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Executive Leadership

Meet the dedicated student leaders advocating for medical students at the University of Manitoba. Our executive council works to support, represent, and enhance the student experience across academics, wellness, and community engagement.

MMSA Executive Council 2025-2026

Dustin Erickson
Senior Stick

About Me

 

 

My Role at MMSA

 

Dr. Merril Pauls, He/Him/His
Honourary Senior Stick

About Me
I am an emergency physician who grew up in Winnipeg, trained at the University of Manitoba, and obtained emergency medicine credentials through the Department of Family Medicine. For the last 22 years I have been an emergency physician at the Health Sciences Centre and co-lead of ethics and professionalism education for UGME. 

 

My Role at MMSA
As Honorary Senior Stick I will be advocating for student interests and wellness, and working to amplify the voices of the amazing student representatives who serve with the MMSA. This is my second chance to do this (first in 2008-09) and I continue to be amazed and impressed by the enthusiasm, professionalism, and creativity of the students who are part of the MMSA. 

Ahmed Zalam
Vice Stick Internal Sr.

About Me

I am Ahmed Zalam, a third-year medical student passionate about medical education, patient advocacy, and health policy. I'm excited to be a part of the MMSA, and contribute to a strong, supportive community for all fellow students.

 

My Role at MMSA

As Vice Stick Internal Sr., I serve as the primary student voice on academic matters, representing students on curriculum and academic committees and working with UGME to make sure student feedback shapes how our education is delivered. My role focuses on strengthening academic resources and communication, so that students can find the policies, supports, and information they need without having to go looking for them.

Janan Zeid
Vice Stick Internal Jr.

About Me

I am Janan Zeid, a 2nd- year medical student passionate about medical education, student advocacy, and ensuring all voices are heard within our diverse medical student community. I’m excited to be a part of the MMSA and contribute to a strong, supportive community for all fellow students.

 

My Role at MMSA

As Vice-Stick Internal Junior, I work with the Vice-Stick Internal Senior on academic advocacy, Interest Group oversight, and various committee representations, helping strengthen collaboration between students, MMSA, and the UGME administration. My role focuses on ensuring student voices are heard in academic spaces, helping MMSA empower all medical students to make the most of their education.

 

Annie Jiang
Vice Stick External Sr.

About Me
Hi there, My name is Annie Jiang, a third year medical student passionate about student engagement, outreach and building strong connections within the medical community. I’m excited to be a part of MMSA, and to support medical students at the University of Manitoba by strengthening external partnerships, creating new opportunities, and ensuring all voices are heard, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

 

My Role at MMSA

As Vice-Stick External Senior, I represent Manitoba medical students at the provincial and national level by working closely with external partners such as the Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS), Doctors Manitoba, and the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).

 

A key part of my role is serving as the MMSA student representative on the Doctors Manitoba Board of Directors, where I advocate for the learner perspective in discussions and initiatives on medical education, student well-being and professional development.

 

My role focuses on ensuring student voices are heard, keeping students informed about opportunities and decisions that impact their training, and fostering collaboration and inclusivity between MMSA and our external partners.

Rhea Gupta
Vice Stick External Jr.

About Me

I am Rhea Gupta, a second-year medical student passionate about health equity and student advocacy. I’m excited to be a part of the MMSA and contribute to a strong, supportive community for all fellow students.

 

My Role at MMSA

As Vice-Stick External Jr., I work with the VSE Sr. to build and strengthen relationships with external organizations such as Doctors Manitoba and the Canadian Federation of Medical Students. Through these partnerships, I help ensure Manitoba medical students stay informed about decisions, opportunities, and advocacy initiatives that shape our medical education and future careers. My role focuses on representing Manitoba medical students at the provincial and national levels and bringing student voices to the forefront, helping MMSA empower all medical students to make the most of their education.

Patricia C. Machekera
Vice Stick EDI Sr.

About Me

I am Patricia C. Machekera, a 3rd-year medical student passionate about advocacy, equity, and improving access and opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds in medicine. I’m excited to be part of the MMSA and contribute to building a strong, supportive community for all medical students.

