Founder and President

Sana is a third-year medical student at the University of Alberta. She is the elected provincial governance representative of the class of 2027 at the U of A. She sat on the AMA board from October 2023- September 2024. She is the co-founder of the AMA MSAC podcast. She started this committee last year to give medical students a voice on pressing healthcare issues that will affect them as future physicians. In her free time Sana likes to hike, golf and do yoga.

Vice-President Internal

Annaliese is a medical student at the University of Calgary with a background in biomedical research. She has extensive experience leading human rights advocacy initiatives through Amnesty Canada’s National Youth Action and Advisory Committee, and is passionate about bringing together student voices to create meaningful change. As VP Internal, she is dedicated to bringing strong collaboration and effective governance across the committee. Outside of medicine, she enjoys playing piano and singing with the Calgary Girls Choir.

Website Chair

Lauren is a medical student at the University of Calgary, where she also completed her BSc. in Kinesiology. With a diverse background working with a variety of populations, Lauren has developed a strong interest in advocacy as a tool to amplify voices within the community. Her passion for advocacy began in high school and continued through her undergraduate years, where she worked with a student-led organization supporting children with disabilities. Outside of medicine, Lauren enjoys knitting, gardening, and exploring Calgary’s best vegetarian restaurants.

Podcast Chair

Shada is a second-year medical student at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine. Before entering medicine, she studied political science at the University of Lethbridge, where she became involved in youth advocacy, community engagement, and initiatives supporting mental health and access to care. Her research and advocacy interests include health equity, rural and remote health, youth health, and improving access to responsive, community-informed care. Through her work with youth councils, community organizations, and student leadership initiatives, she has developed a strong interest in understanding how policy and healthcare systems shape people’s experiences of care and in amplifying community voices in healthcare. Outside of medicine, Shada enjoys watching movies, spending time with family and friends, baking, and finding new cafés around Calgary.

Events Coordinator

Zuhair is a second-year medical student at the University of Alberta with a background in physiology. His passion for advocacy began through his involvement in youth mental health initiatives, where he worked to promote mental health awareness, empower young people, and create meaningful change in his community. He hopes to continue building on these experiences by amplifying medical student voices and fostering a more connected and supportive medical community. Outside of medicine, Zuhair enjoys travelling, hitting the gym, exploring new restaurants and cafés, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Social Media Chair

Intisar is a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary. Her interest in advocacy grew through community-based initiatives supporting children and families, where she saw how creative communication and social media can bring people together around important causes. She is passionate about making healthcare issues more accessible and engaging, and giving medical students a meaningful way to be part of conversations shaping their future profession. Outside of medicine, Intisar enjoys theatre, spending time in the mountains, and cooking for family and friends.

Vice-President External Edmonton

Colin is a second-year medical student at the University of Alberta, and currently serves as the Vice President External for the Medical Students' Association. He is passionate about creating an avenue for his fellow classmates to have a voice at important discussions, and is driven to keep advancing the medical environment across the province. Outside of his academic roles, Colin loves to hike, ski, listen to music, and spend time with friends and family. 

Vice-President External Calgary

Avash is a medical student at the University of Calgary with formal education and training in public health and nearly a decade of experience working in public health in Canada and internationally. He holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Alberta and most recently served as Director of Strategic Policy in Alberta’s Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. Through his work in public health leadership, he has developed expertise in health policy, legislation, and government decision-making, bringing a systems-level perspective to health advocacy and the challenges facing healthcare in Alberta. Avash also serves as VP External: Provincial for the Calgary Medical Students’ Association. Outside of medicine, he enjoys hiking, cooking, and travelling.

Vice-President Internal

My name is Kaiden, and I am a medical student at the University of Calgary. I have lived in Alberta my entire life and did both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees here which is why it is so important to me that our healthcare system receives the support it deserves from our provincial government. I strongly feel that students are underrepresented in the decision-making processes and hope to give students a voice through this role. In my free time I enjoy spending time in the mountains while skiing, hiking, and camping.

Website Chair

Sara is a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary and this year’s Website Committee Chair for the AMA Advocacy Committee! she previously completed a Master’s of Science in Community Health before pursuing an MD. Sara is passionate about patient advocacy, health equity, and refugee health. Outside of academia, she enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, and spending time with friends and family.

