Six Year Program Curriculum

The PGY-1 year is part of the Surgical Foundations Program at the University of Alberta. In Cardiac
Surgery, the block rotations are equivalent to a one month rotation. The first year rotations are comprised of the following blocks:
6 – Junior Cardiac Surgery  
1- CCU  
1- Echo  
1- ACES/Trauma
1- Cardiac Anesthesia
2-Vascular Surgery

 

PGY2 year consists of the following blocks

2 – Thoracic Surgery

1– Cardiac Imaging 

1- Cardiac Cath Lab  

1- VAD (Selective)

6- Cardiac Surgery

2- Cardiovascular ICU

 

PGY 3 - Academic Enrichment Year

Years 3-6 are designed to comply with the Royal College requirements. Historically residents tend to start their academic enrichment year at the start of year 3. This of course is a personal choice and can be set between year 3-6. One year is available for academic, which can be extended to two or more years for those pursuing an academic career and can be taken anywhere between the PGY 3-6. A two or three year of research training leading to an MSc or PhD can be obtained through the (CIP) Clinician Investigator Program. Funding for this program must be arranged in advance through the Director of the Clinician Investigator Program.

Clinical research is highly stressed and it is expected that a resident will prepare several abstracts/publications during their residency. The year available for academic enrichment can be used as a clinical or basic science research year. Basic science areas of interest in our Division include xenotransplantation, overcoming senescence in transplantation, pulmonary vascular development, neonatal myocardial protection and fetal surgery and improving homograft valve preservation. A 2-year research period to obtain a Master of Science degree is highly recommended.

 

PGY 4, 5, 6, These final years are dedicated to completing the requirement of the 40 blocks set out by the Royal College of physicians and Surgeons. The following blocks are Core Rotations for Cardiac surgery. The last nine blocks (Transition to Practice) will prepare a resident to enter practice and become the independent surgeon he/she is trained to be.

At least 20 blocks of cardiac surgery, including three blocks of pediatric cardiac surgery.

Three blocks of endovascular surgery.

Three blocks of cardiac catheterization lab.

One block of cardiac rhythm device implantation.

No more than 13 blocks of academic enrichment.

Nine blocks in Transition to Practice.


Quick Facts

  • Some residents have chosen their academic enrichment year to work as residents at other centres (e.g. Mayo Clinic). Many of our residents have increased their academic year to 2 years or more to obtain a M.Sc. or Ph.D degree. Enrolment in the Clinician Investigator Program is highly encouraged.
  • The ratio of residents to faculty is 6 residents to 10 cardiac surgeons.
  • The average patient load per resident is 15-20 people.

We welcome and invite other students to do elective time within our facility and highly encourage active participation in all areas amongst the resident contingent. Get more information regarding the Canadian Resident Matching Service.