About Us
The Division of General Surgery provides clinical care to residents of Ottawa-Carleton and is a referral center for tertiary general surgical care for Eastern Ontario. Our Division provides clinical services and medical teaching at The Ottawa Hospital’s three campuses (Civic, General in-patient beds and ambulatory facility at the Riverside) as well as the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Our faculty members have a range of subspecialty interests including critical care and trauma, colorectal surgery, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, minimally invasive surgery, bariatric surgery, surgical oncology and breast surgery. Some of our faculty surgical oncologists are affiliated with the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, providing expertise to the Breast Oncology Program, the Melanoma Oncology Program and the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program.
Our postgraduate residency program follows the specialty training requirements and objectives specified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. A feature of our postgraduate education is that we offer a opportunities to work in a variety of settings including quaternary academic centers, community hospitals, and remote rural communities.
The Division of General Surgery’s mission is to continue to provide excellence in fulfilling its academic mandate and meeting the patient-care needs at The Ottawa Hospital and at CHEO.
A Message from our Division Head
Welcome to the Division of General Surgery at the University of Ottawa. We are extremely proud of our achievements in training capable surgical residents who will be the surgeons of the future. We provide a rich learning environment encompassing a spectrum from highly specialized surgeries to more common surgeries at the Ottawa Hospital, CHEO and our many affiliated community hospitals. This diversity and volume of surgeries will ensure that, as a resident, you have the opportunity to tailor your training to meet your eventual career goals. Our teaching faculty is made up of a group of highly talented, diverse, engaged surgeons who take pride in guiding residents through their training. We are proud to be located in Ottawa which is a wonderful place to live, providing many opportunities for recreational activities, summer and winter.
Dr. Giuseppe Pagliarello, MD, FRCSC
Division Head, General Surgery
“The General Surgery training program at UofO offers a rich, supportive environment where you can learn and thrive to become the best surgeon and the best person you can be.”
A Message from our Program Director
A well-trained general surgeon should pride themselves on their ability to manage surgically critically ill patients with acute trauma, lead the management of a variety of surgical oncological diseases as part of a multidisciplinary team, and skillfully manage benign surgical pathologies, all the while demonstrating leadership in research, surgical education, and health care system delivery.
Here in Ottawa, residents are an integral part of the care team. They are guided to gradual independence by a diverse, lively, and enthusiastic group of surgical educators that are to some capacity, involved in the above-mentioned activities.
Our graduated residents have moved on to deliver care in both large cities and remote communities, and embarked on specialty training across our country and its borders at reputable institutes, through mentorship from our excellent faculty.
General surgery residency is grueling in its nature, the training program does not need to be to produce excellent surgeons. If you are interested in a training program that aims to balance resident education, well-being and patient care, we look forward to your application.
Dr. Maher Matar, MD, MSC, FRCSC
Program Director, General Surgery
A word from the Chief
As the Chief Resident of the Ottawa General Surgery Residency Program, I want to extend a warm welcome to those considering joining our dynamic and thriving community. Our program is not just a training ground; it's a launchpad for your career as a surgical innovator and leader.
I like to describe Ottawa’s General Surgery program as a Goldilocks program - neither too large to lose that close-knit community feel nor too small to limit the breadth of experiences. What sets us apart is our commitment to tailoring your education to fit your career goals. Whether it be preparing for a career as a community surgeon or as a subspecialist, our program will ensure that you are well-prepared for the challenges of surgical practice.
We pride our program on being a unique blend of academic excellence and community exposure. We provide ample research opportunities to fuel your academic curiosity and drive innovation in the field. Our curriculum is also constantly adapting to the evolving needs of medical education, incorporating cutting-edge simulation programs and initiatives to prioritize your well-being as a learner.
Collegiality is the heartbeat of our program. You won't just find colleagues here; you'll find mentors, friends, and a support system that is unparalleled. Our residents and staff are deeply committed to your success, both professionally and personally. We are so excited for you to enter a community where collaboration is the norm, where success is shared, and where you build relationships that last well beyond residency.
In Ottawa, just like our program, you'll find a diverse array of experiences. It's a city that combines the charm of a small town with the amenities of a lively metropolis. Whether you're drawn to outdoor activities in Gatineau or crave the cultural buzz of a big city, Ottawa is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
As you embark on this exciting journey, we invite you to discover the distinctive opportunities that our program and city present. We look forward to meeting you, sharing our experiences, and helping you envision your future as a part of the Ottawa General Surgery Residency family. Feel free to connect with any of our residents or staff – we're here to guide you on your path to success.
Dr. Tori lenet, MD
Chief Resident
“We are so excited for you to enter a community where collaboration is the norm, where success is shared, and where you build relationships that last well beyond residency.”