General Surgical Oncology

Program Director
Dr. Gregory J. McKinnon
Tom Baker Cancer Centre
1331 - 29 Street NW
Calgary  AB  T2N 4N2
Phone: (403) 521-3810
Fax: (403) 283-1651
e-mail: mckinnon@ucalgary.ca

Program Administrator
Ms. Lynn Steele
Phone: (403) 521-3810
Fax: (403) 283-1651
e-mail: lynn.steele@albertahealthservices.ca

For further information see also:
http://www.ucalgary.ca/UofC/faculties/medicine/surgery

Program Eligibility
This program is available for surgeons who have completed general surgery training in a Royal College certified program or equivalent.  Applicants must have demonstrated an interest in a sub-specialized academic career.

Program Outline

1. Goals and Objectives:
The overall goal of the program is to train a surgeon who will become part of a multidisciplinary team devoted to the care of complex cancer patients.  The candidate should also be committed to contributing to the knowledge of surgical oncology in an academically productive career.  The two-year program covers a wide base of areas including soft tissue tumors, gastrointestinal, breast, head and neck, endocrine and hepatobiliary cancers.  Residents are encouraged to focus on an area of interest in the second year.  Residents may also apply for a Masters degree in their area of interest.

2.  Rotations:
The program is organized into core rotations:

1. Advanced gastrointestinal and soft tissue tumors
2. Breast and melanoma
3. Hepatobiliary
4. Endocrine
5. Pathology
6. Radiation oncology
7. Medical oncology

Optional rotations include:

1. Otoloaryngology
2. Upper GI and MIS
3. Colorectal
   

3.  Curriculum:
The academic curriculum consists of a core knowledge lecture series organized by the Department of Oncology and run twice weekly.  Surgical Oncology rounds and Grand Oncology rounds are held weekly.  Journal clubs are held quarterly.  Surgical Oncology residents are also encouraged to attend general surgical teaching events appropriate for their level.

4.  Research:
Research is a mandatory part of the residency.  Ample opportunities are available for basic, translational and clinical research.  Residents are expected to conduct supervised projects at an advanced level, learn to develop and write a research protocol and successfully obtain ethical and scientific approval for their projects.  Grant writing is also included in the curriculum.

Application Process
All applicants have to apply through the Society of Surgical Oncology integrated match.  Required components of the application are outlined on the SSO website (http://www.surgonc.org)