Hand and Upper Limb Surgery Fellowship

Program Overview

The Hand & Upper Limb Fellowship at the University of Alberta offers high-volume, advanced clinical and academic training in complex elbow, wrist, hand, and shoulder surgery within one of Canada’s busiest dedicated upper extremity referral centres.

Based at the Western Hand & Upper Limb Facility (WULF), fellows gain broad exposure to elective and trauma-related upper extremity conditions, advanced reconstructive techniques, and arthroscopic procedures, while working closely with an experienced, fellowship-trained upper extremity surgeons. The program is designed to prepare surgeons for academic careers or high-complexity clinical practice.

Program at a Glance

• Duration: 12 months
• Positions Available: 2 fellows per year
• Clinical Focus: Elbow, wrist, hand, and shoulder surgery
• Research: Protected time (1 day per week)
• Start Date: July–August (flexible)
• Application Window: Nov 01 - Dec 31, 2026 for July/Aug 2028 entry

Clinical Experience

WULF is one of the few dedicated upper extremity centres in Canada, serving as a regional and provincial referral centre.

Annual case volume includes:

• 3,000+ major surgical procedures
• 2,000+ minor surgical procedures
• 22,000+ clinic visits annually

Fellows participate in a broad range of procedures, including:

• Acute and complex upper extremity trauma
• Degenerative, arthritic, and post-traumatic conditions from the shoulder to the hand
• Arthroscopy and arthroplasty from the shoulder to fingers
• Joint instability and complex reconstructive procedures
• Tendon, nerve, and soft tissue pathology and reconstruction

• Exposure to foundational microsurgical techniques

Progressive autonomy is emphasized throughout the year under close faculty mentorship.

Academic & Teaching Responsibilities

Fellows are integrated into the academic mission of the division and are expected to:

• Participate in weekly academic rounds and case conferences
• Contribute to resident and medical student teaching
• Participate in on-call responsibilities as appropriate

Research Opportunities

The fellowship includes protected research time (one day per week). Fellows are expected to engage in clinical, outcomes-based, or basic science research projects under faculty supervision.

Research opportunities include:

• Clinical outcomes and database studies
• Upper extremity biomechanics
• Arthroplasty and reconstruction research
• Quality improvement initiatives

Fellows are expected to complete at least one scholarly project, with encouragement to publish and present at national or international meetings.

Who Should Apply

This fellowship is intended for:

• Graduates of orthopaedic surgery, plastic surgery, or equivalent surgical residency programs
• Applicants eligible for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta
• Surgeons with a strong interest in advanced upper extremity surgery and academic engagement

International applicants are welcome and should review licensure and funding requirements early.

Salary & Funding

• Canadian fellows are funded according to PGY6 level of training. This fund is supported by the Fellows Surgical Assist Billings.
• International fellows are expected to secure external funding and credential verification by the Physician Credentials Registry of Canada (PCRC) is required prior to acceptance.

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

• A letter of interest
• Curriculum vitae
• Three letters of reference

Applications should be submitted electronically to Sonia Silva at sonia.silva@albertahealthservices.ca.

📅 Application Deadline: December 31 (18 months prior to intended start date)

Why Train at WULF

• One of Canada’s busiest dedicated upper extremity centres
• Exceptional clinical volume and case diversity
• Structured academic and research mentorship
• Collegial, supportive training environment