 

My Role at MMSA

As Vice Stick EDI Snr, I support admissions policies and procedures, curriculum review, and collaborate with the VS EDI Jnr on working groups and the annual EDI & Global Health Conference. My role focuses on advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, promoting curriculum reform, and advocating for students. Through these initiatives, I hope to help MMSA empower all medical students to make the most of their medical education.

Aasiyah Siddiqui
Vice Stick EDI Jr.

About Me
I am Aasiyah Siddiqui, a second year medical student passionate about improving representation and access for students from diverse backgrounds in medicine. I’m excited to be a part of the MMSA, and contribute to a strong, supportive community for my fellow students.

 

My Role at MMSA
As Vice Stick EDI Jr, I oversee groups under the EDI portfolio which includes the Race and Ethnicity, 2SLGBTQIA+ and Accessibility working groups alongside the VS EDI Sr. As well as taking part in curriculum review, admissions policies and the annual EDI & Global Health Conference. My role works on advocating for current and incoming students and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, helping MMSA empower all medical students to make the most of their education.

Josh Broome
Treasurer Sr.

About Me
I'm Josh Broome (he/him), a Med 3 student as a part of the class of 2028. I have enjoyed my time exploring community medicine in smaller centers outside of Winnipeg as well as their local golf courses. I'm excited to be a part of the MMSA, and contribute to a strong, supportive community for all students. 

 

My Role at MMSA
As your Treasurer Sr. I work closely alongside the Treasurer Jr. to help manage all MMSA financial records. My role focuses on helping to allocate and process financial resources in a timely and efficient manner, helping the MMSA empower all medical students to make the most of their education.

Arshia Vosoughi
Treasurer Jr.

About Me 

I’m Arshia Vosoughi, a second-year medical student with an interest in student advocacy and community involvement. Before medical school, I studied accounting at the University of Toronto. Outside of school, I also coach public speaking, which has been a big part of my life for a number of years. I’m looking forward to being part of the MMSA and helping contribute to a positive experience for my classmates!

 

My Role at MMSA 

As Treasurer Jr., I work with the Treasurer Sr. to help with the MMSA’s budgeting, finances, and funding for student initiatives. I’m excited to bring my accounting experience to the role and help make sure MMSA funds are used responsibly and in ways that benefit students.

Dieko Oyegunle
Communications Representative Sr.

About Me

I am Dieko Oyegunle, a 3rd year medical student passionate about community engagement and student advocacy. With previous experience as a Community Outreach Representative, I value communication, collaboration, and creating spaces where students feel informed and connected. I’m excited to be part of the MMSA and help build a  supportive community for all medical students.

 

My Role at MMSA

As Communications Representative Senior, I oversee the MMSA’s communication platforms to ensure that important updates, events, and opportunities are shared clearly and consistently with the student body. My responsibilities include managing MMSA social media, maintaining and updating the website, coordinating newsletters, and distributing meeting minutes. My role focuses on keeping our community connected and making it easier for students to access the resources and opportunities available to them. 

Abigail Woytowich
Communications Representative Jr.

About Me

I am Abby Woytowich, a second-year medical student passionate about women’s health, planetary health and building community. I am so excited and grateful to be a part of MMSA for the upcoming year. 

 

My Role at MMSA

As Communications Representative Jr, I work closely with Communications Representative Sr. to keep the student body informed, ensuring that everyone has the information that they need to thrive at the Max Rady College of Medicine. In this role, I manage MMSA’s social media channels and keep everyone connected through emails. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out, I would love to hear from you. 

Mark Rauhaus
Wellness Representative

About Me

Hey everyone, my name is Mark Rauhaus and I am a second year medical student passionate about community health and wellness. For the 2026-2027 academic year I will be serving as your MMSA Wellness Representative and am excited to contribute to a strong, supportive community for all fellow students. Outside of school you can find me staying active, cooking, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

 

My Role at MMSA

As Wellness Representative, it is my role to create spaces where students feel supported and seen and organize student focused initiatives like the Snack Cart and Med Let's Talk. I will also be representing students on CFMS and Doctors Manitoba wellness committees, where my focus will be enhancing support and advocating for students. I am very excited to meet as many students as possible, if you are ever struggling in any way please come say hi or reach out to me!

