Orthopedic Surgery

Message from our Program Director, Dr. Rob Chan

People with a love of surgery and the musculoskeletal system are drawn to Orthopedic Surgery and its positive effect on patient functions and the quality of their life. Orthopedics is extremely varied and the sub-specialties include Spine, Pediatrics, Arthroplasty, Tumour, Trauma, Sports, Upper Extremity, including Hand Surgery, and Lower Extremity, including Foot and Ankle surgeries. Orthopedic Surgery focuses on restoring function and eliminating pain, as related to the musculoskeletal system. Our surgeries are varied and complex, and cover every aspect of the musculoskeletal system. Our patients range from the very young to the very old, including high level athletes and the frail elderly.

Orthopedics in Edmonton covers a wide geographical area and is a very busy service covering two major trauma sites as well as a number of community hospitals. During the program, our residents work very closely with preceptors in all Orthopedic sub-specialties. The rotations are two and three month blocks which give our residents the opportunity to build close working relationships with their preceptors, allows for an increasing amount of independence in the OR and builds strong surgical skills and experience. We feel that our strengths include:

• A strong, supportive collegial base of preceptors with a staff/resident ratio of 2:1

• Academic sessions specifically focused on PGY 1 and 2 year residents

• Excellent level of OR experience over the five year program

• Excellent research opportunities supported by staff and two research directors

• Divisional funding of many instructional courses over the five year program

• Many academic activities which include half day, rounds/grand rounds, journal club and weekly protected research/study time

• Positive relationships among residents and between residents and staff

• A friendly learning environment

• Competency based rotations

We are looking for candidates with a strong academic background and an interest in research. Successful residents are those who have good psychomotor skills, are able to work well as part of a team, are hard working and dedicated to making a difference. At the end of the Program our residents are fully qualified to enter into practice or to continue their education through desirable fellowships.

Thank you for your interest in our program and we look forward to learning more about you during your interview.