Ophthalmology Residency Program

Welcome to the Ophthalmology Residency Program at the University of Alberta!

INTERVIEW/CARMS SPECIFIC INFORMATION

• How to Apply
• Virtual Zoom Q & A

WELCOME TO OUR PROGRAM!

At the University of Alberta Department of Ophthalmology, we provide a supportive learning environment rich in learning opportunities in all the ophthalmic subspecialties. With a referral base of 3 million citizens and one of the largest catchment areas in Canada, residents are trained to manage a wide range of routine and complex, trauma, acute and chronic conditions. Teaching in both outpatient and inpatient settings revolves around clinical and surgical experiences, seminars, conferences and research projects that encourage the advancement of knowledge. Our modern eye clinics are staffed by an extraordinary allied eye care team who work with us to provide world-class patient care. We are one of only few institutions in Canada with a dedicated inpatient ophthalmology ward, which allows residents to apply their general medicine skills.

Our PGY1 residents are paired with a staff mentor, attend weekly ophthalmology academic half days, and spend 8 weeks on the ophthalmology service. The PGY2 resident on night call is supported by a senior resident and a staff person. This buddy call system allows for graduated levels of responsibility that safely develops learner independence. Also, on most weekends an ophthalmic technician assists the on-call resident.

Early surgical exposure is also strongly supported. Residents do not compete with fellows for cases, and our residents attain excellent surgical volumes.

Resident wellness is prioritized through annual wellness retreats and both formal and informal wellness events including the Ron Casey Memorial Golf Tournament, Retina Symposium, External Eye Disease Symposium, Glaucoma Symposium, and Resident Wellbeing Day. We promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and belongingness. Approximately half of our residents and a third of our staff are women or a visible minority.

Residents can pursue their passions within ophthalmology through electives in rural and global settings, research projects, teleophthalmology, or a concurrent Masters degree. Our 43+ experienced, diverse, enthusiastic and collegial staff are committed to medical education, community health and research. Two of the core staff have a Master of Education, four have a Master of Public Health, two have research MSc’s, four have combined MD and PhD credentials with one full-time PhD vision scientist. The University of Alberta is one of the top 75 universities for medicine in the world (Times Higher Education, 2023) and the Royal Alexandra Hospital ranks as one of the best hospitals in Canada (Newsweek, 2023). The University of Alberta has the second-largest research library in Canada.

In summary, our program caters to the unique needs of our residents. We provide you with ample resources to attain the Royal College CanMEDS abilities and Competency by Design requirements, and to become outstanding ophthalmologists. Our graduates have flourished as comprehensive ophthalmologists, and many go on to pursue prestigious subspecialty fellowships.

We aspire to be the premier ophthalmology residency program in North America. We seek diverse residency candidates who are compassionate, conscientious, capable, and resilient, with a strong work ethic and the conviction to improve society. We look forward to meeting you!

Program Highlights

SUBSPECIALTIES

Resident Jasper Ski Trip