University of Manitoba - Urology - Winnipeg
2021 R-1 Main Residency Match - first iteration
CMG Stream for CMG
Last approved on January 19, 2021
Summary of changesAccreditation status : Accredited
Provincial Criteria
Health Sciences Centre
Rm 345 - 825 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg MB, Manitoba, R3E 0T2
Program Contacts
Important Information
The Postgraduate Medical Education Orientation for all residents, which is MANDATORY, will be held on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.
Competency Based Education
To contribute to the success of Canadian physicians and the delivery of high-quality patient care, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada has embarked upon an initiative to introduce competency-based medical education (CBME) in Canadian postgraduate specialty training and in professional practice in Canada. This initiative, called Competence by Design (CBD), aims to enhance patient care by aligning medical education and lifelong learning with evolving patient needs and empowering learners to more fully engage in their education process.
CBD will use time as a framework rather than the basis for progression. It is not anticipated that the duration of training will change for the majority of trainees. Residency programs will be broken down into stages, and each stage will have a series of milestones based on required competencies. These milestones will create more targeted learning outcomes and involve more frequent, formative assessments within the clinical workplace to ensure residents are developing and receiving feedback on the skills they need.
The Royal College anticipates that all specialty and subspecialty programs in Canada will adopt CBD in gradual phases. All disciplines have been divided into seven cohort groups, each of which will adopt CBD at different times. As our new PGY1s enter training in July, the class of 2023 will be entering into the Foundations phase.
All CBD programs continue to undergo the same rigorous accreditation processes as traditional programs. All CBD programs (and traditional programs) will continue to lead to Royal College approved certification. Certification for trainees in both CBD and traditional programs will include the completion of a Royal College examination; however, residents in CBD programs will also be assessed against program milestones throughout their training. Within a CBD program, all milestones (documented within an electronic portfolio) and the Royal College examination must be successfully completed to achieve certification.
For more information, please contact cbd@royalcollege.ca.
Return of Service
The following applicants will be required to sign a Return of Service “ROS” contract with the Province of Manitoba. The ROS commitment is commensurate with the length of the training program.
- All applicants entering the Family Medicine – Northern Remote Stream (including transfers into the program)
- All IMGs entering all training programs
IMGs already holding a return of service obligation must disclose these obligations at the time of application. IMGs who have undischarged return of service obligations may not be eligible to begin training in a position funded by Manitoba Health.
Such individuals may wish to contact Shared Health at pmao-residents@sharedhealthmb.ca for more information.
General Instructions
Program application language: English
As per CaRMS and below.
You are required to fulfill ALL of the most current Provincial Criteria for Canadian Medical Graduates for Manitoba
The criteria can be found at: https://www.carms.ca/match/r-1-main-residency-match/eligibility-criteria/manitoba/
Supporting Documentation / Information
• Canadian Birth Certificate or Act of Birth
• Certificate of Canadian Citizenship
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence in Canada
• Passport page showing Canadian Citizenship
• Canadian Permanent Resident Card (both sides of card)
• IELTS
Language Proficiency
English is the language of study at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba. All applicants whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency to CaRMS by the file review opening date.
CMG/USMG
- If you graduated from an English medical school in Canada or the US, you are exempt from providing proof of language proficiency.
Candidates who attended medical school in Quebec or the University of Ottawa where the language of instruction or the primary language of patient care was not English, must fulfill the English Language Proficiency requirements.
IMG’s
- IMG applicants must fulfill the English Language Proficiency requirements.
Candidates are exempted from English language proficiency testing under the following circumstances:
- the language of instruction and patient care throughout the entire undergraduate medical education curriculum was in English. A letter of attestation obtained directly from the Dean of the candidate’s medical school confirming that the majority of the language of instruction and patient care was conducted in English is required.
- their undergraduate medical education was taken in English in one of the countries that have English as a first and native language (see list below)
All other candidates must have taken the Academic Version of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 7 in each component with an overall band score of no less than 7 in the same sitting. IELTS scores will be considered valid for 2 years from the date taken.
List of countries that have English as a first and native language - Countries: Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America, US Virgin Islands - Caribbean Islands: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Grenadines, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago
Please note the following:
- Photocopies are acceptable.
