Colorectal Surgery

We offer a 2-year clinical and research training in colorectal surgery to fulfill requirements for eligibility to sit the examination in colorectal surgery and sub-specialty certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

The first year of the program is a non-clinical year where trainees are engaged in research and may enroll in a Master’s program for clinical epidemiology or surgical education. We have ongoing research projects in quality improvement, clinical trials, laboratory studies, and surgical education in the areas of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel and anorectal diseases. Trainees 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. Trainees 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.

Trainees will participate in didactic learning, journal reviews, and in multidisciplinary conferences for enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), gastroenterology, and oncology. Trainees will lead clinical teams of medical students and residents.

Among applicants, we are 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.

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 Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

More information: https://www.royalcollege.ca/rcsite/credentials-exams/exam-eligibility-e

NEW CaRMS Application Process

  • Colorectal Surgery is joining CaRMS in its rank matching process moving forward.
  • Colorectal Surgery will be joining the currently named “Pediatric Subspecialty Match” in CaRMS. This match will soon be renamed to reflect this addition to the matching algorithm.
  • The official CaRMS timeline will be published by the end of June 2024.
  • Dates published on the CaRMS website should be kept in mind when planning electives across the country.
  • Applications will be received by CaRMS in December 2024 with interviews by programs in February.
  • CaRMS will receive ranking submissions in March 2025 with match results sent at the end of March 2025.

Program Contacts: