Lisa Lemieux,
Program Director
Welcome to the University of Alberta Developmental Pediatrics Program!
Mission Statement:
Our mission is to compassionately educate excellent developmental pediatricians and pediatric rehabilitation specialists—through personalized, comprehensive, and integrated learning opportunities—so that they may provide the highest quality of family-centered care and medical leadership to the communities they serve locally, nationally, and internationally.
The Developmental Pediatrics Subspecialty Residency Program at the University of Alberta has been designed to meet, and at times exceed, the requirements of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada. The subspecialty residency program will prepare the resident for an independent career involving patient care, teaching, administration, and research. Within our division, there are research opportunities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), cerebral palsy, and complex pediatric outcomes, to name but a few.
Much of the program is centered at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, a tertiary development and rehabilitation site. We have an in-patient pediatric rehabilitation unit, neonatal follow up clinic, school diagnostic/assessment classrooms, clinical and research gait lab, state-of-the-art rehabilitation technology, and a world-class autism research centre. We also partner with the Stollery Children’s Hospital and other local sites for additional experiences.
Over the course of the program, subspecialty residents develop their e-portfolio. The e-portfolio is structured to prepare the resident for practice, with simulated billing, creation of personal learning plans and registration of learning (future MAINPORT credit reporting), and other activities akin to what academic clinicians collect for annual reporting. This is a valuable tool to document ongoing learning, and develop a repository of resources for future practice.
Graduating subspecialty residents from this program work across Canada, and graduating fellows work in many countries around the world.
Our program will be participating in the 2021 CaRMS match.
Upon receiving the application packages, all are reviewed and select candidates will be invited to interview. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all 2021 match cycle interviews will be conducted virtually via Zoom.
While we appreciate that this CaRMS matching process may be stressful, it is a valuable opportunity for us to get to know you, and for you to get to know us, as the best person-program fit is ultimately the goal.
Alexandra Jackman
Hometown: Sioux Lookout, Ontario
Medical School: University of Alberta
What I like about Edmonton: Huge trail system in the river valley for running, biking, cross country skiing. Edmonton has great museums and a theatre scene, but has the vibe of a smaller town. It's also known as the most liberal hub in Alberta!
What are the highlights of the program: Excellent clinical educators and varied training across physiatry and developmental/behavioural pediatrics. A wide variety of research opportunities with internationally recognized researchers.
One piece of advice you want to share with applicants about the interview process: Dev peds programs all want you, so be clear on what YOU want from a program.
Sabrina Eliason
Hometown: Victoria, British Columbia
Medical School: University of British Columbia
What I like about Edmonton: Edmonton is a “Goldilocks” city– not too big, not too small and “just right” in many ways. You can easily forget you’re in a city when you’re in the River Valley, which provides a beautiful outdoor landscape to enjoy cross-country (and even some downhill) skiing, hiking, running, biking, golfing, nature watching and photography. There is a thriving and diverse restaurant and bakery industry in Edmonton, likely as a result of a nationally well-respected Culinary Arts program located here. As well, there are several regular outdoor and indoor farmers' markets across the city showcasing local produce and craftsmanship year-round. Edmonton is home to a professional symphony orchestra; several amateur and semi-professional orchestras, bands and choirs; and a passionate and thriving theatre community. Many international performance tours stop here on their way across North America and of course, we are home to a CFL, NHL and FC team.
What are the highlights of the program: Our program has a strong relationship with the University of Alberta General Pediatrics residency program. This provides many opportunities for Dev Peds trainees to develop their own teaching style throughout training. We also have a strong and balanced Division when it comes to teachers who can support learners in the areas of development and behaviour as well as neuromotor aspects of our field. Throughout my training, it was clear that learners at our site are a priority. I felt well supported and nurtured in my journey towards becoming a practicing physician.
One piece of advice you want to share with applicants about the interview process: We want to meet you “for real” and we hope to provide a safe space that allows you to be yourself.
Fanny Lacelle-Webster
Hometown: Sherbrooke, Québec
Medical School: University of Sherbrooke
What I like about Edmonton: I was not expecting to love the city that much! There are plenty of parks and trails to walk, run, and bike. The weather in the summer is amazing; it is sunny and comfortable. Winter is cold, but really not that bad! There are a lot of good restaurants and great independent coffee shops. Farmers' markets are amazing, the city has nice sports facilities and there is a good public transportation system with the LRT that takes you to the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and the university. As a bonus... the Rocky Mountains are not too far with lots of great weekend getaway opportunities! Edmonton is definitely worthy to be discovered!
What are the highlights of the program: The heart of the program is at the Glenrose, where there is a strong history of developmental pediatrics, both in rehabilitation and in development. There are great clinicians in all disciplines that are accessible and enthusiastic to share their knowledge and experiences with residents in a truly multidisciplinary setting. There are many educational opportunities, with more journal clubs and rounds that you can possibly attend! The program is flexible and is tailored for the needs and interests of learners as there are so many learning opportunities. There is also a lot of learning opportunity as there are bridges with other specialties and many learning experiences for residents at U of A.
One piece of advice you want to share with applicants about the interview process: Give yourself a chance to discover the different programs instead of stopping at preconceived ideas, then be yourself and aim for the best fit!
Susan Bobbitt
Hometown: Weyburn, Saskatchewan
Medical School: University of Saskatchewan
What I like about Edmonton: Edmonton is a really cool city. There are great restaurants, independent coffee shops, and lots of festivals going on throughout the year.
What are the highlights of the program: Developmental Peds is the best. Enthusiastic and caring staff members and support staff!
One piece of advice you want to share with applicants about the interview process: Be yourself!