronto completing my MD, which was preceded by my undergraduate education at McMaster. I hope to join PARO because I am deeply committed to improving learner experience and, in turn, our healthcare system; I know that well-supported trainees are better equipped to learn, grow, and serve patients.
Throughout high school and undergrad, I was part of student government in various positions including year-rep, VP Academic, and VP Social. During medical school, I was VP Global Health and Co-Chair of two different advocacy committees at the Ontario Medical Students Association (OMSA) - Longitudinal Government and Advocacy Partnerships. Through such experiences, I advocated for learner concerns and policy priorities at the local and provincial levels, and co-wrote OMSA’s first Long-Term Advocacy Plan which is still in effect today. I have also been part of numerous committees and organizations, including multiple years advising the then-planned TMU School of Medicine and briefly being part of my local MPP’s youth council. Outside of medicine and advocacy, you can find me trying new restaurants and cafes, attending concerts, visiting parks (would highly recommend Biidaasige Park!), and spending time with friends and family.
If elected to PARO General Council, I am committed to being approachable, knowledgeable, and resident-centred. Firstly, I intend on regularly connecting with co-residents to ask if they have any concerns they want raised at PARO GC. These concerns could involve their clinical experiences or external factors, for example transit/taxi affordability if commuting between sites. I plan to also share relevant council updates with other learners, which requires staying in the know with PARO proceedings. Throughout all, I commit to always championing U of T Psychiatry resident voices in council discussions.
If you have any questions or want to chat, please reach out - it would be a privilege to represent you! Thank you so much for your consideration.
Dr. Jessie Tu
PGY-1 | Toronto | Psychiatry-
Bio
Hi everyone! My name is Jessie Tu, and I am excited to run as your representative on PARO General Council. Residency training can be demanding, and trainees need representation that is responsive, practical, and grounded in the realities of psychiatry training across Toronto. I am running to ensure that residents feel heard, supported, and connected—both within our program and across institutions.
During medical school, I developed my advocacy experience with the Toronto Political Advocacy Committee, Learner Equity Action & Discussion Committee, and the Canadian Federation of Medical Students. These roles taught me how to listen, build consensus, and translate concerns into action.
My platform is built on three pillars:
1. Resident Advocacy and Workplace Fairness : I will bring resident concerns forward clearly and consistently, including issues related to workload, safety, leave, remuneration, and compliance with the PARO–OTH agreement. I will work to ensure concerns are addressed early, confidentially, and without fear of retaliation.
2. Wellness Through Structural Change : Resident wellness requires more than social events and resilience messaging. I will advocate for changes that reduce preventable stress, including adequate post-call protection, accessible mental health support, safer learning environments, and affordability. I will also promote opportunities for residents to connect across sites and years.
3. Clear Communication and Accountability : Residents should know what PARO is doing and how it can help them. I will provide concise updates on relevant PARO initiatives, benefits, deadlines, and advocacy efforts; gather feedback regularly; and remain accessible for individual or program-wide concerns. I will report back on issues raised so residents know what action was taken and what remains unresolved.
My goal is to ensure every Toronto Psychiatry resident feels informed, represented, and supported. I will listen carefully, advocate firmly, and focus on changes that meaningfully improve residents’ daily working and learning conditions. Thank you for your consideration, I would be grateful to represent you on PARO! :)
Dr. Jason Kreutz
PGY-1 | Toronto | Psychiatry-
Bio
Hi everyone! I'm Jason, a PGY1 Psychiatry resident at the University of Toronto and a recent transplant to Ontario from Calgary. I'm excited to contribute to and learn from our resident community, and it would be a privilege to be one of your Psychiatry representatives on the PARO General Council.
Throughout my studies, I've sought opportunities to advocate for students and trainees because I believe the best policies are developed when the people they affect have a meaningful voice at the table. I'm passionate about advocacy and governance, and I'd love to bring that same commitment to PARO.
A few experiences that have reinforced my passion for advocacy and governance include:
• Policy Consultant, Export Development Canada (EDC): Fun fact about me: I’m a massive policy nerd! During my graduate studies in public policy, I worked with EDC to develop strategies to strengthen Canadian trade relations with China. Working with stakeholders across government and industry taught me the importance of meaningful consultation and balancing competing priorities when developing policy.
• Vice-President of Academics, Calgary Medical Students' Association & McGill Public Policy Association of Graduate Students: Apparently, I enjoyed academic advocacy enough to do it twice, both during medical school and graduate school! In both roles, I worked closely with students and faculty to bring forward learner concerns, advocate for improvements to academic policies, and ensure that student voices were represented in decision-making.
• Accreditation Sub-Committee Member, University of Calgary: Accreditation may not sound exciting, but it plays an important role in maintaining the quality of medical education! During my undergraduate medical training, I contributed to discussions about continuous improvement and worked to ensure that student experiences and perspectives were meaningfully reflected in the accreditation process.
It would be an honour to advocate on your behalf and help ensure that our voices are well represented on the PARO General Council. I'd be grateful for your support, and whether you have ideas, questions, or concerns throughout the year, my door is always open :)
Dr. Zakia Hussain
PGY-3 | Toronto | Psychiatry-
Bio
Hi everyone! My name is Zakia, and I am excited to be applying for PARO General Council. Residency has been incredibly gruelling, but getting to know my phenomenal co-residents has been among the most rewarding parts of it. It has further been an honour to represent the resident body in various roles. I have served as PRAT PGY1 co-representative, Junior Call Representative, and now in PGY3 as Senior Call Representative. In my most recent role as Junior Call Representative, I supported PRAT’s proposal to reduce changing call requirements, specifically by reducing mandatory CAMH call requirements, as per resident feedback, which has now been enacted.
I hope to be able to continue to support my co-residents as best I can, which is why I am applying to join PARO. It would be a privilege to represent our resident body at PARO and to work to improve our training experience. In this role, it is a priority for me to advocate with honesty and in a transparent manner with regard to any issue that may arise, and certainly with resident well-being in mind.
Thank you so much for your consideration!
Sincerely,
Zakia