Pediatric Emergency Medicine

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
Phone: 780-248-5533

Dr. Brandy Stauffer
Program Director, Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Ms. Anita Reff  
Program Administrator
Email: pedsemerg@ualberta.ca 


 Dr Brandy Stauffer

Dr. Brandy Stauffer
Program Director

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Ms. Anita Reff
Program Administrator

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

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The University of Alberta/Stollery Children's Hospital offers the only accredited specialized Pediatric Emergency Department in Central and Northern Alberta.
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The Pediatric Emergency Department at the Stollery Children's Hospital sees on average 130-180 children per day, with annual census over 55,000 patients. Approximately 6-8 percent of these emergency patients require admission to hospital, which allows our learners exposure to very high acuity patients.
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Multiple weekly teaching opportunities allow for knowledge exchange (including core curriculum rounds, high fidelity simulation, and junior learner-specific case teaching).  Sub-specialty residents have dedicated simulation sessions twice per month.
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Residents are taught the art of managing children and families who require urgent treatment through on-the-job training with over 25 Pediatric Emergency specialists.
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Weekly PEM Grand Rounds presentations by local PEM experts and subspecialty guest speakers ensure Stollery Children's Hospital Pediatric Emergency specialists are up-to-date with new and innovative emergency treatments and issues.
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The Stollery Children's Hospital emergency department provides extensive point-of-care advice that allow Pediatric Emergency specialists to assist smaller, more remote centers as they assess their pediatric patients' needs and to help plan patient transport to the Stollery Children's Hospital, if required.

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. 

 


Residency Testimonials 

We asked our residents what they like about Edmonton, their highlights of the program, and one piece of advice for applicants about the interview process. Here is what a few of them had to say.
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What do you like about Edmonton: There are a lot of great restaurants and festivals going on!

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!

Dr. Tahira Daya (Toronto, Ontario)

 

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What do you like about Edmonton: The river valley and the mountains!  I have picked up several outdoor hobbies since moving to Edmonton.  We are lucky to live in such a beautiful place!

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.

Dr. Janeva Kircher (Whitby, Ontario) 

Dr. Carmen Tait

What do you like about Edmonton: There are great restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops in Edmonton.  There are also great neighbourhoods with young families for those with kids.  We have loved the public school system. 

What are the highlights of the program for you: As noted by others, there is consistently high acuity compared to some of the other departments I have worked in.  You will get great exposure to trauma and medical emergencies.  As with other departments, we also see lots of primary care and complex general pediatric issues, so whatever your training background is, you will get the exposure you need.

The departments is very welcoming - as someone who trained elsewhere I have never felt out of place.  The collegial work environment  makes a huge difference!

One piece of advice you want to share with applicants about the interview process: Take note of the places along your interview tour where you fit in with the staff and residents.  I can't say enough about positive morale!

Dr. Carmen Tait (Vancouver, British Columbia)

Dr. Stefan Slomp

What do you like about Edmonton: I like the river valley - access to trails, biking. 

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!

Dr. Stefan Slomp (Edmonton, Alberta)

Dr. Briana Goad

What do you like about Edmonton: Edmonton is a great city!  Edmontonians are really nice and there is always either a concert, new restaurant, or festival to go to.

What are the highlights of the program for you: The staff and allied health professionals truly make the Emergency Department a wonderful place to work.  You feel like you are a part of a team as soon as you arrive for a shift.  The staff are very supportive of our learning and are wonderful teachers.

What is one piece of advice that you want to share with applicants about the interview process: Be yourself and ask questions! You need to figure out where fits best for you. :).

Dr. Briana Goad (Truro, Nova Scotia)

 

Dr Stevi Golden-Plotnik

What do you like about Edmonton: What I like about Edmonton: the food!  Also the river valley, weekly farmers' markets, trips to the mountains and many available flights to visit family around Canada.

What are the highlights of the program for you: We have incredibly supportive and fun groups of staff, which facilitates a relaxed environment among high acuity and complex pathology.  I think I laugh during every shift, even when things get intense.  These are some of the best mentors I've ever had.  I feel that as a resident our learning and success is really a priority.

One piece of advice you want to share with applicants about the interview process: Try to have fun, ask questions, find a team that fits.  You get to spend the whole day talking about PEM and meeting future colleagues, enjoy it!

Dr. Stevi Golden-Plotnik (Winnipeg, Manitoba)

Dr. Brent Hanasyk

What do you like about Edmonton: The city boasts tons of entertainment throughout the year and is accessible to the mountains, lakes and camping available by day trip.  Compared to home, it's really not that cold.

What are the highlights of the program for you: The department staff are very close and welcoming.  Within a very short period of time, I felt like I was a member of the department rather than just a trainee in it.  Everyone was approachable and helpful in tailoring my training to allow me to get the most of what I wanted.  With the attached adult department, those interesting high acuity adult cases are just across the hall if I have time to wander over.

One piece of advice you want to share with applicants about the interview process: Relax and have fun with it!  Remember that you are interviewing the program as much as it is the other way around so make sure you ask questions to help guide your decision.  Welcome to PEM!

D. Brent Hanasyk (Winnipeg, Manitoba)