The best part is the independence you are tasked with on-call. Diagnosing patients, managing patients with closed reductions and minor procedures in the ED, and planning operative treatment for patients – you are in charge after 5pm. We are highly valued members of the healthcare team with our reputation of being hard workers, which makes tackling challenging patient presentations that much more rewarding.

Our program is team first. You are integrated into the group as a valuable member from Day 1. You learn to navigate the orthopedics world early on as a junior resident unsure which way is up vs. down. It’s a real challenge, but is made so much easier owing to the close relationships with all the staff, nursing, and allied health you can make at smaller centre. You cannot do residency alone – home supports are valuable, but so is a collegial and nurturing environment at work, which the U of S has a ton of.

Life in Saskatoon is wonderful. One word describes it best: The livability. Especially as a resident, I can’t imagine a better place to be. Your drive in to work is quick and you are surrounded by recreation and all of life’s necessities (groceries, etc.) at every corner. Time in residency is the most precious commodity, so not wasting it getting to and from different places is invaluable and frees up time for some fun in life! You can afford to own a home, and achieve many of the non-medical life goals we all have as young adults. There are recreation opportunities available through intramural sports, the arts and craft, really anything you can think of.

Our program cares for its residents both formally and informally. We are protected from overwork and burn out with respected post-call days, vacation time, education leave, etc. Informally, we gather many times a year to break bread, exercise, and spend some precious summer days basking in the sun at a cottage, well removed from the business of everyday life. Junior residents are supported by seniors, and our staff back us all up the same.

Over this next year, I look forward to working my way through a set of orthopedic subspecialties that peak my interest and deciding what I want my future career to look like. Fellowship applications are just around the corner. Moreover, i’ve loved the feeling and confidence gained through experience and knowledge – life and work is easier and more fulfilling when you know what you are doing and talking about, truly becoming an expert and consultant in your field.