Our Featured
Residents
Welcome to our Featured Resident Profiles page! Here, you'll get to know some of our exceptional residents—as they share their unique perspectives on training at the University of Calgary, the challenges and rewards of residency, and their insights for aspiring plastic surgeons.
Dr. Catherine Landells
PGY-5
Plastic surgery is the best surgical specialty. I love the variety, of procedures, anatomy, patient populations, workspaces and schedules (minor surgery, main OR, clinic, etc). I love that the surgeries are principle-based rather than a series of prescriptive steps, and the opportunity for creativity and problem solving means that no two surgeries are the same! We also work with every specialty, so I get to fill my social cup while at work!
We operate early and often in Calgary. Because of the high volume, and multiple sites, we get lots of independence operating, and graduate feeling comfortable performing all plastic surgery procedures. Also, with plentiful access to minor surgery, we can triage overnight calls, and perform “walking wounded” procedures the next day. This saves us from performing these in the ER in the middle of the night, with suboptimal lighting, and provides a great opportunity for junior residents to master these procedures with staff supervision (and tips & tricks!). We see the full breadth of plastic surgery here in Calgary, with excellent exposure to all subspecialties. Staff surgeons are incredibly invested in our training, which translates into constant bedside/intra-operative teaching, excellent staff attendance at resident academic half-day, hand rounds, CANMEDS rounds, journal club, resident research day, resident wellness retreat, a week-long microsurgery course, and practice oral/written Royal College-style exams every four months. Plus the resident group is quite simply, the best crew of people.
Plastic surgery residency is no joke. We spend countless hours in the hospital every week, and manage long patient lists. And when we’re not in the hospital, we’re studying, preparing presentations, and preparing for the next day’s OR cases. Given the breadth of plastic surgery, it can be hard for residents, especially junior residents) to feel confident in their knowledge, and there is a steep learning curve. That being said, that’s what keeps it fresh and exciting in the long term!
We are a close-knit, supportive group who take the “work hard play hard” mentality to heart. We aim to support, encourage, and lift one another up.
It’s important to consider your priorities, and how they align with the strengths of the various programs. Consider operative time, exposure to various procedures and subspecialties within plastic surgery, case volume, access to minor surgery, research opportunities and support, and staff support of residents and teaching. Of course, it’s important to consider the resident group and general “vibes” of the program; these people will be your coworkers for the next 5+ years, and hopefully your friends for life!
The proximity to the mountains is unparalleled. There are hundreds of amazing hikes less than an hour away, as well as multiple world-tier ski resorts nearby. The Bow river pathway is a beautiful way to explore the city, or commute! And as a cyclist, I love how bike-friendly the city is!
Dr. Myriam Verly
PGY-3
To me, plastic surgery is the specialty that helps patients regain not only function, but also a sense of self. We have a distinct opportunity to focus care on improving quality of life, working with nearly every other specialty to help patients surmount some of their most vulnerable moments. Additionally, plastic surgery is a specialty based around reconstructive principles, meaning that no two reconstructions are the same and the creativity is endless. There is truly room to make it your own.
Plastics in Calgary is a special place. Coming from out of province, I felt immediately welcome. Our staff and resident group are an incredibly tight-knit community with a family feel that extends beyond day-to-day work. When it comes to our training program, we are in the OR from the very first day, working 1:1 with staff. Junior resident experience in the OR is prioritized equally to that of our seniors. With a large volume covering the full scope of plastic surgery, everyone has a chance to be involved. We are also very fortunate to have extensive access to a cadaver lab, a microsurgery course, and minor surgery.
Plastic surgery residency is hard! The breadth of this specialty is particularly challenging to master, with seemingly endless resources. Out of the hospital a lot of time is spent on preparing for cases, academic half-day, journal club, and more. However, with the support of co-residents and staff who are highly engaged in teaching, completing residency here feels like a collective effort.
Unbelievable! I feel so incredibly fortunate to have co-residents that feel like family. Not only do we have a dynamic team, but we regularly hang out outside of work. From small day-to-day activities like post-academic half-day dinners and walking each other’s pups, to larger events like Friendsgiving and Christmas Parties, my co-residents have made this place feel like home.
Every program across Canada trains excellent plastic surgeons. So consider what you find most important - whether that is operative time, access to minor surgery, breadth of exposure, all the way to the kind of support you will have and the city you want to live in! Follow your gut feeling and try to visit various programs on elective if possible.
Both the weather and the people are rays of sunshine. Not only is Calgary the sunniest city in Canada, but its people are incredible as well; welcoming and genuine, integrating in this city has been easy. Additionally, access to the mountains and outdoors is truly world-class.
Dr. Alex Platt
PGY-2
Plastic Surgery is by far the most amazing specialty. It is one of the true “general” surgeries, covering reconstruction and knowledge of the entire human body. I admire the diversity, technical skills, and intellectual creativity involved in the reconstructive process. Plastic surgery fundamentals provide you with the toolbox of reconstructive skills necessary to adapt to each unique case. We also get to work with every other surgical field which lends itself to feeling like you are back in a team sport with the unified goal of helping our patients.
The program contains world-class surgeons and a supportive group of residents who have become some of my closest friends. We strive to create a positive learning environment, hands-on teaching, and ample exposure to a variety of subspecialties including an excellent microsurgery program that supports the strength of Calgary's program. Even as a junior resident, the expectation is that you are in the OR developing your surgical skills and confidence in the OR that is unparalleled.
Plastic Surgery is like any surgical specialty which can be demanding and long hours. However, the variety and breadth of knowledge of the specialty is what is most challenging and can feel overwhelming at times, especially as a junior resident. As you progress and learn more it continues to motivate you to learn more and become a specialist in the field, and as in all medical fields, life-long learning!
I think we have one of the strongest cohorts of residents I have seen. We truly have each other's backs and enjoy the team mentality when we are in the trenches together. I think it speaks volumes that all of our residents enjoy spending time with each other and look forward to hanging out outside of work.
It is important to choose a specialty that you truly love, otherwise residency would be the worst job in the world. And not just the cool and exciting cases but truly the bread and butter of the specialty. You want to wake up every morning excited to go to work and learn. The other aspect is choosing a place that is right for you and your family, with good support and people to help survive a demanding residency.
Calgary is the best city in the world (in my opinion)! We have the mountains in our backyard where I can enjoy skiing, mountain biking, hiking and every other activity you can imagine. We are one of the sunniest cities in Calgary which makes a huge difference to your wellbeing to get some rays of sunshine (even if its from the hospital windows).