Excellent surgical and high risk obstetrical program with breadth and depth of experience in all 5 years of training.

Cohesive and mutually supportive residents-family friendly program.

Comprehensive Women’s hospital that serves northern Alberta and portions of NWT, with a diverse patient population. Over one hundred general OBGYNs and approximately 30 subspecialists.

Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery exam supported by a strong Simulation program and extensive laparoscopic training, including a new rotation in MIS for senior residents.

Special CaRMS track for individuals identifying as Indigenous.

UAlberta’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Training Program is centered at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Edmonton. The RAH is the tertiary referral center for northern Alberta, northern British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. RAH houses the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, a leading center in women’s health which receives approximately 75,000 patient visits annually. Our residents also spend time at three community hospitals in the Edmonton area: the Grey Nuns Hospital, the Misericordia and the Sturgeon General.

There are 6 funded residency positions per year with between 30 and 35  residents in the program annually. Residents work with a supportive and dynamic team of educators, clinicians and researchers throughout their training. Current academic faculty includes 8 perinatologists, 6 gynecologic oncologists, 7 reproductive endocrinologists, 5 urogynecologists, 1 urogynecologic fellow, 7 basic scientists and many generalists.

Our residency program has full accreditation from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Our graduates consistently pass the national Royal College examinations and go on to enjoy rewarding careers in gynecological and obstetrical medicine across Canada and beyond.

Please refer to the detailed description of the Program on our website.

Are there opportunities to do research in the UofA OBGYN residency program?

In addition to working with faculty in obgyn, there are a wide variety of opportunities to work with staff from other departments. All types of scholarly projects are encouraged: clinical, basic science, CQI, epidemiology, education and global health. Four residents have had Masters level training in the CIP (Clinical Investigator program) in the last several years. An online research training module is part of the first year in surgical foundations.

What are the Call Arrangements?

The PARA rules for call frequency and going home post call are strongly enforced. For R2 through R5 there is a modification to allow 12 hour call shifts on weekends, this was initiated by residents and is supported by the program. Chief residents have the flexibility of doing some home call to optimize experiences. The first call shifts in OB for R1s are ‘buddied’ with a senior resident. Our two main OB sites have in house staff support.

How much flexibility is there for electives?

There is ample time for electives/selectives (3 blocks each in years 3, 4, and 5). Residents are usually limited to 3 out of province electives during their residency, pending approval by PGME and the Program Director.

What is it like to be an R1?

The first 2 blocks of residency are on the OBGYN service to help new R1s integrate into the program. There are an additional 3 blocks on general obstetrics and Gynecology in the remainder of the year. Additional rotations are in ultrasound, NICU/OB anaesthesia, general surgery, emergency and internal medicine. Surgical foundations is expected to be completed in that first year.

How is work life balance in the program?

The residents have an informal mentorship program to support each other (each group has a resident from each year). Despite this being a busy residency we find a good balance by supporting residents going home as soon as they have done handover. Vacation and long weekend schedules are made well in advance. There are many babies, cats, dogs, fish (and a few chickens) in our lives.