- Language Proficiency Attestations will not be accepted from the candidate or a third party.
- Language Proficiency results will not be accepted by fax or e-mail.
Please note, for the 2021 R-1 Match cycle, the IELTS Indicator will be accepted as a substitute for the Academic Version of the IELTS.
Three letters of reference are required. Additional weight may be given to references from urologists.
In addition to the the CaRMS application, a personal letter is required. As an applicant you should discuss why you wish to pursue Urology as a career and express your goals, experiences and interests in extramural activites including cultural and sporting interests. Length of the personal letter should not exceed two pages.
Custom Résumé / CV Photo“CASPer™ Test – New for 2019 Match
All applicants must complete a CASPer™ (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) test. CASPer is an online test which assesses for non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics.
Test dates for 1st Iteration: A limited number of test dates and times will be available in October. Please note these are the only testing dates available and no additional tests will be scheduled.
To see an example of the test structure and schedule a test, please visit take CASPer.com http://www.takeCASPer.com
Please direct any inquiries on the test to support@takecasper.com<support@takecasper.com
Medical Student Performance RecordOrder from your Dean's office
Medical School TranscriptOrder from your Registrar
If you have any publications, please send the abstract only.
Review Process
Applications submitted after file review has opened on February 8, 2021
Supporting documents (excluding letters of reference) that arrive after file review has opened on February 8, 2021
Letters of reference that arrive after the unmasking date on February 8, 2021
All completed application received by the deadline will be reviewed by the Urology Admissions Committee.
Interviews
Dates:
- March 27, 2021
- March 28, 2021
Selection Criteria
Selection Criteria will include:
A keen interest for Urology as well as suitability for a career in Urology as demonstrated by:
- 3 Reference letters
- Personal letter
- Academic Transcript
- Personal Interview
- Previous degrees (awards)
- Research interest (published)
- Class standing
- All applicants must complete a CASPer™ (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) test. CASPer is an online test which assesses for non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics. Dates for this year's CASPer tests are as follows:
- Thursday December 10, 2020 (8pm EST)
- Tuesday January 5, 2021 (8pm EST)
- Sunday January 10, 2021 (2pm EST)
https://takecasper.com/dates-times/
Program goals
We strive to train highly motivated residents in urologic surgery through a rigorous didactic curriculum and high volume of clinical cases. We have a collegial group of residents and staff and prioritize a team approach to practicing medicine. We offer a well-rounded educational experience that encourages a balanced lifestyle.
By the end of training, we expect to graduate urologists who are confidant, safe and ethical urologists who can work in the community or further their training with a fellowship. We value our residents and work closely with them beyond didactic teaching including career counselling at every stage of training. Our mission extends beyond training and also focuses on job acquisition. We form life-long relationships and remain invested in our trainees beyond graduation.
Selection process goals
We identify applicants who have demonstrated the following:
- Interest in Urology: We prioritize applicants who have spent time acquiring a broad range of Urology exposure and electives.
- Aptitude and excellence in CanMed roles: As demonstrated through medical school evaluations particularly from non-Urology core rotations including internal medicine and general surgery.
- Leadership skills: We appreciate experience in both medical and non-medical activities that demonstrate leadership skills.
- Research interest and experience: Applicants are recommended to acquire some experience in research (e.g. conference presentations or publications)
- Balanced lifestyle: We appreciate the vast array of interests outside of medicine and celebrate applicants who can follow their passions while concurrently pursuing academic excellence.
File review process
Review team composition : Our main review committee consists of the Program Director, designated Faculty members, and two resident representatives. The unsolicited opinions of all members of the Section members are considered.
Average number of applications received by our program in the last five years : 51 - 200
We receive a large number of applicants each year. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer interviews to everyone and applications will be pre-screened accordingly. We consider ALL applications including those from students who have done on-site electives and those who have not.
