Plastic Surgery
Message from the Program Director: Dr. Jay Zhu
In Plastic Surgery, more than any other specialty in medicine, do form and function intertwine – from the artistry involved in reconstructing a soft and natural breast post-mastectomy, to rigidly fixating the craniofacial skeleton following a facial smash, the principles of Plastic Surgery pervade. The ideal candidate for a residency position in Plastic Surgery at the University of Alberta is hard working, self-motivated, and a team player. He or she is able to take direction and prior experiences and synthesize treatment plans and perform surgical procedures. Teaching should be an interest, as should the desire to care for patients in the most effective way possible. Research is strongly encouraged, and some of our residents have enjoyed and successfully completed extra training in conjunction with the Clinician Investigator/Surgeon Scientist Program.
Plastic Surgery training in Edmonton is amongst the best in the country. The Alberta Program has a strong commitment to training and educating future leaders in the field. Plastic Surgery in Edmonton is a very busy, active clinical program – currently there are 12 residents. Ample operative experience (residents are commonly first assist in the operating room even in their R1 year!) allows the resident to become fully competent in all major procedures required in Plastic Surgery. Graduates from our program are comfortable practicing in many areas, even fresh out of residency or fellowship.
Residents at the University of Alberta work closely with the Attending Plastic Surgeons. Schedules are based on specific Preceptor-Based Rotations that allow the resident to focus on certain sub-specialties in Plastic Surgery, and consistently work with the same surgeons. Not only does this foster a closer working relationship between staff and resident, but also allows staff to evaluate the resident more accurately, and to ensure they are getting the necessary exposure needed to be competent and technically proficient Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Jay Zhu
Program Director: Dr. Jay Zhu
Assistant Program Director: Dr. Curtis Budden
Program Administrator: Asha Belisle
Subspecialties of Plastic Surgery represented in Edmonton include:
Hand and Wrist Surgery
Pediatric Plastic Surgery
Microsurgery and Flap Reconstruction, including that for cancers and breast reconstruction
Cosmetic Surgery
Oculoplastic Surgery and Lid Reconstruction
Craniofacial and Traumatic Facial Reconstruction
Autologous and Prosthetic Bone-Anchored Ear Reconstruction
Burns and Burn Reconstruction
Peripheral Nerve Surgery and Reconstruction
Trunk and Vaginal/Perineal Reconstruction
Body Contouring After Massive Weight Loss
General Plastic Surgery
We are excited about your application to the Plastic Surgery Residency Program at the University of Alberta and look forward to having you join our team!
To learn more about the Plastic Surgery Staff, please visit our divisional site.