Western University - Neurosurgery - London
2023 R-1 Main Residency Match - first iteration
CMG Stream for CMG
Dr. Joseph Megyesi
339 Windermere Rd.
London, ON , Ontario, N6A 5A5
Program Contacts
General Instructions
Program application language: English
All applications will be acknowledged.
Please direct questions regarding the Neurosurgery CaRMS application/interview process to: Ashley Shaw, ashley.shaw@lhsc.on.ca
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)
Proof of current citizenship or permanent resident status must be provided by submitting one of the following verifications to CaRMS by File Review Opening Date (January 10, 2023). (Photocopies acceptable). No other forms of verification are acceptable:
- Notarized photocopy of Birth Certificate issued by an authority in Canada with any photo ID, or
- Notarized photocopy of Canadian Passport, or
- Notarized photocopy of Canadian citizenship certificate, Record of Landing; or
- Notarized photocopy of Permanent Resident Card/Canadian Citizen Card – copies of both sides of card must be provided and legible.
3 letters of reference are required, preferably from physicians with whom the student has worked or who knows the student well and can speak to their interest and suitability in the Neurosurgery program. References due by the CaRMS reference letter deadline.
Your medical school transcript can be submitted through one of the methods below:
- Obtain your medical transcript from your school and upload it directly to your CaRMS Online account. Follow your school’s policy regarding accessing or requesting your transcript;
- Ask your medical school to upload your medical transcript through their CaRMS Undergraduate Portal account; or
- International (IMGs) and United States (USMGs) medical graduates can transfer their transcript from their physiciansapply.ca account.
For current year Canadian medical graduates (CMGs), there is no action required from you. Your medical school will automatically submit your MSPR to CaRMS on your behalf for you to assign.
If your MSPR is in a language other than the program language of English or French, you are required to have the document translated.
The candidate should provide a letter indicating the reasons for interest in neurosurgery, preferred career development (academic, private practice, etc) outside hobbies and interests.
Custom Résumé / CVReview Process
Applications submitted after file review has opened on January 10, 2023
Supporting documents (excluding letters of reference) that arrive after file review has opened on January 10, 2023
Letters of reference that arrive after the unmasking date on January 10, 2023
Applications are reviewed by the Neurosurgery Residency CaRMS Review Committee, alongside the Program Director. All applicant information including CV, references, education background, and extracurricular activities are reviewed in great detail prior to the interview selection process. Please ensure that all of the information is accurate and submitted by the CaRMS deadline. Items received after the deadline will not be reviewed.
Interviews
Dates:
- February 21, 2023
Selection Criteria
Program goals
The Neurosurgery Program at Western is designed to enable residents to achieve all of the relevant clinical and non-clinical skills related to the practice of adult neurosurgery, including the mastery of all CanMEDS competencies relevant to the practice of neurosurgery, and to prepare residents to successfully sit the Royal College Exam in Neurosurgery.
Our mission, based on the collaboration and dedication of our experts and partners, is to provide an outstanding training experience in neurological disorders, deliver world class care to patients and their families, and produce world class neuroscience research.
Selection process goals
From the list of candidates, individuals who have a proven interest in neurosurgery as determined from their applications are preferred. Interest may be shown through: demonstrated strong academic performance; reference letters from physicians with whom the candidate has had clinical experiences; personal attestation shown in the form of an essay, discussing candidate's interest in neurosurgery (same as personal letter). Please note: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we do not require applicants to have completed electives.
Currently, the neurosurgery program accepts applicants through the Canadian Resident matching Service (CaRMS) and one IMG applicant through their sponsoring agency.
File review process
Review team composition : All applications are reviewed by the Program Director. Due to time constraints, we are not able to offer all candidates interviews. Candidates will meet with 3 interview panels: One comprised of 4-5 neurosurgeons and nurse practitioner(s), one comprised of the Program Director and 3-4 faculty members, and one comprised of 4-5 residents.
Average number of applications received by our program in the last five years : 0 - 50
We receive 20-40 applications per year.
