PGY-1 and 2 - Surgical Foundations

Rotations are designed to prepare the resident and establish the foundations for managing the surgical patient. Seminars and courses in biostatistics, bioethics, research protocol and critical thinking will be mandatory. The Royal College requires rotations in general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, trauma, ICU and plastic surgery. Rotations in surgical oncology, and ENT are required by the program. Rotations are objective specific to optimize resident experience. Plastic surgery residents are expected to attend all plastic surgery academic rounds and will be excused from their clinical duties when off service to do so.

PGY-3 and 4 - Core of Discipline

Adult and paediatric plastic surgery for three years in preparation for the Royal College certification exams. Residents are exposed to all facets of plastics including maxillofacial, craniofacial, microvascular, hand, peripheral nerve, burn, breast, facial aesthetic and body contouring surgery. Time is spent in consultant offices as well as scheduled clinics which include hand, reconstructive (oncologic) cleft lip and palate, burn, peripheral nerve and vascular birthmark clinics, craniofacial head and neck reconstruction.

PGY 5 - Transition to Practice

The final year of residency at the University of Calgary is characterized by increased autonomy to provide a smoother transition to practice. R5 residents are expected to run clinics independently (Cosmetic Clinic, Head and Neck Reconstruction Clinic), take on inpatient management more completely and operate with less supervision. High volumes of surgery in all aspects of plastics are on offer. Preparation for the Royal College oral exam is prominent in the final year, with opportunities for mock examinations and time away from clinical duties for study.