Hareth Al-Hellawi
Global Health Liason Sr.

About Me

I am Hareth a second-year medical student passionate about global health and student advocacy. I’m excited to be a part of the MMSA, and contribute to a strong, supportive community for all fellow students.

 

My Role at MMSA

As Global Health Liaison Sr., I work with the various global health portfolios at the University of Manitoba and document our activities to CFMS. This includes but is not limited to our annual EDI conference, global health concentration program, exchanges and more. My role focuses on enhancing student experience by empowering medical students to participate in exchange programs, EDI education, reproductive health, Indigenous health, planetary health, and more; helping MMSA empower all medical students to make the most of their education.

TBD
Global Health Liason Jr.

About Me
 

 

My Role at MMSA

 

Kara Klassen
Government Affairs & Advocacy Committee Representative

About Me

 

 

My Role at MMSA

 

Arya Eftekharpour
University of Manitoba Student Union (UMSU) Representative

About Me

I am Arya Eftekharpour, a second medical student passionate about health advocacy and research. I’m excited to be a part of the MMSA, and contribute to a strong, supportive community for all fellow students

 

My Role at MMSA

As UMSU representative, I serve as a voting member on the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) Board of Directors, on behalf of MMSA. My role focuses on being a liaison between our student union and U of M medical students, helping MMSA empower all medical students to make the most of their education

Liam Eori
Senator

About Me

I’m Liam Eori, a second year medical student in the MD/MSc program with an interest in student leadership, advocacy and translational research. I’m excited to be a part of the MMSA and to represent both students and the association on the University of Manitoba Senate.

 

My Role at MMSA

As your Senator for the academic year, I will represent the MMSA at both the University of Manitoba Senate and the Student Senate Caucus. My focus will be on bringing forward the perspectives and concerns of medical students to the broader university community. My role will include advocating for the interests of medical students, strengthening communication between the MMSA and Senate leadership, and ensuring that the MMSA remains up to date and informed about decisions being made by the university.

Zoe Quill
IMSA VP External Sr.

About Me
I'm Zoe Quill, a member of Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, and a second-year medical student. I'm passionate about advancing Indigenous health equity and supporting community-driven care. I’m excited to be a part of the MMSA and to represent Indigenous medical students.

 

My Role at MMSA
As IMSA VP External Sr., I advocate for the meaningful integration of Indigenous health priorities within student initiatives and medical education. My role focuses on strengthening collaboration between the MMSA and the White Feather of Care (Indigenous Medical Students’ Association) and fostering a learning environment that supports and uplifts Indigenous medical learners.

TBD
IMSA VP External jr.

About Me
 


My Role at MMSA
 

Nolan De Leon
Research Program Representative

About Me
I am Nolan De Leon, a 3rd year MD/PhD student passionate about fetal and pediatric research, EDI, and finding the art hidden in life's ever-changing canvas. I’m excited to be a part of the MMSA, and contribute to a strong, supportive community for all fellow students.

My Role at MMSA
As the MMSA Research Representative, I help to guide students interested in pursuing research, whether that be through the B.Sc.med program, or by combining medical studies with graduate studies (MD/PhD, MD/MSc). My role focuses on helping medical students identify research topics of interest, connecting medical students with researchers , representing The University of Manitoba within the Clinician Investigator Trainee Association of Canada, and making research within medicine accessible to all through the Advanced Degrees in Medicine program, helping MMSA empower all medical students to make the most of their education.

Allison Afable
Event Programmer Sr.

About Me
I am Allison Afable, a third-year medical student passionate about cultivating a strong sense of community through cultural inclusion, equity, and meaningful engagement with students, peers, and patients. I’m excited to be a part of the MMSA, and contribute to a strong, supportive community for all fellow students.

