Crest

University of Calgary - General Surgery - Calgary

2023 R-1 Main Residency Match - first iteration
CMG Stream for CMG

Last approved on September 26, 2022

Approximate Quota:

 5 

Accreditation status : Accredited

Provincial Criteria


Dr. Adrian Harvey
General Surgery 
FMC North Tower Room 1026 10th Floor 
1403 - 29 Street NW
Calgary, Alberta, T2N 2T9
403-944-8022
University of Calgary
University of Calgary

Program Contacts

General Surgery Residency Program
Dr. Ryan Rochon
Program Director
Erin.Layton@ahs.ca
403-944-8022

Dr. Mike Kwan
Co-Program Director
kwan.mike@gmail.com
403-944-8022

Dr. Renelle Daigle
Assistant Program Director
Renelle.Daigle@albertahealthservices.ca
403-944-8802

Erin Layton
Program / CaRMS Coordinator
Erin.Layton@ahs.ca
403-944-8022


Important Information

Calgary virtual interviews will be hosted Thursday, February 23, 2023. Additional dates will not be considered.  Successful applicants will be contacted via email.

Please refer all correspondence to Erin Layton  Email: Erin.Layton@ahs.ca Phone: 403-944-8022

 

Follow our twitter and instagram accounts to keep up to date with the medical student information sessions.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Calgarygensurg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Calgarygensurg


General Instructions

Program application language: English


Supporting Documentation / Information

Canadian citizenship
CaRMS partners with third-party organizations to verify your citizenship or permanent resident status. If your status is verified by one of these organizations, you will not need to provide citizenship documents in your application. If your citizenship status is not verified, you must provide one of the documents listed below.
Required
Submit one of the following documents to verify your Canadian citizenship:
• 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)
Language proficiency
Optional - will be reviewed
Submit one of the following documents to verify your language proficiency:
• IELTS
• Occupational English Test (OET) - Medicine
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) - General

IELTS, OET or CELPIP is required by CPSA for candidates from medical schools in Quebec except for candidates from McGill and for IMG candidates.  Please check CPSA https://cpsa.ca/ for ELP updates.

Reference documents
Required
Number requested: 3
Additional documents
Required
Medical School Transcript 

Your medical school transcript can be submitted through one of the methods below:

  1. 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;
  2. Ask your medical school to upload your medical transcript through their CaRMS Undergraduate Portal account; or
  3. International (IMGs) and United States (USMGs) medical graduates can transfer their transcript from their physiciansapply.ca account.

Photo 
[Note: Photograph is used as memory aid only]

Custom Résumé / CV 

Personal Letter 
Word count
Minimum : None
Maximum : 750

Maximum of 750 words.

Medical Student Performance Record 

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.

Optional - will be reviewed
Abstract/Publications 


Review 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


The General Surgery Resident Selection committee will review all applicants' files beginning in early January. Candidates will be ranked with the top 51 being invited for a virtual interview on February 23, 2023 from 0800 - 1630hrs. 

Please refer all correspondence to Erin Layton. Email: Erin.Layton@ahs.ca


Interviews

Dates:

  • February 23, 2023
 

Please refer all correspondence to Erin Layton Email: Erin.Layton@ahs.ca Phone: 403-944-8022

Program will notify all applicants through CaRMS Online and will send email invitations directly to applicants selected for an interview.
Due of the large number of applicants to our program, we are unable to interview all of the qualified applicants. Prior to granting interviews, all applicant files are thoroughly reviewed.  Candidates who are short-listed for interviews will be contacted via email. Interview dates are coordinated with all General Surgery Programs in Canada. Please ensure that you block the whole day for your interviews.

In order to maintain consistency and ensure convenience for all applicants, interviews are done on one day by a team of interviewers. Our program relies heavily on the use of a highly structured interview process. In view of the complexity of organizing such structured interviews, we will only be offering this type of interview on one day.  Each candidate will have two or three 20 minute interviews (conducted by faculty & residents) on February 23, 2023.  All applicants will have an opportunity to speak with the program director.