Average percentage of applicants offered interviews : 26 - 50 %
| File component | Criteria |
|---|---|
| CV | We review and evaluate the content, including research, electives, publications and e/c activities |
| Electives | Broad urology exposure expected |
| Examinations | Undergraduate medical exam scores are reviewed |
| Extra-curricular | Non-medical interests are an asset |
| Leadership skills | Extra-curricular activities that demonstrate the pursuit of leadership skills are valued |
| MSPRs | Demonstrated inter-personal skills |
| Personal letters | Please use this as an opportunity to showcase something unique about yourself. |
| Reference documents | 3 Reference Letters |
| Research/Publications | We appreciate documented efforts showing engagement in research activities |
| Transcripts | Academic excellence required |
| Other file component(s) | We do not utilize social media as a means to evaluate applicants. |
Elective criteria
Interview process
Interview format :
We may accommodate requests to re-schedule interviews for applicants due to weather, technology failure, or unforeseen circumstances.
| Interview components | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Collaboration skills | Demonstrated ability to work as a team member |
| Collegiality | Behavior, attitude and ability to work with other members of the health care team |
| Communication skills | Excellent interpersonal skills |
| Health advocacy | Encompasses direct service to the individual or family |
| Interest in the discipline | Essential |
| Interest in the program | We value our training program and its members and expect applicants to show an appropriate interest |
| Leadership skills | We are seeking individuals who are motivated and engaged |
| Professionalism | Professionalism is paramount |
| Scholarly activities | Awards and scholarly activities are appreciated |
| Other interview component(s) | Personality and communication skills are of paramount importance. We are looking for applicants that will integrate well with our cohesive group of residents and staff. |
Information gathered outside of CaRMS application
Specifically, we may consider:Ranking process
The behavior(s) exhibited below during the interview process may prevent an applicant from being ranked by our program :Program Highlights
The Urology Residency program at the University of Manitoba is an accredited, five-year program, that is dedicated to training and developing fully qualified and competent Urologists who are professional, ethical and morally sound. Our trainees dedicate themselves to the high standards of urological practice and contribute to the provision of total patient care. The program is based out of the Health Sciences Centre, Children’s Hospital and St. Boniface General Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We primarily serve the City of Winnipeg, but also provide services to the Provinces of Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario and Nunavut resulting in a catchment population of over 1 million people.
The program offers a wide range of adult and pediatric urological services, including urological oncology, endourology, infertility, andrology, reconstructive urology, voiding dysfunction, transplant urology and general urology. Staff are trained in open, laparascopic and microscopic surgery. The pediatric urologists provide tertiary care in virtually all aspects of pediatric urology.
There are currently 9 residents in the University of Manitoba program. There are 10 Urologists in the training program with special expertise in pediatric urology, oncology, prosthetics, urodynamics, infertility, erectile dysfunction, metabolic stone disease, endourology, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and transplant. Residents are therefore exposed to all of these areas at a tertiary level.
Program Curriculum
This residency program is for 5 years.
Program length of training does not exceed the Royal College or College of Family Physicians of Canada standard.
Rotations have been established in accordance with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Specialty Training Requirements in Urology. Our curriculum has also been designed to concurrently satisfy the requirements for the American Board of Urology.
Each academic year commences on July 1 and ends on June 30. The academic year is divided into 13 blocks of training, each block starts on a Wednesday and ends on a Thursday, they are 28 days in length with the exception of block 1 and 13. Residents are required to complete 26 blocks of Surgical Foundation training in accordance with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Specialty Training Requirements in Surgical Foundations.
Residents are granted 28 days of vacation (including Saturdays and Sundays) which are requested and granted by the Chief resident and Program Director.
PGY-1 & 2
The first two years of the 5 year Urology Residency consist of Surgical Foundations training. Rotations are selected jointly by the Urology Residency Program and the Surgical Foundations Program Directors.
These rotations, along with the Surgical Foundations Seminar Series, have the resident prepared to pass the Royal College Surgical Foundations Examination and serve as the basis for the future years of Urology training.
Current Surgical Foundation Rotations:
PGY 1
1 Block - Trauma Surgery
2 Blocks - Pediatric Surgery
2 Blocks - Acute General Surgery
6 Blocks - Urology
1 Blocks - Elective (off-service)
1 Blocks - 28 days of vacation
PGY 2
2 Blocks - General Surgery
2 Blocks - Vascular Surgery
2 Blocks - Intensive Care Unit
6 Blocks - Urology
1 Block - 28 days of vacation
During the Urology rotation, residents will be introduced to techniques of urology investigation, including endoscopy, management of urological emergencies and standard ward management, and will perform minor urological procedures under supervision.
