Program Overview & Highlights
Program Overview
Length of training: Approximately 1.5 to 2 years
The Surgical Foundations Residency Program is a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) accredited residency program that takes place alongside all surgical specialty programs. The surgical specialties (home programs) at NOSM University currently included in Surgical Foundations are: General Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Urology and Obstetrics & Gynecology. First Year Residents (PGY1s) enrolled in surgical programs are automatically enrolled in the Surgical Foundations Program.
The Surgical Foundations Program’s purpose is to provide a basic level of surgical knowledge, skills, and competences that are deemed to be important building blocks to all surgeons, irrespective of their specialty.
Bootcamp
The Surgical Foundations program commences at the start of the academic year in early July. All PGY1 surgical residents are required to attend a Surgical Foundations Bootcamp in either Sudbury or Thunder Bay. This bootcamp provides an orientation to the program and offers training and review in surgical skills, protocols, and other essential knowledge common to all surgical disciplines. Additionally, the Bootcamp introduces residents to specialty-specific orientation and training.
Our Surgical Foundations Bootcamp spans four days and includes simulations, hands-on skills training, lectures, and social activities, all designed to prepare you for your surgical residency. The comprehensive curriculum ensures residents gain practical experience in essential surgical techniques, understand key protocols, and build foundational knowledge crucial for all surgical specialties. Additionally, the bootcamp provides opportunities for team building and networking with peers and faculty, fostering a supportive community as you embark on your residency journey
Academic Half Days
The Surgical Foundations Academic Half Days consist of a lecture series held every Tuesday afternoon throughout the academic year. During this time, from 1400 to 18:00, all home programs ensure that this is protected educational time, and you are made available for these sessions.
Each Tuesday afternoon features one or two lectures from various experts within the NOSM University faculty. These lectures cover key topics aimed at helping you prepare for the Surgical Foundations Practice Exam
Surgical Summit
May 30–31, 2025 | Thunder Bay
A two-day event bringing together surgical faculty, residents, and keynote speakers for hands-on learning, collaboration, and celebration. Featuring a professional development workshop with The Second City Works, research presentations, and the Surgical Summit Gala.
Celebrating Excellence at the Inaugural NOSM U Surgical Summit
On May 30–31, 2025, NOSM University hosted its first-ever Surgical Summit in Thunder Bay, bringing together faculty, residents, and learners from across Northern Ontario and from different surgical specialties to collaborate, learn, and celebrate surgical education.
Day One featured RPC Retreats across General Surgery, Urology, Orthopedics, and Surgical Foundations, offering space for program planning and professional development. The day concluded with impressive Resident Research Presentations, showcasing academic strength across programs.
Day Two included keynote talks, workshops, and a formal gala. Dr. Husein Moloo (University of Ottawa) discussed Planetary Health in Surgery, and Dr. Julie Hallet (University of Toronto) addressed OR Ergonomics and Safety. A team-building workshop led by The Second City emphasized communication and collaboration among surgical teams.
At the Surgical Summit Gala, held at The Chanterelle on Park, NOSM U celebrated graduating residents and recognized excellence in teaching and research. Dr. David McLinden shared insights on expanding surgical education in the North.
We extend our warmest congratulations to our graduating residents and award recipients, your dedication, leadership, and excellence continue to inspire our surgical community.
Award Recipients
General Surgery
• Resident Awards: Dr. Aruba Nurullah, Dr. Raphaella Rosebush-Mercier
• Best Resident Research: Dr. Raphaella Rosebush-Mercier
• Faculty Teaching Award: Dr. Pankaj Bhatia
• CAGS Exam Award: Dr. Vahid Mehrnoush
Surgical Foundations
• Excellence Awards: Dr. Raphaella Rosebush-Mercier (General Surgery Resident), Dr. Michael Killip (Orthopedic Surgery Resident)
Orthopedic Surgery
• Annual Research Awards: Dr. Neil Thomas, Dr. Michael Christie
• Anatomy Exam & OITE Exam Awards: Dr. Curtis Fahey
• Teaching Award: Dr. Jubin Payandeh
Urology
• Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Walid Shabana
2025 Graduates
• General Surgery: Dr. Camille Deschamps
• Orthopedic Surgery: Dr. Cameron Elgie, Dr. Curtis Fahey