Average percentage of applicants offered interviews : 76 - 100 %
| File component | Criteria |
|---|---|
| CV | Evidence of appropriate medical training. |
| Electives | We do not consider elective choice as a screening measure for an interview. |
| Examinations | We do not evaluate this file component. |
| Extra-curricular | Evidence of a well-rounded individual. |
| Leadership skills | Evidence of successful leadership. |
| MSPRs | Ensuring no “red flags” such as failures, academic sanctions, etc. |
| Personal letters | Ability to express reason for interest in Neurosurgery and display excellent command of the English language. |
| Reference documents | Evidence from referees that this individual would be a good fit for a Neurosurgical program. |
| Research/Publications | Evidence of an interest in academic pursuits. |
| Transcripts | Ensuring no “red flags” such as failures, academic sanctions, etc. |
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 | Evidence when answering questions of abilities to work effectively in a team setting. |
| Collegiality | Evaluated based on behaviour witnessed on the interview day. |
| Communication skills | Ability to clearly answer questions and to effectively convey interest in the program. |
| Health advocacy | Ability to advocate for patient's interests and demonstrates commitment to patients/community. |
| Interest in the discipline | As expressed verbally and by electives completed. |
| Interest in the program | We inquire as to what draws applicants to apply to our program. |
| Leadership skills | Evidence to take initiative in clinical setting and candidate demonstrates leadership skills. |
| Professionalism | Evidence of ability to maintain a professional demeanor at all times, including conflicts. |
| Scholarly activities | Evidence of interest in research, education or pursuit of scholarship. |
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
Program Curriculum
This residency program is for 6 years.
Program length of training does not exceed the Royal College or College of Family Physicians of Canada standard.
Neurosurgery is that specialty which concerns itself with the study, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of abnormalities and diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system.
Residency Training Program Start Date - All programs at Western commence on July 1, 2023. Residents are strongly encouraged to attend a one-day Orientation in London, Ontario. Date TBD.
|
Description |
Duration |
Sites in which this training may be taken |
|
Neurosurgery
Neurology Neuroradiology Neuropathology Trauma Surgery Orthopedic Spine Surgery ICU/Critical Care Medicine Neuro ICU Consult Medicine Otalarygology Plastic Surgery Radiosurgery |
47 blocks
3 blocks 1 block 3 blocks 1 block 1 block 3 blocks 1 block 1 block 1 block 1 block 1 block |
University and Victoria Hospitals (At least 6 blocks must be at VH), and Windsor Regional Hospital. UH: Adult neurosurgery VH: Pediatric neurosurgery, neurotrauma WRH: Community neurosurgery
University and Victoria Hospitals University and Victoria Hospitals University Hospital Victoria Hospital Victoria Hospital University and Victoria Hospitals University and Victoria Hospitals University and Victoria Hospitals University and St. Joseph's/Victoria Hospital St. Joseph's Health Care Toronto General Hospital
|
c) Elective Content of Training
|
Description |
Duration |
Sites in which this training may be taken |
|
Elective / Research |
13 blocks |
N/A |
Training Sites
Resources
London Health Sciences Centre - Victoria Hospital & University Hospital
Children's Hospital of Western Ontario
Robarts Research Institute
Windsor Regional Hospital
Toronto General Hospital
The Division of Neurosurgery at the Western University consists of twelve consultant neurosurgeons, with clinical and academic interests encompassing the full scope of neurosurgery. The clinical case load is one of the largest in Canada (in excess of 1600 operative cases per year). Areas of particular expertise include neurovascular and endovascular surgery, epilepsy and functional neurosurgery, neuro-oncology and complex spinal disorders.
The Neurosurgical training program takes place at the London Health Sciences Centre, consisting of two campuses. Adult Neurosurgery occurs at the University Campus which is attached to the University of Western Ontario Medical School and the Robarts Research Institute. Pediatric Neurosurgery takes place at the Children's Hospital of Western Ontario which is part of the Victoria Campus. The regional trauma centre is also part of the Victoria Campus.
Additional Information
Prospective applicants wishing to be in touch with a resident in the Program may contact:
PGY5 Brendan Santyr, brendan.santyr@lhsc.on.ca
PGY1 Rana Moshref, rana.moshref@lhsc.on.ca
PGY1 Dickson Wong, dickson.wong@lhsc.on.ca
FAQ
1. Do you review late applications?
No, we do not consider late applications, nor late submissions of files.
2. Will interviews be virtual? Where will they take place?
All CaRMS interviews across Canada will be virtual for the foreseeable future. Our program uses Western University approved Zoom Video Communications for interviews.
3. May I participate in an observership prior to applying or interviewing?
Yes, London Health Sciences Centre has approved observership opportunities since the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are interested in an observership opportunity, please contact our Program Administrator Ashley Shaw (ashley.shaw@lhsc.on.ca)
4. How many resident positions do you take each year?
We accept two CaRMS applicants and one IMG applicant each year into our program.