The NOSM University Obstetrical Surgical Skills (OSS) Enhanced Skills Program is a nine-month PGY3 competency-based residency designed to prepare family physicians for comprehensive rural and remote obstetrical practice, including the development of advanced obstetrical surgical skills. Offered through the Enhanced Skills in Family Medicine Program, the residency focuses on training physicians to provide safe, high-quality maternity care in communities where specialist support may be limited or unavailable.
The program is aligned with the competencies established by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) and prepares residents to achieve the 12 core competencies required for practice in Obstetrical Surgical Skills. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to apply for the Certificate of Added Competence (CAC) in Obstetrical Surgical Skills.
Designed with flexibility and goal-directed learning in mind, the OSS program combines high-volume specialist obstetrical training with community-based rural family medicine experiences. Residents gain the clinical confidence, procedural expertise, and decision-making skills necessary to support sustainable maternity care services in Northern, rural, remote, and underserved communities.
Teaching Sites and Clinical Environments
Residents in the OSS program train in both tertiary referral centres and rural Northern Ontario communities, providing a balance of high-volume specialist exposure and community-based generalist practice. Teaching experiences may occur in:
- Toronto
- Sudbury
- New Liskeard
- Sioux Lookout
Clinical environments may include:
- Labour and delivery units
- Operating rooms
- Obstetrical clinics
- Rural hospitals
- Community family practice settings
- Neonatal and postpartum care environments
This combination of training settings helps residents develop the adaptability and independence required for rural obstetrical practice.
Clinical & Academic Curriculum
The Obstetrical Surgical Skills curriculum is designed to provide broad exposure to obstetrical care, procedural training, and rural maternity practice. Residents develop competence in both operative and non-operative obstetrical management through immersive clinical experiences.
Core Clinical Rotations
High-Volume Specialist Obstetrics – 8 Weeks
Residents train in high-volume tertiary obstetrical settings under the supervision of Royal College obstetric specialists. This experience focuses on operative obstetrics, surgical technique, management of complex obstetrical cases, and acute maternal care.
Medium-Volume Specialist Obstetrics – 16 Weeks
This rotation provides continued exposure to specialist obstetrical practice in medium-volume centres, allowing residents to further refine procedural skills, clinical judgment, and longitudinal patient management.
Generalist Family Practice with OSS Supervision – 8 Weeks
Residents work alongside family physicians with Obstetrical Surgical Skills expertise in community-based settings, gaining experience in comprehensive maternity care and rural obstetrical practice models.
Elective – 4 Weeks
Elective experiences may be tailored to individual learning goals and interests. Examples may include:
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Anesthesia
- Advanced newborn care
- Additional surgical exposure
- Rural maternity care enhancement experiences
Longitudinal National Online Curriculum
Residents participate in a national online OSS curriculum throughout the year, supporting ongoing academic learning, competency development, and collaboration with peers across Canada.
Scholarly Activities and Academic Learning
Residents in the OSS program participate in academic rounds, educational sessions, procedural teaching, and scholarly activities throughout training. Depending on learning needs and interests, residents may also attend additional academic opportunities offered through NOSM University.
Completion of a scholarly project is a mandatory component of the program. Projects are commonly focused on:
- Quality improvement
- Rural maternity care initiatives
- Patient safety
- Clinical education
- Program evaluation
Alternative scholarly projects may also be considered based on resident interests and program approval.
Career Preparation
Graduates of the OSS program are prepared for enhanced family medicine practice in rural and regional communities where family physicians play a critical role in maintaining access to maternity and surgical services. The program supports the development of physicians capable of contributing to sustainable obstetrical care models across Northern Ontario and other underserved regions.
Eligibility Requirements & How to Apply
Applicants to NOSM University’s Enhanced Skills Programs must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be currently enrolled as a PGY2 resident in a Canadian Family Medicine Residency Program at the time of application. Applicants must begin PGY3 training within 12 months of completing PGY2.
OR
- Be a physician currently practicing in Canada for a minimum of 12 consecutive months and meet applicable provincial funding eligibility requirements.
Practicing physicians interested in the program through re-entry pathways must apply separately through the Ontario Ministry of Health Re-Entry Program.
How to Apply
The Obstetrical Surgical Skills Program participates in the Family Medicine / Enhanced Skills Match through Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). Applicants can access program details, timelines, and application requirements through the CaRMS website.
As part of the application process, candidates must complete and submit the required Obstetrical Surgical Skills Questionnaire with their CaRMS application materials.
Program Contacts
Dr. Allison Webb
Obstetrical Surgical Skills Enhanced Skills Program Director
Melanie Pilon
Program Coordinator
PGY3 Enhanced Skills Programs
NOSM University – Sudbury
Tel: 705-662-7155
Email: vgrover@nosm.ca
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