Program Description

The UBC medical biochemistry residency training program o­ffers a 2-year fellowship designed for trainees to develop expertise in all aspects of biochemical laboratory training, and to become proficient in the operation and management of clinical laboratories. The content of these 2 years encompasses:

• Biochemical test interpretation, and consideration of analytical and clinical reasons for anomalous test results
• Analytical techniques with regard to test principles and method design, evaluation, implementation, and quality control
• Involvement in a longitudinal basic science, clinical or epidemiologic research project
• Maintenance of clinical skills by taking part in a longitudinal outpatient clinic (lipids, preventative cardiology, diabetes, inborn errors of metabolism, general internal medicine, etc.) 0.5-1 day per week

Rotations are scheduled in 4- to 12-week blocks in various settings, including adult and pediatric acute care hospitals (Vancouver General Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital, Children’s and Women’s Health Centre of British Columbia), community hospitals/laboratories (Royal Columbian Hospital, LifeLabs), and specialty sites (Provincial Toxicology Center, C&W Biochemical Genetics Laboratory). For more information, please visit our website.

Much flexibility exists in the residency structure to meet the needs and interests of the trainee, provided that the requirements of the Royal College are met.

Research and Conferences

Residents are expected to take advantage of the numerous research opportunities available, and to present original research projects at Pathology Day (mandatory in PGY-4, optional in PGY-5).

Attendance at the annual AACC, CSCC, and/or CAMB meeting is expected, with funding available to cover the costs of travel and accommodation. Presentation of research findings as a poster or an oral presentation at the aforementioned conferences is strongly encouraged.

Interested residents who wish to pursue further research training can do so through the UBC Clinician Investigator Program.

Additional Information

For further information, please see the UBC Medical Biochemistry Resident Manual.