Neurosurgery Residency Program
Welcome to the Neurosurgery Residency Program at the University of Alberta.
Facilities
HOME OF THE STATE OF THE ART RAY RAJOTTE SURGICAL MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTION FOR SIMULATION TRAINING
small
SMALL COLLEGIAL PROGRAM, 1.5 FACULTY MEMBERS FOR EACH RESIDENT
technologies
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, INCLUDING 3T MRI AND GAMMA KNIFE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA HOSPITAL SITE
Interview/CaRMS Specific Information
Details regarding interview dates: Interviews will be scheduled on January 31, 2024. All interviews will be virtual.
Notification/Invitation: Program will notify all applicants through CaRMS Online and will send email invitations directly to applicants selected for an interview.
Details regarding the interview process: Interviews will be conducted by faculty members and Neurosurgery residents, and will cover a variety of topics including some clinical decision making scenarios. Candidates will rotate through multiple interview stations.
All applicants to the Neurosurgery Residency Program at the University of Alberta are required to successfully complete an online assessment (CASPer), to assist with our selection process and maintain admission eligibility.
CASPer is an online test which assesses for non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics and will complement the other tools that we use for applicant screening. In implementing CASPer, we are trying to further enhance fairness and objectivity and reduce bias in our selection process.
The CASPer test is comprised of 12 sections of video and written scenarios. The test typically takes between 75-90 minutes to complete. No studying is required, although you may want to familiarize yourself with the test structure at takeCASPer.com, and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test.
Please go to takeCASPer.com to sign up for the Canadian Postgraduate Medical Education test (CSP20201) and reserve a test using a piece of government-issued photo ID. You will be provided with testing dates and times. Please use an email address that you check regularly; there may be updates to the test schedule. In order to take CASPer, you will be responsible for securing access to a computer with audio capabilities, a webcam, and a reliable internet connection on your selected test date.
Contact Us
Dr. Michael Chow
Program Director, Neurosurgery
Pam Weber
Program Administrator
Email: nsurgpg@ualberta.ca
Dr. Michael Chow
Program Director
Pam Weber
Program Administrator
Welcome to the Neurosurgery Residency Program
Neurosurgery training requires a high level of cognitive ability and technical skill. Neurologic localization and microsurgical skill are both equally important in successful neurosurgical practice. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, collaborative individual with a strong work ethic. As many neurosurgical patients present with high acuity and are often quite sick, residents need to be able to multi-task and have effective coping mechanisms for stressful situations. Attention to detail is of utmost importance.However, since many of our procedures are life-saving, the reward makes it all worthwhile.
The program at the University of Alberta is one of the top training programs in Canada. We perform ahigh volume of operative cases which leads to early and extensive clinical exposure for our trainees. Our program is relatively small with a high ratio of staff surgeons to residents. This leads to more personal attention to training than offered in larger programs. In addition, we offer exposure to all of the neurosurgical subspecialties within the program. Access to new neurosurgical technologies is at least equal to or better than most any other program in Canada.
Our program is a minimum of 6 years with the opportunity of extending the length of training if one is interested in obtaining an advanced degree like a Masters or PhD. The 4 th year of training is designed asa flexible year that allows the resident to pursue research or further clinical training, including community neurosurgery exposure or in-folded fellowship training. Our goal is to produce well-rounded neurosurgeons that will be successful in either academic or non-academic neurosurgical practice.
Dr. Michael Chow
Program Director
Our Program
The Neurosurgery Residency Program at the University of Alberta is a fully accredited program by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Relatively small in size with 11 residents, supervised by 16 faculty members, the program's collegial atmosphere and large catchment area provides many learning opportunities.
Led by Program Director, Dr. Michael Chow and administered by Pam Weber, the program's primary objective is to develop competent, well-rounded neurosurgeons capable of practicing the art of neurosurgery in either a community or academic environment. Our flexible program allows for customized training to each learner's specific interests and needs. The success and well-being of our neurosurgical graduates remains a source of pride for our residency program.
Program Highlights
Residents are exposed to a robust and diverse clinical experience at three sites: University Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital and the Stollery Children's Hospital. (Over 2500 clinical operative cases are done annually).
A formal academic schedule exists for Neurosurgery residents, including Gamma Knife Rounds, Journal Club, Neuroscience Grand Rounds, Quality Assurance Rounds, and Neurosurgery case rounds and didactic rounds. Regular sessions in our Simulation Lab are scheduled throughout the year.
Residents gain experience in all aspects of subspecialty Neurosurgery and new innovative Neurosurgical equipment. (Complex spine, neuro-endoscopy, deep brain stimulation, endovascular neurosurgery, functional neurosurgery and gamma knife).
Residents receive expense coverage for meetings, microneurosurgical symposiums and review courses.
Home of the state of the art Ray Rajotte Surgical Medical Research Institution for simulation training. Previous host of the Neurosurgery Rookie Camp.
Advanced technologies, including 3T MRI and Gamma Knife at the University of Alberta Hospital site.
Upon completion of training, graduates from the University of Alberta become competent in performing the full spectrum of neurosurgical practice.
Large catchment area includes Northern and Central Alberta, Northern BC and the Northwest Territories ensures high procedural volume.
Broad representation of all subspecialties (vascular/endovascular, neuro-oncology and skull base, radiosurgery, complex spine, epilepsy, functional, pediatrics, peripheral nerve).
Annual program retreat in the Rockies.
Program Supports
- Approachable Program Director
- Continuous assessment/feedback, and dedicated faculty
- Residency Program Committee meetings, open to residents
Residency at a Glance
Learn about each year of the program with an overview of each year.