Please refer all correspondence to Erin Layton Email: Erin.Layton@ahs.ca Phone: 403-944-8022


Selection Criteria

ACADEMIC RECORD

REFERENCES: Please provide three letters of reference from general surgeons or other specialists.  Specific comments related to ability, interpersonal skills and interest in surgery are helpful.

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: Candidates should specifically address interests in clinical and / or basic science research.

PERSONAL LETTERS: A personal letter is required in which candidates outline their reasons for wishing to pursue a surgical career and training at University of Calgary. 

Please refer all correspondence to Erin Layton Email: Erin.Layton@ahs.ca Phone: 403-944-8022

Program goals

Teaching Mission:

To foster an educational environment in order for our trainees to develop into safe, competent, and appropriately confident general surgeons

Objectives: 

  • To develop medical expertise through a rigorous curriculum taught by content experts in both academic and clinical environments
  • To provide trainees graded responsibility in order to foster independent clinical decision making
  • To support life-long and individualized learning through enquiry, scholarly activity, and personal development
  • To teach principles of quality improvement and quality assurance as well as incorporating them into clinical practice
  • To foster social accountability and patient advocacy both at the individual and societal levels
  • To role-model collaboration and communication with patients, colleagues, and other health-care professionals
  • To develop general surgeons who will become leaders in their field through innovation, research, education, and clinical excellence

Selection process goals

Successful applicants will show promise of meeting and exceeding objectives noted in our program goals. 

Successful applicants will have a track record of academic excellence and experience in General Surgery. They will have a strong balanced application indicating intellectual interest and curiosity in General Surgery.

Succesful applicants will show an ability to develop medical expertise through clinical experience in general surgery.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a "thirst for knowledge" and demonstrate examples of life-long learning.

File review process

Review team composition : Each application is reviewed by the Program Director and at minimum one additional surgeon (usually 2 additional surgeons). Based on scores, all applications are ranked and the top 51 candidates are granted interviews.

Average number of applications received by our program in the last five years : 51 - 200

Average percentage of applicants offered interviews : 26 - 50 %

Evaluation criteria :
File component Criteria
CV All Aspects of the CV are considered.
Electives Elective experiences were severely limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be considering electives in file review to ensure the process is fair and equitable for all candidates
Examinations We do not evaluate this file component.
Extra-curricular All aspects of the applicants' extra-curricular activities are considered.
Leadership skills All aspects of the applicants' leadership skills are considered.
MSPRs All aspects of the MSRPs are considered.
Personal letters This will be strongly considered due to the inability to complete electives.
Reference documents All aspects of the Reference Documents are considered.
Research/Publications All aspects of the Research/Publications section are considered.
Transcripts All Aspects of the Transcripts section are considered.

Elective criteria

Elective experiences were severely limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be considering electives in file review to ensure the process is fair and equitable for all candidates.
We do not require applicants to have done onsite electives.

Interview process

Interview format :



We do not re-schedule interviews for applicants after we have completed the scheduling process.

Interview evaluation criteria :
Interview components Criteria
Collaboration skills A candidate's ability to collaborate in clinical and academic settings will be considered.
Collegiality A candidate's collegiality and ability to function within a team setting will be considered. This is a key attribute.
Communication skills A candidate's communication skills will be strongly considered.
Health advocacy Experience in health advocacy will be an asset to the candidate's application.
Interest in the discipline Interest in General Surgery supported by clinical experience, research, and professional references are strongly considered.
Interest in the program This is difficult to assess due to the limitations set by COVID 19.
Leadership skills A candidate's leadership skills will be strongly considered.
Professionalism Professionalism is the cornerstone of medical practice. It is a key attribute our program evaluates.
Scholarly activities A candidate's scholarly activities will be considered.

Information gathered outside of CaRMS application

We do not consider any information gathered outside of the CaRMS application and local interview processes.

