The University of British Columbia offers a 2-year clinical training program in General Surgical Oncology. We offer comprehensive and dynamic training that can be tailored to a range of clinical interests and career goals in surgical oncology. Our training program is approved by the Society for Surgical Oncology (SSO) and accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).

Residents/fellows learn and work predominantly at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) and BC Cancer – Vancouver. VGH is one of the largest teaching hospitals in Canada and serves as a major referral center offering specialized and tertiary services for patients in the province of British Columbia and the Yukon. BC Cancer – Vancouver evaluates over 9300 new cancer patients per year and is involved in numerous provincial, national and international clinical trials.

Vancouver, British Columbia is a bustling metropolitan city nestled between the West Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, and is ranked one of the most livable and beautiful cities in the world. The city is famous for its wonderful variety of cuisines, sun-soaked beaches in the summer, and numerous museums and art galleries. Lovers of the outdoors also have a vast array of waterfalls, mountains, and lakes and coastlines to explore, many within an hour from downtown. Vancouver is also a top destination in the winter, with many snow-capped mountains to choose from, including the world-renowned slopes of Whistler.  

Program Faculty

Potential candidates must have completed or expect completion of a recognized General Surgery Residency program and demonstrate a significant commitment to General Surgical Oncology.

We participate in the Surgical Oncology Fellowship Match through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). Applicants submit applications and supporting documents through ERAS. Matching is through the NRMP. Application details are available on the Society of Surgical Oncology website: https://surgonc.org/fellows/surgical-oncology-fellowships/

Clinical Rotations

The program will involve core rotations in general surgical oncology as well as medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology and research. Rotations will include significant exposure to breast cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, peritoneal surface malignancies, hepatobiliary/pancreas (HPB), sarcoma, melanoma, and thyroid cancer.

Specialized elective rotations in community surgical oncology, head and neck surgery, community breast surgical oncology, academic colorectal cancer surgery, palliative care, and international elective rotations are available depending on the resident’s/fellow’s interest.

First Year

• General Surgical Oncology (6 blocks) – Vancouver General Hospital
• Medical Oncology (1 block) – BC Cancer
• Radiation Oncology (1 block) – BC Cancer
• Pathology (1 block) – Vancouver General Hospital
• Research/Electives (4 blocks)

Second Year

• General Surgical Oncology (6 blocks) – Vancouver General Hospital
• HPB (2-3 blocks) – Vancouver General Hospital
• Research/Electives (4 blocks)

Examples of Elective Rotations in Canada

• Breast Surgical Oncology – Mount St. Joseph’s Hospital
• Orthopedic Sarcoma – Vancouver General Hospital/BC Cancer
• General Surgical Oncology – Kelowna General Hospital
• Palliative Care – BC Cancer
• Colorectal Surgery – St. Paul’s Hospital
• Endocrine Surgery – St. Paul’s Hospital

Examples of International Elective Rotations

• Melanoma – New Zealand
• Breast Cancer and Oncoplastic Surgery – France
• Sarcoma – Milan
• Gastric Cancer – Korea
• Peritoneal Malignancies – United Kingdom
• Advanced Pelvic Cancer Surgery – Australia

Research

Research is an integral part of the program. Residents are responsible to complete one major research project during each year of training and submit to a national or international meeting as well as journal publication.

Education The education program includes a protected weekly lecture and seminar series covering a variety of surgical oncology topics. Journal club will be held every two months attended by residents and staff. Regional and provincial tumor conferences are held weekly at the BC Cancer Agency with regular participation by residents and staff. All residents will be provided with support to attend the SSO Annual Symposium.

Erika Schmitz (PGY7)

Susie Youn (PGY6)

The General Surgical Oncology 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

• Inclusivity in the Learning Environment
• Gender Bias in the Learning Environment
• Student Mistreatment Video
• Building Safe and Supportive Learning Environments

PGME Policies, Procedures, Systems and Resources

• PGME Policies & Procedures
• Resident Resources
• Resident Management System
• Competency Based Medical Education
• Entrada

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada – General Surgical Oncology Exam

American Board of Surgery – Complex General Surgical Oncology Exam eligible*

*May have additional requirements including certification in General Surgery by the American Board of Surgery