Social Media Chair

Leena is a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary with a background in neuroscience and exercise physiology. She is passionate about hands-on community work, particularly with underserved populations across Canada. From leading free fitness classes and translating health information for newcomers to hosting community health talks at cultural centres, Leena is dedicated to making healthcare accessible, inclusive, and relevant to the communities we serve, live in, and enjoy. Outside of school, Leena enjoys running, trying new recipes, and exploring the beautiful province of Alberta.

VP External (UAlberta)

Deyana is a second-year medical student at the University of Alberta and currently serves as Vice President External for the AMA MSAC and the Medical Students’ Association. She also represents her peers provincially as a Governance Representative. Passionate about leadership, health advocacy, and equity, Deyana is dedicated to amplifying student voices and driving meaningful change. Outside of her studies, she enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and playing recreational sports.

VP External (UCalgary)

Noam is a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary. Before medical school, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Alberta and worked as a Policy Advisor in Alberta’s Ministry of Health. By working in public health administration and volunteering for patient advocacy organizations, Noam developed a passion for health advocacy and is familiar with the barriers that patients can face when navigating the healthcare system in Alberta. Currently, Noam also serves as the VP External: Provincial for the Calgary Medical Students’ Association. In his free time Noam likes to hike, snowboard, see live music, and he is a big hockey fan!

Website General Committee Member

Haleema is a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary. Before entering medicine, she worked with the Stroke Neurology research team at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and the McMaster Pediatric Eye Research Group in Hamilton, where she developed an early interest in improving outcomes for children and families through research, innovation, and accessible care. Outside of medicine, she enjoys painting, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Website General Committee Member

Farheen is a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary. Before entering medicine, she completed her BSc in Neuroscience with an Honours thesis focused on Alzheimer’s disease at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. Her experiences span community advocacy, undergraduate research, and leadership in student organizations. Farheen has been involved in projects aimed at improving access to education and healthcare, including coordinating international collaboration through the OpenDH initiative and contributing to equity-centered programming on campus. She is passionate about making health information accessible and supporting initiatives that uplift marginalized communities. Outside of school, Farheen enjoys crocheting, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Website General Committee Member

Fiona is a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary with a strong interest in health advocacy, particularly in advancing equitable outcomes for children, women, and families. She completed her Bachelor of Science at Queen’s University before working in inner-city primary schools across London, UK, where she witnessed firsthand the impact of social determinants of health on early development, education, and long-term well-being. These experiences shaped her commitment to systems-level approaches to disease prevention and to advocating for accessible, community-centered care. Outside of medicine, she enjoys Highland dancing, knitting, and exploring the Rocky Mountains on skis, foot, rope, and bike.

Website General Committee Member

Duneesha is a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary. She graduated with a BSc in Kinesiology and a minor in French. Prior to medical school, Duneesha worked as a Health Care Aide in Long Term Care for 6 years and began working during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her experiences in Long Term Care opened her eyes to gaps within the healthcare system and the crucial role advocacy plays in improving the healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes. Outside of medical school, Duneesha enjoys lifting and sewing. 

Website General Committee Member

Hailey is a first-year medical student in the inaugural Southern Alberta Medical Program at the University of Calgary. Before medical school she completed an Honours BSc in Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Health Information Science at Western University. She is interested in translational health research, public health, and knowledge translation. Outside of school Hailey enjoys hiking, playing soccer, weight lifting, and cooking. 

Website General Committee Member

Pasindu is a second-year medical student at the University of Alberta and holds a BSc in Neuroscience from the University of Calgary. His research interests have led him to investigate the effectiveness of cannabinoids in epilepsy and help validate new technologies for neuroendovascular interventions. Alongside his research, he has been involved in advocacy initiatives with Canadian Blood Services and the Centre for Suicide Prevention. Together, these experiences have shaped his interest in health advocacy and making evidence-based healthcare information accessible and engaging. In his free time, Pasindu enjoys reading, running, and playing badminton.

Website General Committee Member

Lisa Moore is a first-year student at the Cumming School of Medicine’s Southern Alberta Medical Program (Lethbridge campus). Prior to entering medical school, she worked as a Physician Assistant in remote Indigenous communities. She had a previous career policy advisor and project manager, serving two provincial governments in Manitoba. She is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to advocacy efforts that will improve care for rural patients.