Ranking process

The behavior(s) exhibited below during the interview process may prevent an applicant from being ranked by our program :
   
   
   


Program Highlights

The University of Calgary is a medium-sized program with the benefits of both a large and small sized General Surgery residency program. The majority of our core general surgery rotations occur between two main sites (Foothills Medical Centre and Peter Lougheed Centre) promoting close relationships with the staff and fellow residents very well. This helps facilitate mentorship opportunities and support networks. Calgary is a major academic centre with exposure to all general surgery subspecialties with the exception of liver transplant. The Calgary program offers residents opportunities to do community General Surgery rotations within Calgary and peripheral sites such as Lethbridge and Red Deer. Calgary is supportive of research and requires residents to participate in an annual resident research day to highlight their accomplishments. Residents are eligible to apply to formal research programs such as the Clinical Investigator Program and the Surgeon Scientist Program. Graduates of the Calgary program have been successful in obtaining community General Surgery positions directly after residency, as well as obtaining highly competitive fellowships within Canada and internationally.

Resident wellness is a priority. Happy and healthy residents are the cornerstone of a successful residency program. The Calgary General Surgery residency training program is a “family” that will support you in becoming a competent and confident General Surgeon!

Program Highlights:


CIP/SSP:

Office of Surgical Research (OSR):

The Office of Surgical Research provides members of the Department of Surgery with resources and supports to enhance research initiatives within the department. They offer various operational and salary support grants such as the Calgary Surgical Research Development Fund (CSRDF) as well as the Surgeon Scientist Program (SSP). They can assist with grant writing, ethics submissions, navigating policies, creating research goals, networking within the institution and statistical support. More information can be found at: https://www.ucalgary.ca/osr

Clinical Investigator Program (CIP):

The Clinical Investigator Program is a two-year accredited research program through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. The program gives residents and fellows the opportunity to pursue a MSc, PhD or Postdoctoral training as part of their training. In addition to salary support, the program offers weekly seminars and an annual research day as well as many added benefits such as software licenses, networking opportunities, peer review and so on. More information can be found at:https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/cip

Surgeon Scientist Program (SSP):

The Surgeon Scientist Program supports residents within the Department of Surgery to pursue a Masters or PhD while enrolled in surgical training. Funding of $60,000.00/yr is available on a competitive renewal system. Residents interested in pursuing advanced degrees at another institution often benefit from this funding as there is no requirement to pursue their degree at the University of Calgary. More information can be found at: https://ucalgary.ca/osr/node/51

Informal Mentorship:

Many residents have completed a Master’s degree or PhD during General Surgery Training.  Research mentorship in basic science and clinical projects are widely available.  Quality Improvement projects are strongly encouraged by residents.

Fellowships offered:

Hepatobiliary

Upper GI and Bariatirics

Colorectal

Surgical Oncology

Endocrine

Trauma Surgery

Vascular Surgery

Thoracics Surgery

 

Every year the residency program hosts a “resident wellness weekend” held in Banff, Alberta. The residents meet and engage in a series of sessions on topics of residents’ choice (i.e. family life, leadership, finances as a surgeon, mindfulness, sleep) as well as take part in a lot of fun activities such as skiing, skating, and hiking!  This weekend is planned to coincide with the Alberta Association of General Surgeons annual meeting.

Calgary is the home of the Calgary Stampede, as well as the Calgary Flames and Stampeders. Downtown is full of restaurants and entertainment for those that want to stay in the city on weekends. The mountains, with all their wonders are a short drive away.


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.

The five-year General Surgery residency training program at the University of Calgary is designed to meet the objectives of core training in surgery and provide broad-based training in the specialty of General Surgery.   Information is posted at this site and our website.  No other information can be obtained from our office.


Training Sites

The General Surgery Residency program is a five-year accredited program leading to full credentialing in General Surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Training occurs at five Calgary sites. Five new residents will be added to the program.

Resources:

Peter Lougheed Centre (PLC)

Foothills Medical Centre (FMC)

Alberta Children's Hospital (ACH)

Rockyview General Hospital (RGH)

South Health Campus (SHC)


Additional Information

Please refer all correspondence to Erin Layton. Email: Erin.Layton@ahs.ca Phone: 403-944-8022

 

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada: Applying competency-based practices to residency 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. It is anticipated that national implementation of CBD within certain, individual programs could begin as early as July 2017 - with more disciplines to following in subsequent years.

All programs implementing CBD will 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.