Residents are encouraged to attend at least one Neurosurgical meeting or symposium per year and are expected to develop fluency in case and paper presentations at the weekly Neuroscience Grand Rounds. A didactic schedule of lectures given by faculty runs throughout the year to cover the entire curriculum in a 3 year cycle. Written exams after each block are administered as well as a practice oral exam yearly. The Annual National in-training written exam is also administered. Practice oral examinations are offered by faculty members in preparation for the Royal College Neurosurgical Fellowship Examinations for those residents in their final year of training.
Upon completion of training, graduates from the University of Alberta become competent in performing the full spectrum of Neurosurgical practice.
Research Opportunities
The Division of Neurosurgery at the University of Alberta has been active in clinical and basic scientific research, offering Masters and Doctoral programs. Our research endeavors currently include the study of:
- Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Blood transfusion in subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Clinical Trials of aneurysm treatment
- Dendritic cell immunotherapy for malignant gliomas
- Quality of life measures in brain tumour patients
- Neuroanatomical impact of radiation therapy in the treatment of glial tumours
- Cervical spondylotic myelopathy
- Spinal cord regeneration
- Management of spinal cord injury
- Hydrocephalus Research
- Use of diffusion tensor imaging in the intra-operative MRI environment
- Neuroimaging biomarkers of response to surgical treatment of epilepsy and trigeminal neuralgia
- Neuroimaging features of treatment-resistant depression
- Impact of deep brain stimulation therapy on speech and language function
- Quantitative assessment of gait and postural instability in Parkinson's disease patients undergoing DBS
Teaching Hospitals
We are a fully accredited program that follows the guidelines set out by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Our program is four core years spent in general pediatrics at multiple locations.
Subspecialities
Possible subspecialities residents can explore after finishing the program.
- Spine
- Functional
- Vascular
- Oncology
- Pediatric
- Trauma
- Peripheral Nerve
- Radiosurgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Technical specialty with a wide degree of variety. Neurosurgery is not only concerned with restoring structure but also with maintaining function. Numerous avenues for research and scholarly pursuit – we know so little about the human brain.
Resident Testimonials
What do you like about Edmonton: There is a great sense of pride from Edmontonians towards their city. It offers all the modern amenities of a large city, with a small town feel. The newly developed Ice District, centered on Rogers Place arena with our booming Edmonton Oilers is a new area of excitement for the whole city to enjoy. The University of Alberta Hospital is located adjacent to a major shopping area with plenty of restaurants and shops to visit. There are many affordable places to live for residents with young families in nearby neighbourhoods. Edmonton has a large area of green space for enjoyment of outdoor activities all year round.
What are the highlights of the program for you: We have a high operative volume with a large staff to resident ratio. The breadth of sub-specialty expertise amongst our staff covers the entire realm of neurosurgery, now including peripheral nerve and gamma knife. Our close association with the dedicated neuroICU offers more exposure and training in aspects of critical care such as airway management and central venous access. The Stollery hospital located within the University of Alberta Hospital offers continuous exposure to pediatric neurosurgery throughout our residency. The Royal Alex rotation allows the chance for a junior resident to assume senior level responsibilities and operative exposure. Our truly flexible 4th year allows each resident to tailor their training to their their individual needs, whether it be research-oriented, clinical electives, or an enfolded fellowship.
What is one piece of advice that you want to share with applicants about the interview process: The 2021 interview season will be unique in that the majority of applicants will not have had a chance to visit our site for a clinical elective due to pandemic restrictions. While this may be discouraging to candidates, remember that everybody is in the same boat. Just as the candidates may not be sure which part of their applications will be the most important, neither does the interviewers. This will be a learning process for everybody, so try not to stress too much about things that are beyond your control. Be yourself and answer truthfully and that's about all you can do. Good luck!
– Dr. Michael Keough (R4)
What do you like about Edmonton? I’ve lived in three provinces—I like to think I’m more of a Canadian veteran than a vagabond. I moved to Alberta for training but it has grown into my home. Edmonton is a highly livable and affordable city with the bustle of an urban metropolis, bisected by the bucolic river valley and teeming with greenspace, surrounded by car-hungry roads beckoning a trip to the mountains. The bipolar weather will advance your journey to enlightenment: Cold winters build character and may have dubious health benefits (pain relief, endorphin release…life prolongation and immortality? A quick literature search supports none of these, but remember, Californians literally pay for whole-body cryotherapy), while warm summers are conducive to hiking, camping, and sun basking in reptilious fashion. Lots of festivals, food, and fun in non-pandemic times.
What are the highlights of the program for you? Our program is strong and well-balanced. Edmonton is an operative juggernaut with high clinical volume, early exposure, full subspecialty coverage, and emphasis on technical mastery. Research is similarly emphasized with yearly projects, a dedicated research year, and support for enfolded advanced degrees. The ratio of staff to residents is 2:1, and you develop close mentorship and camaraderie with each respectively. U of A boasts enticing facilities: we have one of 2 dedicated Neuro ICUs in Canada, surgical simulation laboratories, a Gamma Knife unit, an intraoperative MRI suite, a 3D exoscope, to name a few. Our graduates emerge as competent neurosurgeons who attain coveted fellowships and are hired broadly across Canada, the US, and abroad.
One piece of advice you want to share with applicants about the interview process? For interviews: know thyself and be yourself. For residency: you get out what you put into it. Neurosurgery will challenge you physically and mentally, personally and professionally. There is no substitute for passion—whether that leads you to a career in neurosurgery or to other green pastures. Passion is both the elixir that elevates your energy and sustains your efforts, and the antidote that counteracts stress and buffers against burnout. The idea of work-life balance within neurosurgery is as quixotic as it is subjective. When it comes to our resident lifestyle, everything in moderation includes moderation. Between the high tides of hard work and sleepless nights, enrich your body and mind in a way that sustains you, as residency is a marathon made of many micro-sprints.