PGY-3 to 5
All three years are spent in Urology. Residents are exposed to all forms of urological surgery and are expected to participate in all surgical procedures with progressively increased levels of responsibility. By the end of the the final year, residents are expected to be able to perform all standard major urological procedures in their entirety, under supervision.
PGY 3
9 Block - Urology
3 Block - Pediatric Urology
1 Block - 28 days of vacation
PGY 4
10 Block - Urology
2 Block - Community / Elective - flexibility is permitted regarding location and area of Urology
1 Block - 28 days of vacation
PGY 5
12 Blocks - Urology
1 Block - 28 days of vacation
ACADEMIC TIME
ACADEMIC HALF DAY (AHD)
Wednesday mornings represent our Academic Half Day (AHD) which is protected time directed towards resident teaching. These are mandatory for all residents and are attended by staff. Guest expert speakers from other specialties and outside institutions are regularly invited to our sessions to optimize the learning. In general, the following sessions comprise our AHD time:
Caes presentations
Interesting cases are presented, followed by lively and open discussion among residents and attending surgeons. The focus is on management and Royal College oral-exam preparation.
Morbidity and Mortality Rounds
Complications are presented, followed by lively and open discussion among residents and attending surgeons. The focus is in recognizing and learning from these cases.
Uro-Oncology Rounds
These sessions are a multi-disciplinary sessions attended by Urology, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology and Pathology to discuss unique and interesting oncology cases.
Guideline review
Interactive sessions with residents and one attending have a didactic session on various contemporary CUA and AUA urological guidelines.
Urology school
Each week a designated staff reviews select Campbell's Urology chapters.
JOURNAL CLUB
Journal Club takes place in the evening 8-10 times per year.
EXAMINATIONS
We host 4-6 regular exams annually for our trainees including multiple-choice questions, image recognition and oral exams. All residents also participate in the AUA In-service exam each year.
SIMULATION LABS
PGY 1 and 2 residents participate in various surgical simulation sessions among their general surgery colleagues. Additionally, we host an annual animal lab dedicated to the Urology residents to focus on laparoscopic skills.
POST-GRADUATE RESIDENT CORE CURRICULUM
The Postgraduate Medical Education Dean's Office at the University of Manitoba provides Core Curriculum lectures and workshops for residents of all specialties, covering the CanMEDS competencies in such areas as: Communication and consultation skills; Teaching skills; Principles and Practice of Quality Assurance / Improvement Biomedical Ethics Medico-legal issues; Practice Management and Administration; Professional Boundaries and Public Speaking. The post-graduate office is dedicated to ensuring the success of surgical trainees.
RESEARCH
All residents are expected to be involved in ongoing clinical research projects and to give a formal presentation on their work on an annual basis at the Urology Residents Research Day. Residents are also expected and encouraged to submit their research for presentation at National and International meetings.
Training Sites
Resources
- Health Sciences Centre - Adult
- Health Sciences Centre - Children's Hospital
- St. Boniface Hospital - Adult
- Victoria Hospital - Adult
Educational Resources
- Library facilities are available at the Medical College, Health Sciences Centre, St. Boniface General Hospital, along with the Section of Urology Library
- Funding is provided to permit conference travel based on merit
- Resident's lounge with computers
Additional Information
Winnipeg is a city offering great arts and culture, neighbourhoods, recreational activities for all seasons and spectator sports.
Winnipeg is located in the centre of Canada and offers great accesibility by air and car. A less than 5 hour direct flight can take you to the beaches of Mexico!
Winnipeg offers competitive taxes, affordable housing, and low utility rates.
For more information on the City of Winnipeg, Province of Manitoba and Ontario Lake of the Woods please visit the websites provided below:
The Forks - Winnipeg's Meeting Place
Winnipeg Blue Bombers CFL Team
Winnipeg Goldeyes American Association of Independent Professional Baseball Team
Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Beaches of the Southeast Coast of Lake Winnipeg
Summary of changes
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