Solid Organ Transplant
AFC Fellowship
Welcome
The University of Alberta in Edmonton offers one of the most comprehensive transplant services in Canada, boasting clinical volumes that rank second nationwide for liver and lung transplant programs, as well as overall volumes. The AFC accredited, Solid Organ Transplantation Fellowship training program is situated in this large, world-class, multi-organ transplant centre.
We proudly provide lung, liver and intestinal transplants for the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Additionally, we conduct pediatric liver transplants for the province of British Columbia.
Having the Kaye Edmonton Clinic is a significant advantage, as it brings together a diverse range of services, health professionals, medical trainees and researchers under one roof. This collaborative environment facilitates interprofessional learning opportunities, leading to more effective team dynamics. Our surgical facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including hybrid operating rooms at the University of Alberta Hospital, Stollery Children’s Hospital and Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.
Area of Focused Competence (AFC) Accreditation - A National First!
In 2022, the University of Alberta’s Solid Organ Transplant (SOT) Fellowship Program made history as the first multi-organ program in Canada to receive accreditation from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) as an Area of Focused Competence (AFC) in Solid Organ Transplantation, setting a pioneering benchmark in the nation’s medical education.
Solid Organ Transplant AFC Fellowship Training
The Solid Organ Transplantation Fellowship accredited training at the University of Alberta is an area of enhanced competence focused on the care of both adult and pediatric patients with end-stage organ failure treated through transplantation. This comprehensive training program encompasses patients with lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, and intestinal organ transplants.
Entry Pre-Requisites
The Solid Organ Transplant Fellowship program is designed for trainees who have graduated, or will be in the upcoming academic year, from one of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Respirology or General Surgery residency programs.
The Area of Focused Competence (AFC) trainee must have Royal College certification or equivalent in one of the following: Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Respirology, or Urology. All trainees, Canadian and foreign trained, must be certified in their primary (sub)specialty or have an attestation in their area of focused competence in order to be eligible to apply for the Royal College Diplomate certification portfolio in Solid Organ Transplantation. This is a separate application process through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).
Application Requirements
To be considered for the Solid Organ Transplant Fellowship training, the following is required:
Application documents: cover letter, current CV, 3 letters of reference, proof of English language proficiency (ELP), valid passport, funding documentation if sponsored.
Able to obtain medical licensure of postgraduate trainee registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).
Acquire a valid work permit if not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Able to enroll for a membership with the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) as a clinical fellow.
Training
The SOT AFC fellowship disciplines share a common set of competencies related to treating end-stage organ failure through organ transplantation, with each discipline tailored to its specific patient population. The training paths in the solid organ transplant fellowships include one of the following allografts:
abdominal organ transplantation, which may encompass intestinal, liver, and pancreatic transplantation
infectious Diseases: all organ groups, both adult and pediatric
end-stage kidney disease and kidney transplantation
end-stage lung disease and lung transplantation
kidney and whole pancreas transplantation
Length of Training
Medicine paths are 12 months and Surgical routes are 12-24 months.
Funding
Funded positions are available and are a highly competitive process. Positions may also be filled by candidates who have funding secured from their home institution, country or external funding agency. Documentation of sponsored funding is mandatory for trainees prior to commencing the program.
Certification
The successful completion of the fellowship will grant University of Alberta SOT certification. The successful candidate is also eligible to receive a Diplomate certificate and official Diplomate designation (DRCPSC) from the Royal College. This is a separate application process through the RCPSC and Diploma portfolio requirements along with additional fees apply.
University of Alberta certificate in SOT allograft specialty.
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeon of Canada (RCPSC) Area of Focused Competence (AFC) in Solid Organ Transplant and Diplomate designation.
American Society of Transplantation certification. (General Surgery and Nephrology only. Separate process through the ASTS and these programs are dually accredited.)
Early acceptance deadline for applications is June 15th. Final application deadline is August 31st. Deadlines are for the year prior to commencement of training. Follow the links above to submit your application documents. Contact transplant.fellowships@ualberta.ca for inquires.
Our Vision
To foster a culture of excellence in transplant education, nurturing a lifelong passion for learning, education and research among our trainees. We are committed to innovative practices that shape the future of transplant and inspire trainees to their fullest potential.
Territorial Acknowledgement
The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs, and research stations are primarily located on the traditional territory of Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, and Ojibway/Saulteaux/Anishinaabe nations; lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7, and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems, and cultures of First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations.