The neurosurgical resident on call is responsible for adult inpatients at the Halifax Infirmary site as well as pediatric patients at the IWK. The two sites are a ten-minute walk apart. Taxi vouchers are provided. Junior residents are expected to stay in house overnight; mid-level and senior residents can do call from home (provided they live close enough to arrive rapidly in emergencies.) Call is maximum 1 in 4, no more than two weekends per month.

Residents report that on average, about 1/3 of their call nights are very busy, 1/3 are pretty quiet, and 1/3 are busy up until midnight or so.

Residents are entitled to 28 days of vacation during each complete academic year. A maximum of seven (7) vacation days can be taken per 28-day rotation block. There is no service that is exempt from permitting vacation. All vacation/conference requests should be made a minimum of 3 months in advance. Decisions regarding approval by services for vacation requests should be given to the applicant within 2 weeks of the date of submission.

Halifax offers excellent housing options, considerably lower than many other North American cities, including apartments, condominiums, as well as larger homes with backyards for families. There are over 200 urban, rural, and suburban communities to choose from!

• The cost for a one-bedroom apartment in the City Centre ranges in price from $900.00 to $1425.00 per month.
• A three-bedroom apartment in the City Centre ranges in price from $1500.00 to $2550.00 per month.
• The average price of homes sold in Halifax in July of 2019 was $309,101.

The starting salary for PGY-1 on July 1, 2020, is $66,154, plus a call stipend. Health and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, and an employee and family assistance program are offered by Maritime Resident Doctors.

The Residency Program Director and Program Administrator are typically the first points of contact and support for the Resident throughout the training period. The Program Director acts as the Faculty Advisor, providing mentorship, advocacy, and support through regular meetings as well as contact on an “as required” basis during times of stress or challenge in a Resident’s life. The Neurosurgery Residency Program also has an “Ombuddy”, someone outside the Division of Neurosurgery who can be approached with any issues or concerns.

Through the Maritime Resident Doctors Employee and Family Assistance Program, residents have 24/7 access to self-guided resources, as well as support over the phone and online. If you prefer to meet with a counselling professional in person, appointments can also be arranged.

The Dalhousie PGME Office of Resident Affairs also offers support and assistance.