Program Structure

This is a five-year post-MD program. The primary aim of the program is to train general surgeons within the goals and objectives set out by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. This includes meeting the goals of a medical expert/clinical decision maker, as well the other competencies defined by CanMEDS, namely Communicator, Collaborator, Leader, Health Advocate, Scholar and Professional. The residency training program is delivered within clinical teaching units at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH), The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), as well as other clinical facilities associated with the University of Ottawa. Training also takes place at the University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre.

• The first year (PGY-1) is divided into 13 four-week blocks. 10 blocks are spent in General Surgery with early exposure to subspecialty services including Colorectal Surgery, Surgical Oncology, HPB, and Breast Oncology. Non-surgical specialties including Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, and Gastroenterology. Residents in PGY-1 must also complete the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Provider Course and Surgical Foundations.

• In second year (PGY-2), 8 blocks are spent in General Surgery, with focus on subspecialties that a given resident has not yet had exposure to. As well, 4 one-month blocks are spent in Vascular Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, and Critical Care (Senior Resident). Residents have 1 elective block for which they can choose any specialty - including a one-month research block - subject to the PD’s approval.

• In third year (PGY-3), residents transition to senior residency. All 13 blocks are spent in General Surgery, at academic, community, and rural hospital sites. As well, there are blocks dedicated to endoscopy and ambulatory surgery.

• In fourth and fifth year (PGY-4) residents typically have 4 blocks of electives to travel to other institutions. The remaining blocks are general surgery blocks in academic, community, and rural settings, as well as blocks dedicated to endoscopy and ambulatory surgery. During this year, residents will also be studying for the Royal College as per the new CBD curriculum.

• In fifth year (PGY-5), residents split their time between academic, community, and rural settings, all in general surgery. There are also blocks dedicated to endoscopy and ambulatory surgery. This year is considered a consolidation year to hone your skills and prepare you for fellowship and practice.

Academic, Community & Rural Sites

In addition to the our main campuses, residents can tailor their education by completing rotations at our community hospitals and rural hospitals, including Qikiqtani General Hospital in Iqualuit.

Learn more about our training sites.

Maximize On-Service LearninG

After completing 4 non-surgical and 4 surgical off-service blocks on specialties that are key to becoming a well-rounded surgeon, residents can focus on getting OR experience and exploring career options.