Program Overview

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery is a five year program which provides the resident with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to practice independently upon successful completion of the program. The graduate will be able to pursue a satisfying career in a community based Orthopedic practice or to follow up with a sub-specialty practice after further fellowship training.

Each aspect of the program has been designed to develop a well rounded orthopedic surgeon who will be able to effectively gather clinical information, apply diagnostic skills and make appropriate judgments for care, based on clinical and basic scientific knowledge.

The Orthopedic Surgery Program at the University of Alberta distinguishes itself from other programs across Canada because it is a small program which allows for good rapport between the surgeons and residents. This results in excellent opportunities for exposure to both surgical and clinical experiences.

Click here for a view of a "Day in the Life" of our Ortho residents.

Program at a Glance

PGY 1 Year– Surgical Foundations

    • 3 Blocks of Orthopedic Surgery

    • 1 Block of Pediatric Orthopedics

    • 2 Blocks Orthopedic Rotation at RAH

    • 2 Blocks of General Surgery

    • 1 Block a Hospitalist Rotation

    • 1 Block of Vascular Surgery

    • 1 Blocks of Emergency Medicine

    • 1 Block of Coronary Care

    • 1 Block of Vacation

PGY 2 Year

    • 2 Blocks of Jr. Arthroplasty

    • 2 Blocks of Jr. Orthopedic Trauma Surgery

    • 2 Blocks of Jr. Sports

    • 2 Blocks of Jr. Spine

    • 2 Blocks ICU

    • 2 Blocks of Orthopedic Rural Community Rotation

    • 1 Block Plastic Surgery

PGY 3

    • 3 Blocks of Jr. Pediatric Orthopedics

    • 3 Blocks of Tumor

    • 3 Blocks of Upper Extremity

    • 2 Blocks of Foot and Ankle

    • 2 Blocks of Electives

PGY 4 Year

    • 3 Blocks of Sr. Arthroplasty

    • 3 Blocks of Sr. Sports

    • 2 Blocks of Sr. Spine

    • 3 Blocks of Sr. Trauma

    • 2 Blocks of Electives

PGY 5 Year

    • 3 Blocks of Sr. Pediatric Orthopedics

    • 2 Blocks of Sr. Upper Extremity

    • 3 Blocks of Sr. Trauma

    • 2 Blocks of Sr. Foot and Ankle

    • 2 Blocks of Transition to Practice

    • 1 Block of Exam Preparation

Training and Seminars

Seminars & Academic Sessions

There is an organized, protected academic half day program for seminar topics covering a number of areas including Trauma, Pediatrics, Basic Science and Cold Orthopedics. This is a two year repeating curriculum.

Our PGY 1 and 2 Residents participate in two months of Orthopedic Boot Camp, Casting and Sawbones sessions.

Summer Half Day seminars consist of anatomy session in the cadaver lab.

Other Academic Activities include:

    • Weekly Protected Research Time

    • Pediatric Rounds

    • Fracture Rounds, Spine Rounds

    • Arthroplasty Rounds

    • Foot & Ankle Rounds, Shoulder Rounds

    • Knee Rounds

    • Tumor Rounds

    • Weekly City Wide Rounds

    • CanMEDS Resident sessions

    • Department of Surgery Grand Rounds

    • Journal Club

Simulation Training in the Orthopedic Program Throughout Residency:

Dedicated Orthopedic Simulation training right in the Resident Room. The program offers experience on a state of the art Virtamed Simulator with multiple anatomic modules (knee, shoulder, hip and ankle); this give our residents 24/7 access to course directed simulator training.

Suture Skills sessions for PGY 1 residents

e-FAST Ultrasound Course for PGY 1 residents

Five CASES (Centre for Advancement of Surgical Education and Simulation) sessions for PGY 1 residents

Courses for PGY 2 , 3 4 and 5 residents which include Simulation Training


Divisional Supported and Funded Courses throughout Residency:

The program supports the ongoing educational experience through funded courses which includes:

Research Methodology Course - PGY 1 residents

AO Basic Principles of Fracture Course - PGY 2 & 3 Residents

COA Basic Science Course - PGY 3 & 4 Residents

AAOS Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopy Course - PGY 3 & 4 Residents

Ste. Justine Pediatric Course - PGY 5 Residents

Canadian Orthopedic Resident Forum - PGY 5 Residents

Canadian Orthopedic Trauma Review Course - PGY 5 Residents

Orthopedic Resident Review in Reconstructive Surgery - PGY 5 Residents