PMSA Executive Team 2023-2024
President: Emily Balchan
Program & Year: Bachelor of Science in Physiology with a minor in Pharmacology, Fourth Year Being a premed is a wild ride. With so many roads to take and options to choose from, I believe that it’s important to acknowledge and encourage students throughout the entire process. As this year’s president, I hope to organize and provide a variety of events, seminars, resources, and much more to all premed students. I understand the struggles that most premeds face (being a premed myself) so my ultimate focus with the club this year is to make the journey as smooth as possible! Fun Fact: I’m an Edmonton Oilers fanatic and LOVE watching hockey! |
Secretary: Claire Hopkins (she/her)
Program & Year: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Fourth Year
I want to help pre-med students make connections and help build a supportive community of students seeking to pursue a career in medicine.
Fun Fact: I have a twin sister!
Program & Year: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, Fourth Year
I want to help pre-med students make connections and help build a supportive community of students seeking to pursue a career in medicine.
Fun Fact: I have a twin sister!
Co-VP Community Engagement: George Spornic
Program & Year: Immunology and Infection, Fifth Year
I wanted to find a group of similar minded people that share my goals to pursue medicine and also to share my knowledge with people that are just now considering Med School!
Fun Fact: I'm a performing folk-dancer and I perform at many venues such as Heritage Days in August!
Program & Year: Immunology and Infection, Fifth Year
I wanted to find a group of similar minded people that share my goals to pursue medicine and also to share my knowledge with people that are just now considering Med School!
Fun Fact: I'm a performing folk-dancer and I perform at many venues such as Heritage Days in August!
Co-VP Community Engagement: Ziad Zahoui
Program & Year: Bachelor of Science in Honours Nursing, Fourth Year I want to help create equitable access to all those beginning their medical school journey. As a strong believer in community engagement, I hope to share fun initiative and community events you can get involved in the short and long term. Furthermore, as a researcher and active community memeber, I want to help students become more well-rounded. Fun Fact: I enjoy bouldering and have a hot wheels collection :) |
VP External: Robert Bissoondatt (he/him)
Program & Year: Bachelor of Science in Honours Biochemistry, Third Year Getting involved with PMSA is an essential part of my being an engaged member of the pre-med community at UAlberta. The pre-med student is becoming increasingly diverse and multi-disciplinary. We must leverage this diversity to build a collaborative and compassionate network of future medical leaders. As VP external, I am tasked with several exciting events including Canadian and international medical school seminars, and an ethics in medicine session. I look forward to maintaining our members’ connections to other student-led groups and initiatives on and off campus. Above all else, I hope to share some of the advice that’s helped me thus far, and to support a pre-med community rooted in life-long learning and inquiry. Fun Fact: I am an enthusiast of vintage cars, design, and architecture. |
VP Fundraising: Hiba Zahid (she/her)
Program & Year: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Second Year I feel like the best way to learn new things is to do it with other people. I wanted my pre-med journey to be filled with people that were facing similar challenges as me so that we could help each other grow and learn. It’s also more impactful when you can form a support group that knows exactly what you’re going through mentally and academically :) Fun Fact: I’m a certified Hairdresser (if all else fails, I guarantee I’ll give discounts for haircuts to aspiring medicine students in the future 🫣) |
PR & Marketing Team: Michael Owanga (he/him)
Program & Year: Bachelor of Science in Honours Biochemistry, Third Year I wanted to network with other premeds. I am a part of some organizations that need volunteers and I felt that being on the PMSA would allow me to share those volunteer positions with people who would be most interested. Fun Fact: I can sew, knit and crochet and I sometimes make my own clothes |
PR & Marketing Team: Zeinab Elhassan (she/her)
Program & Year: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Business, Fifth Year Through my role with PMSA, I hope to share opportunities and educate others interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Additionally, a primary goal of mine this year is to promote self-care and wellness. This journey can be tough, yet rewarding, so it is equally important that we take care of ourselves! Fun Fact: I love to bake and do yoga. I also collect keychains! |
PR & Marketing Team: Ahladita Singh (she/her)
Program & Year: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Third Year I wanted to be part of a student group that has like minded individuals, and could share my passion for medicine and science! Being a part of PMSA also allows me to not just educate others about the pre-med journey but get to learn a lot for myself! Fun Fact: I look cooking, and my specialty is Italian cuisine! |
VP Finance: Maria Karuvilath (she/her)
Year: Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Third Year The premed journey can be draining in many ways and I hope that through the PMSA, we can find ways to ease the strain many U of A pre-medical students may be feeling whether that be through mental health support, finding ways to make resources more accessible or creating a space where everyone can find the guidance they need! Fun Fact: When I am not focused on school I am almost always doing something dance related, whether that be practicing or teaching. I am actually the president of the U of A Bollywood Dance Club! |
Co-Volunteer Coordinator: Eugene Hahn (he/him)
Program & Year: Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, Second Year
I want the chance to work alongside other fellow executives to provide opportunities, guidance, and resources to a community of like-minded pre-meds. I hope to create a friendly environment that motivates and encourages one another to overcome similar obstacles on our journey to med school.
Fun Fact: Some of my favourite passions outside of school are teaching hockey and working out!
Program & Year: Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, Second Year
I want the chance to work alongside other fellow executives to provide opportunities, guidance, and resources to a community of like-minded pre-meds. I hope to create a friendly environment that motivates and encourages one another to overcome similar obstacles on our journey to med school.
Fun Fact: Some of my favourite passions outside of school are teaching hockey and working out!
Co-Volunteer Coordinator: Shreya Minocha (she/her)
Program & Year: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Fourth Year I hope to connect with people of similar passions and create a positive environment that encourages growth and wellness through our journey to Medical School. Fun Fact: I love to read and recently started a small book collection! |
MCAT Director: Irene Kim
Program & Year: Bachelor of Science in Honours Neuroscience, Third Year I understand that the path to medicine is a challenging one, but through the position of MCAT Director, I hope to lessen that struggle and provide guidance with effective MCAT preparation resources. Along with this, I want to help create an engaging and supportive community where pre-med students can share some of their motivation, goals, and values. Outside of school, you can find me playing some jazz tunes on the trombone! |
VP Internal: Harleen Multani
Program & Year: Bachelor of Science in Honours Psychology, Fourth Year As VP Internal for PMSA this year, I hope to educate students on ethics and the importance of research. I’ll be in charge of the seminars on these topics. I hope to highlight their role when applying to medical schools. I’ve always had an ambition of helping people. This, coupled with my interest in studying science, is why I decided to pursue a career in medicine. It’s an interesting and stimulating field. There’s always something new to learn! A fun fact about me is that I love to travel to new places often as you get the chance to experience and learn about different cultures. |