Colorectal Surgery
Program Description
The University of British Columbia offers a two-year transformative subspecialty program that shapes the future of residents’ career and the field of colorectal surgery! The Colorectal Surgery Program is designed to blend hands-on clinical training with advanced research opportunities, preparing the residents to tackle the most challenging cases in colon and rectal surgery. Our residents gain unparalleled exposure to a diverse range of colorectal conditions, from routine to complex. The curriculum is tailored to enhance technical skills, and to fulfill requirements for eligibility to sit the examination in colorectal surgery and subspecialty certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).
Application & Eligibility
Each academic year one resident is accepted into the program. Among applicants, the program is looking for excellence in demonstrated surgical skills in their General Surgery residency and for productivity and achievement in research. Successful applicants will have demonstrated excellent communication, collaborative and leadership skills.
Canadian General Surgery Residency Program Graduates
Applicants interested in Colorectal Surgery Residency must apply through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS).
CaRMS Application Process for 2026 Match
Colorectal Surgery has joined 2026 Pediatric Subspecialty Match and will follow their timeline. This match will soon be renamed to reflect this addition to the matching algorithm.
- January 14, 2025 – Deadline for submission and assignment of applications and documents
- February 2 – March 2, 2025 – National interview period
- March 26, 2025 – Match day
International Medical Graduates Before applying for the Colorectal Surgery Training Program, international medical graduates are required to have their training certificates approved as “eligible to sit the Canadian exam in General Surgery” by the RCPSC: https://www.royalcollege.ca/en/eligibility-and-exams/exam-eligibility.
Program & Curriculum Information
The Colorectal Surgery Program offer a two-year clinical and research training in colorectal surgery to fulfill requirements for eligibility to sit the examination in colorectal surgery and subspecialty certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
The first year of the program is a non-clinical year where residents are engaged in research and may enroll in a Master’s program for clinical epidemiology or surgical education. The program has ongoing research projects in quality improvement, clinical trials, laboratory studies, and surgical education in the areas of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel and anorectal diseases. Residents will engage in research to submit abstracts for presentation at regional, national and international meetings, and submit manuscripts for publication.
The second year of the program is dedicated to rigorous training and clinical experience in general and advanced colorectal surgical techniques under the guidance of the colorectal surgery team at St. Paul’s Hospital. The team performs high volumes of open and laparoscopic resections, trans-anal endoscopic excisions, and colonoscopies. Residents will gain hands-on experience in preoperative consultation and treatment planning, operations and post-operative management for colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, and anorectal diseases in the hospital and outpatient clinics.
Residents will participate in didactic learning, journal reviews, and in multidisciplinary conferences for enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), gastroenterology, and oncology. Residents will lead clinical teams of medical students and residents. The program provides for high volume experience in colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and anorectal disease.
Expectation for our residents is excellence in technical procedures, decision making, research, and leadership.
Beginning July 1, 2025, the program will transition to Competence by Design (CBD) model of training as mandated by the RCPSC with four stages:
- Stage 1 – Transition to Discipline (1-3 months)
- Stage 2 – Foundation of Discipline (3-6 months)
- Stage 3 – Core of Discipline (12-18 months)
- Stage 4 – Transition to Practice (1-2 months).
Stages 1 and 2 have Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) that will be completed during the first year of the program. Stages 3 and 4 have EPAs that will be completed during the second year of the program.
EPAs by Stages
| Stage 1 – Transition to Discipline | Stage 2 – Foundations of Discipline | Stage 3 – Core of Discipline | Stage 4 – Transition to Practice |
| Duration: ~1-3 months | Duration: ~3-6 months | Duration: ~12-18 months | Duration: ~1-2 months |
| 1. Performing a colorectal consultation 2. Performing surgical procedures at the level of a general surgeon | 1. Assessing and managing patients presenting with common colorectal conditions 2. Performing procedural treatment of anorectal pathologies in the ambulatory setting 3. Performing a colonoscopy 4. Performing a segmental or subtotal colectomy 5. Performing an anterior resection of the mid to upper rectum 6. Performing ostomy surgery 7. Managing complications 8 Presenting patients at multidisciplinary rounds 9. Assessing and managing patients presenting with pelvic floor disorders | 1. Performing surgical procedures on the rectum 2. Assessing and managing anastomotic complications 3. Performing transanal surgery for local resection 4. Performing complex surgical proctology 5. Performing surgery of the perineum 6. Performing procedures on the small bowel relevant to the specialty of colorectal surgery 7. Performing procedures on the colon relevant to the specialty of colorectal surgery 8. Assessing and managing complex patients of colorectal surgery 9. Performing pouch surgery 10. Performing a therapeutic colonoscopy 11. Completing a scholarly project 12. Teaching | 1. Managing a clinic day 2. Managing an operating room day 3. Executing a colonoscopy list 4. Performing the administrative, human resource, and financial aspects of independent practice |
Current Residents
Dr. Zarrukh Baig (PGY6)
Dr. Christine Li (PGY7)
Dr. Olivia Hershorn (PGY7)
Resident Wellness & Respectful Environments
The Colorectal Surgery Program is a community of learners, faculty and staff who share responsibility for creating and maintaining a positive, inclusive, learning and work environment where all participants are valued and treated with respect. There is a Resident Wellness Office committed to ensuring resident wellbeing as well as resources to report Learner Mistreatment.
Resources
Resident Policies & Resources
PGME Policies, Procedures, Systems and Resources
Exams
Practice short answer exams and reflective cases – every 3 months
Colorectal Surgery Royal College Exam – PGY7