Undergraduate

Contacts

Dr. Arman Abdalkhani, Director, Undergraduate Surgical Education
Dr. Nazgol Seyednejad, Associate Director, Undergraduate Surgical Education
Denise Archibald, Education Program Manager
Char Gafur, Education Program Assistant

Overview

Surgery is integrated across all four years of the undergraduate medical curriculum. Whether you are considering a career in Surgery or seeking information about the undergraduate medical education curriculum, we hope you find the answers you need here. For additional inquiries, please contact us for further information. 

Years 1 & 2: Introduction to Surgery 

The Year 1 and 2 curriculum exposes students to surgical knowledge and skills through lectures, labs, seminars and case-based scenarios which provide foundational knowledge. Through a spiraling curriculum, students will revisit the role surgery plays with a number of different body systems and presentations. After completing Years 1 and 2 of the UBC MD Undergraduate Program, students are well prepared for success in their clinical training years.

Year 3: Core Clinical Rotation 

During a 12-week Surgical Perioperative Care (SPC) Block), students undertake a 4-week clinical rotation in General Surgery. This rotation offers hands-on experience in both outpatient and inpatient healthcare at UBC-affiliated teaching hospitals and ambulatory care centers. Formal teaching is delivered through academic seminars and workshops. 

In addition to General Surgery, students will have to opportunity to select two 2-week sub-specialty rotations in Cardiovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology, Pediatric Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Radiation Oncology, Vascular Surgery, Thoracic Surgery or Urology.  

The remaining four weeks of the SPC Block consist of a 2-week rotation in Anesthesia and a 2-week rotation in Orthopedic Surgery. 

Year 4: Electives in Surgery 

Students can participate in a wide range of electives within Surgery. These electives allow students to explore career options, deepen their understanding of specific areas beyond the core curriculum, and focus on subjects of personal interest. Knowledge, skills, and attitudes are further developed in a clinical context tailored to the students’ goals. 

Third Year Clerkship Objectives

Fourth Year Electives and Learning Objectives

In the fourth year, students will have the opportunity to participate in many electives within Surgery.  The goal of the electives is to allow students to explore career possibilities, to gain experience in aspects of Surgical sub-specialties beyond the core curriculum, and to study subjects in greater depth. Knowledge, skills, and attitudes are further developed in a clinical context selected by students.

Visiting Student Electives

Non-UBC students who wish to do an elective here should apply and explore the Faculty of Medicine dedicated website.  Please do not contact the individual departments directly.

Policies and Resources