My Role at MMSA
As a Social Programmer, I am actively involved in organizing events that strengthen relationships between students and staff. My role focuses on building an inclusive and connected community amongst the student body and staff, helping MMSA empower all medical students to make the most of their education.

Roland Salacup
Event Programmer Sr.

My Role at MMSA
As a Social Programmer, I am actively involved in organizing events that strengthen relationships between students and staff. My role focuses on building an inclusive and connected community amongst the student body and staff, helping MMSA empower all medical students to make the most of their education.

Wei-An Lau
Event programmer Jr.

About Me

I’m Wei-An, a second-year medical student passionate about mental health, fostering community, and creating safe spaces for everyone. I’m excited to be a part of the MMSA and contribute to a strong, supportive community for all fellow students.

My Role at MMSA

As Event Programmer Jr, I organize MMSA events throughout the year. My role focuses on enhancing the student experience and building connections between students and staff, helping MMSA empower all medical students to make the most of their education.

Esha Kaul
Event Programmer Jr.

About Me

 

My Role at MMSA

Raeann Benjamin
Student Lounge Coordinator

About Me
I am Raeann Benjamin, a third year medical student who is passionate about patient advocacy, holistic patient care, and advocating for period product accessibility. I am also very passionate about promoting healthcare provider and learner mental health and wellbeing, including work-life balance. I’m excited to be a part of the MMSA and to contribute to a strong, supportive community for all my fellow students.

My Role at MMSA
As student lounge coordinator, I ensure that the medical student lounge is an inclusive, clean, and practical space for medical students to relax, study, and catch up with their peers in. My role focuses on enhancing students’ experience at UManitoba, while helping the MMSA empower all medical students to make the most of their education. 

Danial Almasizadeh
MMSA Lounge Programmer Jr.

About Me


I am Danial, a class of 2029 medical student passionate about medical research and student well-being. I’m excited to be a part of the MMSA, and contribute to a strong, supportive community for all fellow students.


My Role at MMSA


As Lounge Programmer Junior, I collaborate with the Lounge Programmer Senior and caretaking services to maintain the furniture, recreational items, and general organization of the Med Lounge. My role focuses on ensuring the lounge remains a functional, comfortable, and inviting space for everyone to relax and recharge, helping MMSA empower all medical students to make the most of their education.

Class of 2027 Executive Council

Hello! We’re Dustin, Madeleine and Leah - the President and Academic Representatives for the class of 2027.

Our goal is to support our class in having a great first year in Medicine! To this end, we represent our class in multiple curriculum-related committees, act as liaisons between Faculty, administrative staff, and students, and work to resolve any academic or other school-related issues that may arise. As President, Dustin also oversees all the events and initiatives of our class’ student council, to ensure our year runs smoothly. It is an honour for us to represent the biggest Medicine class yet!

Joshua Waldman

President

Dominic Luyun

Academic Representative

Madeleine Hamilton

Academic Representative

Class of 2028 Executive Council

Hello! We are Amy, Kristi, and Jess, and we look forward to representing the Class of 2028 on MMSA. Together we sit on several UGME committees to advocate for our classmates and discuss a variety of topics pertaining to clerkship. As the Academic Representatives, Kristi and Jess also focus on providing academic supports to our peers. As President, Amy leads our Class Council. All of us share a primary goal of uplifting the class of 2028 and striving towards a positive, inclusive environment. If you have any questions or concerns, let us know anytime! 

Amy Lloyd

President

Kristi Loeb

Academic Representative

Jessica Toles

Academic Representative

Class of 2029 Executive Council

As Class President, Darci supports our council representatives and their initiatives throughout the year. Working closely with our Academic Representatives, Darci also advocates for our class on various committees within the College of Medicine. 

Anthony and Leanne, our Academic Representatives, provide learning support throughout the year and act as intermediaries with faculty on matters such as curriculum development and reform. Together, we strive to foster an environment that is collaborative, respectful, and where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

Darci Mowatt

President

Anthony Kozak

Academic Representative

Leanne Kuo

Academic Representative