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Curriculum & Academics

Clinical Curriculum

A Content of Training  sample structure can be found below. Please note that PGY1 & 2 years can be redistributed with approval from the Program Director.

Content of Training – (AS OF 2026-27 ACADEMIC YEAR)

Transition to Discipline (PGY1)

  • 3 Blocks – General Surgery

Foundations (PGY1 & PGY2)

  • 5 Blocks – General Surgery
  • 1 Block – Emergency Medicine
  • 1 Block – Medical Clinical Teaching Unit (MCTU)
  • 2 Blocks – Endoscopy
  • 3 Blocks – General Surgery Community
  • 2 Blocks – Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
  • 1 Block – Trauma (Ottawa)
  • 2 Blocks – Paediatric Surgery (Ottawa)

NOTE: Resident must have passed the Surgical Foundations Exam prior to being promoted to Core

Core (PGY3 & PGY4)

  • 21 Blocks – General Surgery (includes Thoracic, Breast, Colorectal, ACS, HPB, Bariatric, TACS)
  • 2 Blocks – Thoracic or Vascular Surgery
  • 4 Blocks – Electives
  • 8 Blocks – General Surgery (Alternative Site)
  • 3 Blocks – General Surgery Community

Transition to Practice (PGY5)

  • 6 Blocks – General Surgery

**Alternate sites between chiefs

Academics

Academics are delivered to the full resident group during sessions held three times throughout the year, with each session consisting of three to four full days of teaching. The residents will gather together for these academic days during protected time from clinical duties. Residents will also have the opportunity to participate in PGY1 Core Curriculum events, local community educational rounds, presentations, journal clubs and rounds through virtual online classroom.

Surgical Foundations

The General Surgery residents concurrently take part in the Surgical Foundations Program in PGY1 & 2. Their academic sessions are presented on a weekly basis, either face to face or virtually.

Research

All residents are expected to complete and present a minimum of two research projects over the five-year program.

In discussion with the Program Director and Research Coordinator, up to one half-day per week can be set aside as protected time for research.

Research electives can also be arranged.

General Surgery