PARAphrase Fall 2012

PARAphrase/executive committee
Vice President Operations and Finance
Dr. Elliott Bogusz [bogusz@ualberta.ca]
With a MSc and a MD earned in Vancouver, Elliott has made Alberta his new home while he continues his
training in neurology. You can recognize him by his yellow biking bag, which he hauls around throughout
the year. An involved and outspoken advocate, he strives to learn the concerns of his fellow resident
physicians, develop practical strategies to address concerns, and bring those concerns to those that can
invoke change. His experience includes serving on the PARA Finance and Operational Review Committee,
the PGY-1 Committee, and the Netcare Portal Sub-committee. Prior to his work with PARA, Elliott was
the chair of BC Children’s Auxiliary where he volunteered with an enthusiastic team to raise thousands of
dollars, perform needs assessments, and implement health career panels. As president of toastmasters, he
honed his delegation skills, promoted the club, and facilitated reduced membership costs.
Edmonton & Northern Alberta Representative
Dr. Julie Kromm [jkromm@ualberta.ca]
Being born and raised in rural Alberta, Julie developed strong morals, dedication, and solid discipline.
These elements equipped her for her academic endeavors at the University of Alberta, where she obtained
her BMSc and MD degrees. Her ties to Alberta led her to continue her postgraduate medical training
in Edmonton, where she is currently a PGY-3 in Adult Neurology. Throughout her undergraduate and
postgraduate medical training, she has fostered an interest in both academics and administration. She
has contributed to various organizations including the Rural Physician Action Plan and the University
of Alberta Office of Rural and Regional Medicine. She loves mentoring and teaching medical students
about neurology. Along with the clinical duties of her residency and her responsibilities on the PARA
Executive, she spends her time doing stroke research, playing classical guitar, participating in various
sports, and enjoying time with friends and family.
Calgary & Southern Alberta Representative
Dr. David Weatherby [djweathe@ucalgary.ca]
David was born just outside of Halifax, Nova Scotia. To date, he is the only Weatherby to be born
outside of Great Britain. Growing up, he spent most of his free time playing soccer and progressing to
rugby throughout high school and university. He attended Dalhousie University for degrees in both
neuroscience and medicine. David (or, as he prefers, Dave) is grateful to have matched to the University
of Calgary’s Orthopedic Surgery Program and is currently in his third year.
To relax, Dave can mostly be found skiing, shoveling the driveway, or taking his three-year-old Labrador
retriever out for a run. He has one of the most supportive partners one could ask for and was recently
married in August 2012.
Past President
Dr. David Ward [david.ward@albertahealthservices.ca]
David is a fourth-year Nephrology resident physician in Calgary. He was born and raised in Lethbridge
and completed medical school in Calgary. Participation in PARA was not initially one of his plans but,
early in his first year of residency, a fellow colleague suggested he consider it as an opportunity to explore
other CanMEDS roles. Shortly after attending PARA’s annual Leadership Conference, he was nominated
by fellow resident physicians to the PARA Executive as the 2010/2011 Calgary and Southern Alberta
Representative. As the 2011/2012 PARA President, he helped PARA start the process of revisiting
its organizational structure and reflect on the importance of nurturing relationships through the complex
discussions around physician duty hours. Although residency and PARA involvement keep him busy,
he manages to stay balanced by pursuing his passions: physical activities, video games, reading, and
spending quality time with his wife, Caylee, and their two dogs.
www.para-ab.ca | volume 29 fall 2012 4