Website General Committee Member

Hi, my name is Shonchari and I am a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary. I recently graduated with a Bachelor of science in honours Neuroscience. I am passionate about advocacy and creating spaces where individuals feel that their perspectives, concerns and experiences are heard. I am especially interested in helping make important health and advocacy issues more accessible, increasing awareness of issues affecting communities across Canada and supporting initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices. Outside of medicine, I enjoy running, playing team sports and exploring new cafes and restaurants.  

Website General Committee Member

Sargam is a second-year medical student at the University of Alberta with a background as a Registered Nurse in Calgary. Before beginning medical school, she worked across several inpatient units, gaining first hand insight into the strengths and challenges of the healthcare system. These experiences shaped her commitment to improving patient care and supporting healthcare teams. Through advocacy and engagement, she aims to contribute to meaningful and positive healthcare reform.




Website General Committee Member

Ibrahim Khodabocus is an MD/PhD student at the University of Alberta, with aspirations of becoming a physician-scientist. He is passionate about understanding the mechanisms at play in disrupting cardiovascular homeostasis in critical care diseases, such as sepsis. Ibrahim's work spans a wide range of areas, from understanding basic biomolecular and physiological mechanisms at play in pathophysiology, to the application of medical physics and novel technologies such as functional genomics (proteomics, metabolomics) in medicine. As part of the AMA Medical Student Advocacy Committee, he hopes to bring insights into the value of impactful mentorship in fostering excellence and professional development in healthcare.

Website General Committee Member

Peter is a first-year medical student at the University of Alberta who brings a valuable perspective to health advocacy, having previously practiced as a Registered Nurse in Calgary. He is a passionate supporter of publicly administered healthcare and is dedicated to ensuring that the diverse health needs of Canadians are equitably addressed. Peter aims to tackle the systemic stressors driving the current healthcare crisis, including primary care shortages, surgical and emergency wait times, public health skepticism, and resource allocation. Outside of his studies, Peter enjoys cooking, playing board games, and the occasional TV series binge. 

Social Media General Committee Member

Luv is a medical student at the University of Calgary who completed a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology at the University of Alberta. During his undergraduate years, he volunteered with health initiatives that supported patients, promoted community wellness, and raised awareness about issues such as ER wait times and blood/stem cell donations. These experiences highlighted for him the importance of student advocacy in shaping conversations around healthcare, and he believes amplifying student voices is essential to driving meaningful change. As a Social Media Committee General Member, he looks forward to helping share student perspectives and promote advocacy initiatives across Alberta.

Social Media General Committee Member

Shivgeet is a medical student at the University of Calgary and a recent graduate of the University of Alberta, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Throughout her undergraduate studies, she was actively involved in initiatives that promoted mental health awareness, inclusivity, and community wellbeing. Her experiences range from providing peer support and advocacy to engaging in outreach projects. As a Social Media Committee General Member, Shivgeet looks forward to amplifying student voices, sharing meaningful stories, and promoting advocacy initiatives across Alberta.

Social Media General Committee Member

Hi! I’m Monica, a 1.5‑generation Filipino immigrant and first‑year medical student at the University of Calgary. I care deeply about disability advocacy and empowerment, newcomer health, and Indigenous‑informed care. I focus on accessible communication tools, mobility‑aid supports, translator services, and culturally grounded storytelling to help clinicians connect meaningfully with diverse patients.

Social Media General Committee Member

Ria is a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary and a graduate of the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at the University of Calgary. She is passionate about women's, children's, and mental health, as well as promoting equitable access to healthcare. As a member of the AMA Medical Student Advisory Committee, she looks forward to advocating for these causes within the public healthcare system.

Social Media General Committee Member

Ayla is a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary with a background in biological sciences and biotechnology. Her previous research focused on pediatric psychosocial oncology, examining the social outcomes of pediatric cancer survivors and the broader psychosocial impact of childhood cancer on their families. She is passionate about patient-centred care, health equity, and improving access to inclusive and responsive healthcare. In her free time, Ayla enjoys reading, baking, and listening to music.

Social Media General Committee Member

Hey everyone! My name is Wejdaan, and I'm a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary, where I also completed my BSc and MSc in Kinesiology. I'm excited to join the AMA Student Advocacy Committee's social media team and help share the work we're doing in a way that's engaging and accessible. I have a keen interest in how AI will shape the future of medicine, and in my free time you'll find me grabbing coffee and chatting about philosophy, politics, and ethics.

Social Media General Committee Member

I am a second-year medical student at the University of Alberta with an interest in improving healthcare systems to better serve Canadians. I am particularly interested in health policy because thoughtful policy changes can translate individual experiences into system-level improvements with broad and lasting impacts on patients and communities. Outside of medicine, I enjoy trying new recipes in the kitchen and staying active in the gym and outdoors.

Social Media General Committee Member

My name is Madi, and I'm a first year medical student at the University of Alberta in their Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP). I grew up on my family grain farm, and moved to Edmonton to complete my Bachelor's Degree in Biology at The King's University. I love the outdoors, enjoy various activities such as soccer and any kind of skiing, and am excited to be on this medical journey!

Social Media General Committee Member

Stephanie is a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary, where she previously completed her Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences degree in Biomedical Sciences. She is passionate about youth advocacy and advancing equity in healthcare and education. As a UNICEF Canada Youth Advocate, she has worked to raise awareness of child and youth mental health and advocate for more accessible, stigma-free mental health programming. Outside of medicine, Stephanie enjoys playing the violin, reading, and travelling. 

Podcast General Committee Member

I am a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary. Before medicine, I completed an Interdepartmental Honours in Immunology and a Master's in Human Genetics at McGill University. I am passionate about improving medical education/literacy accessibility, youth advocacy, and health equity for women and girls. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, whether it's hiking, sports, or watching a classic movie.

Podcast General Committee Member

Areej is a second-year medical student at the University of Alberta. A self-proclaimed huge yapper, she is passionate about advocating for important healthcare issues, particularly women’s health and improving social support for families navigating the healthcare system. She is excited to channel her love of conversation into meaningful discussions and contribute to important healthcare discourse through the AMA Advocacy Committee podcast!

Podcast General Committee Member

Nabeel Hameed is a second-year medical student at the University of Alberta. Before medical school, he completed a BSc in Psychology and a Bachelor of Education at the University of Calgary and worked in community engagement, advocacy, and humanitarian initiatives through the National Council of Canadian Muslims and Islamic Relief Canada. These experiences shaped his passion for community-centered advocacy, education, and amplifying voices that are often underrepresented in important conversations. As a Podcast General Committee Member, Nabeel hopes to help create meaningful and accessible discussions about healthcare, advocacy, and the issues affecting medical students and the communities they serve.

Podcast General Committee Member

Min Li is a first year medical student at the University of Calgary with a BSc in biochemistry and an MSc with research focused on AI in medicine. She is passionate about health advocacy, supporting accessible community initiatives, and addressing the needs of diverse populations, particularly those facing barriers to care. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing the clarinet, and playing badminton.

Podcast General Committee Member

Arsalan is a born and raised Calgarian, and completed his BHSc in Biomedical Sciences before starting medical school at the University of Calgary. He is passionate about investigating multifaceted issues in student wellness, and is excited to use AMA’s podcasting platform to advocate on behalf of his fellow Albertan medical students! In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, working out, and playing guitar.

Podcast General Committee Member

Vaishu is an MS1 at UofA (but from Calgary originally). She has an academic background in genetics & biotechnology and spent the past several years in Toronto for her undergrad and masters. Vaishu has spent time working in emergency medicine, allowing her to come face-to-face with many of the weak points of our healthcare system. These experiences have motivated her to use this opportunity to highlight relevant policy, systems solutions, and health equity & access issues to increase awareness among medical professionals and the broader public.

Podcast General Committee Member

I am a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary with a background in biomedical sciences. I was fortunate to have a lot of opportunities in undergrad research in the fields of neuroscience, synthetic biology and oncology and am really passionate about improving scientific education and communication. In my spare time, I love to read, paint, and scare neighbourhood dogs with terrible skateboarding. 

Podcast General Committee Member

Abdullahi Mohamed is a medical student at the University of Alberta. He is a co-founder of the AMA Medical Students Podcast and was the main co-host for season 1, where he works to amplify medical student voices and explore key topics in healthcare advocacy and leadership.

Podcast General Committee Member

Mahak is a first-year medical student at the University of Calgary. She completed her BSc in Biomedical Sciences and her Master's in Aging and Health. She worked as a Community Engagement Officer for an International Pandemic Preparedness Network and as a Research Assistant at SickKids before starting medical school. In her free time, she loves to hike, meditate, and spend time outdoors.