The Faculty & Trainee Spotlight Series shines a light on the incredible people who make up the heart of UBC Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Amidst the remarkable achievements and developments within the department, it is a pleasure to share the stories of the dynamic trainees and faculty who bring passion, curiosity, and insight that drive the areas of anesthesiology, pharmacology, and therapeutics forward.
Meet Ines Zuna!
Role: Anesthesia Resident, PGY-4
Site: UBC Vancouver
Ines Zuna began her journey into medicine through undergraduate and graduate training in pharmacology, where she developed a pharmacokinetics teaching model for healthcare professionals. That early work sparked a deep appreciation for both the intricacy of scientific inquiry and the challenge of translating complex evidence into meaningful clinical impact.
During her medical training, she pursued an MBA, further shaping her interest in leadership, health systems, and the design of strong clinical learning environments. Together, these experiences have come to define her approach to medicine — thoughtful, systems-aware, and grounded in education. They now inform her educational and leadership roles, including her recent service as lead resident and her contributions to national initiatives such as the Pediatric Transfusion Camp, a multidisciplinary curriculum dedicated to supporting safe and effective transfusion practice for pediatric trainees.
“Training has taught me how challenging it can be as a learner to resist the pull of comfort.”
— Ines Zuna, Anesthesia Resident PGY-4, UBC
What areas of research or practice are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about medical education, particularly curriculum design, assessment, and knowledge translation to support safe clinical decision-making. This work has shaped my interest in patient safety, with a focus on transfusion safety in peri-operative and high-acuity settings. Clinically, I am drawn to complex physiology and collaborative environments where preparation, communication, and systems awareness influence care. I am especially interested in the perioperative setting for its dynamic teamwork and the role of education and leadership in fostering supportive learning environments and improving patient outcomes.
What has surprised you most about your training?
Training has taught me how challenging it can be as a learner to resist the pull of comfort. While it’s tempting to hope for “easy” days, my most meaningful learning experiences have come from moments where I pushed myself intentionally (or unintentionally), into uncertainty. These experiences have shown me that growth rarely happens in ease, and that sustained development requires curiosity, effort, and a willingness to engage deeply with discomfort. It remains challenging, but I believe this approach has made me a stronger, more thoughtful clinician.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I was quite shy growing up, and my parents encouraged me to pursue theatre to help me come out of my shell. This sparked a lasting interest in the arts and creative expression, which has had a profound impact on how I communicate and relate to others. I continue to create art and engage in reflective writing to process challenging experiences and reflect on my growth throughout training. Recently, I began exploring poetry, and one of my pieces was accepted into an online medical arts magazine.
What do you enjoy doing outside of the hospital or lab?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband, family, and friends. I enjoy traveling and seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations where you can experience a different world away from the crowds. I love hiking and spending time outdoors, and have recently enjoyed hitting up the pickleball courts at Queen Elizabeth Park!