Orthopaedic Surgery Training Programme
University of Alberta
Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery

Program Director: Edward Masson, M.D., FRCSC
Divisional Director: David Otto, M.D., FRCSC

The Department of Surgery at the University of Alberta was established by Dr. Mewburn Sr. in 1923. In 1926-1927 there was a major polio epidemic and Dr. Mewburn contacted Dr. R.G. Huckell, who was in his second year of surgical internship, to come and participate in the solution of this major orthopaedic problem. At this time there was no formal qualifying process for orthopaedic surgery and it was not until 1934 that the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery developed such a programme which would result in the development of the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Programme at the University of Alberta. The programme was established in the 1940's with Dr. D. Cooper Johnston being the first graduate in 1949.

The University of Alberta is situated in the heart of the City of Edmonton in a scenic area on the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River. Edmonton has a greater area population of 875,000 and is known for its expansive park system that runs through the city. The Residency training programme distinguishes itself from other orthopaedic programmes across Canada because it is a small programme which allows for good rapport between surgeons and residents. There are currently 38 faculty members who are highly qualified with subspecialized fellowship training to aid with resident teaching. The Division of Orthopaedic Surgery also offers fellowship training in arthroplasty, arthroscopy, spine, and trauma. The fellows work alongside the residents and provide additional teaching. This results in excellent opportunities for exposure to both surgical and clinical experiences.  

The goal of the five-year Orthopaedic Residency Training Programme is to prepare a well-rounded surgeon who is equipped to enter a community practice or to pursue a sub-specialty practice after further fellowship training. The aim is to provide a complete educational experience in both research and clinical orthopaedics with a proper mix of academic knowledge, operating room experience and outpatient experience.  Traditionally, the Orthopaedic Residency Programme has been rated highly not only by resident satisfaction but also success rate on examinations and ease of placement of successfully trained orthopaedic surgeons post fellowship.

Programme at a Glance
PGY1 - The core year for orthopaedic surgery consists of the following rotations: general surgery, adult orthopaedic surgery, paediatric orthopaedic surgery, internal medicine, emergency medicine, coronary care, and paediatric surgery.

PGY2 - This year is a component of the two year core surgery programme with appropriate modification for each specific discipline. The year consists of: arthroplasty surgery, orthopaedic trauma surgery, intensive care (ICU), thoracic surgery, diagnostic radiology, plastic surgery, and neurosurgery.

PGY3 to PGY5 consists of three blocks each of preceptor-based rotations including foot & ankle, oncology, paediatrics, spine, sports medicine, upper extremity and an elective. As the rotations are preceptor-based, the resident will experience all aspects of an orthopaedic practice from initial office consultations to postoperative follow-up. Senior residents will spend a minimum of six months as chief resident. Exam preparation sessions are held for all final-year residents.

Research
Throughout the five year residency, the resident will have the opportunity to explore both clinical and basic scientific research. Some of our strongest areas of research are scoliosis/spinal deformity, cartilage cryopreservation, and arthroplasty. The Division of Orthopaedic Surgery has alliances with the Department of Anatomy and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta which have been beneficial for shared projects.  

Resources & Academic Activities
There is a dedicated resident library with access to a computer, Internet, scanner, digital camera, photocopier and textbooks on CD-ROM. As well, the resident room has a variety of books and journals available for resident use for research and clinical duties. Academic activities include a weekly academic half day, fracture rounds, arthroplasty rounds, city-wide/grand rounds, anatomy sessions, seminars and journal club.

Please visit the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery web site for more information on our programme: www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/orthopaedicsurgery

For further information on the Residency Programme contact:
Programme Director: Edward Masson, M.D., FRCSC
Programme Assistant:  Julie Van Sydenborgh
2D2.01 Walter Mackenzie Centre, University of Alberta Hospital, 8440 - 112 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7
Telephone: (780) 407-6325; Fax: (780) 407-7394
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For further information on the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery contact:
Divisional Director:  David Otto, M.D., FRCSC
Administrative Assistant: Debbie Mabee
Room 404, Community Services Centre, Royal Alexandra Hospital
10240 Kingsway, Edmonton, Alberta T5H 3V9
Telephone: (780) 735-5709; Fax: (780) 735-5159
E-mail: Cet e-mail est protégé contre les robots collecteurs de mails, votre navigateur doit accepter le Javascript pour le voir