Pediatric Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Welcome to the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Residency Program at the University of Alberta.
Interview/CaRMS Specific Information
Following application package review, select candidates will be invited for an interview. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all interviews for the 2021 match cycle will be conducted virtually. While the structure and experience of these interviews may be different than traditional in-person program visits, we hope that the experience is a positive one, due to the elimination of travel.
Interviews will be held via Zoom, and will consist of a number of one-on-one meetings. These will include meetings with the Program Director, the Divisional Director and a number of our teaching faculty. These interviews will focus on communication skills, interpersonal skills, level of maturity, empathy and sensitivity.
Contact Us
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Department of Pediatric, Division of Emergency Medicine,
University of Alberta
Email: pedsemerg@ualberta.ca
Dr. Brandy Stauffer
Program Director
Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Anita Reff
Medical Education Program Coordinator
Email: pedsemerg@ualberta.ca
Dr. Brandy Stauffer
Program Director
Anita Reff
Medical Education Program Coordinator
Welcome to OUR program
Welcome to the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Residency Training Program!
The Stollery Children’s Hospital is the clinical home of our program, seeing over 50,000 patient visits each year. Edmonton has a large catchment area, including not only urban Edmonton, but Northern Alberta, Northern BC and the territories. As a result, the patient population is extremely diverse, ranging from the concerned but well to major traumas and complex medical patients.
We have over 20 qualified staff with diverse interests including research, ultrasound, simulation, medical education, trauma and alternative health care. Our program prides itself on its staff engagement in resident education. In addition to working with our residents closely on a daily basis, our staff are actively involved in weekly education sessions and rounds directed specifically at PEM residents. Our goal is to not only provide you with excellent PEM training but also help you pursue and develop your personal interests and area of interest.
Thank you for applying to our program! We are excited to see such excellent candidates and look forward to meeting you!
Brandy Stauffer
Program Director
Our Program
The University of Alberta/Stollery Children's Hospital offers the only accredited specialized Pediatric Emergency Department in Central and Northern Alberta.
Residency at a Glance
This residency program is for 2 years. Program length of training does not exceed the Royal College or College of Family Physicians of Canada standard.
This program offers thirteen (13) 4-week blocks of training in the Pediatric Emergency Department at the Stollery Children's Hospital. There will be a minimum of 5 blocks per year to ensure that residents are given increasing professional responsibility under appropriate staff supervision.
Residents with a background in Pediatrics must spend:
- One (1) block in each of Plastic Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery.
- A minimum of three (3) blocks must be spent in Trauma, Adult/General Emergency Medicine, and a relevant elective.
Residents with a background in Emergency Medicine must spend:
- A minimum of three (4) blocks total in Neonatology, Pediatric ICU and Pediatric Ambulatory Care (including Child Protective Services).
All residents will complete the following:
- Toxicology with a balanced emphasis on Adult and Pediatric aspects for one (1) block;
- Emergency Services Systems and disaster planning for one (1) block;
- Diagnostic Imaging (0.5) block
- Administration for one (1) block;
- Anesthesia/Pain management for one (1) block;
- Research for two (2) blocks, and
- Two (2) to Three (3) blocks of electives. The resident in conjunction with the Program Director will choose these electives.
A resident will complete or significantly participate in a scholarly project relating to research, education or professional activity in the sub-specialty of Pediatric Emergency Medicine. This project may lead to a presentational publication that would have peer review in a setting outside the resident’s own centre. This may include a research protocol, development of an educational curriculum for a specific course or group, or presentation of continuous quality improvement activities, or protocol development.
Residents will be supported to pursue a third year that is aimed at further specific subspecialization training (i.e. research, trauma); if there is a special area of interest.
Teaching Hospitals
The primary location for the program is the Stollery Children's Hospital, but learners will spend time at other sites.
Primary Site:
Secondary Sites:
University of Alberta Hospital
Poison and Drug Information Services (PADIS), University of Calgary
Residency Testimonials
We asked our residents what their highlights of the program are, and one piece of advice for applicants about the interview process. Here is what a few of them had to say:
What are the highlights of the program for you: How tight knit the PEM community is, and how supportive the staff are. It's always nice to come into the Emergency Department, whether you're on service or not, and be welcomed by lots of friendly conversations.
One piece of advice you want to share with applicants about the interview process: Everyone wants you to succeed, and we love hearing why you want to come to the U of A.
What are the highlights of the program for you: Consistent high acuity - great case experiences, supportive/fun/happy staff colleagues.
One piece of advice you want to share with applicants about the interview process: Process is just as much (or more) about you finding the right program fit for you as it is the program evaluating you. Breathe!
What are the highlights of the program for you: The collegiality within the Department stands out. Everyone is very supportive and it's a great learning environment.
What is one piece of advice that you want to share with applicants about the interview process: Try to relax and figure out what program and city are a good fit for you!