GOALS:
The goals for the academic enrichment year are to have the resident exposed to basic and clinical science underlying Cardiac Surgery, as well as to have him/her exposed to and learn about the scientific methods employed in advancing knowledge and techniques in Cardiac Surgery. These include:
- Formulation of a hypothesis.
- Gathering literature and understanding the information relevant to the issue at hand.
- Formulation of an investigational method.
- Participation in the experiments.
- Learn the methods and perform data analysis.
- Provide appropriate interpretation of the results obtained.
- Be capable of effective presentations locally, nationally and internationally, both orally and in publications.
SCOPE OF ACADEMIC ENDEAVORS:
To achieve these goals, the resident will be assigned to a supervisor who serves as a personal mentor in guiding the resident to learn and to carry out the research related to Cardiac Surgery.
The scope of research topics can include:
- Basic scientific research
- Clinical evidence-based research projects
- Innovations in surgical techniques
- New applications of Informatics in Cardiac Surgery
GRADUATE PROGRAMS:
The resident may participate in the “Surgical Scientist Program” approved by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The resident has the option of applying to enter either the “M.Sc. Degree in Surgical Research” program or “Ph.D. Degree in Surgical Research” program, under the Division of Surgical Research, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, McGill University.
This program consists of research work in preparation of a thesis and completion of required courses for a total of 48 credits. The program is to be completed during three terms; an additional term is assigned for the preparation of the thesis. The course requirements for a total of 15 credits are as follows:
- EXSU 601 (6) Knowledge Management
- EXSU 606 (3) Statistics for Surgical Research
- EXSU 605 (3) Innovations in Biomedical Research
A graduate level course in the student's specialty is also mandatory. Selection of the former and additional courses, if required, will be in consultation with a Research Supervisory Committee appointed to each student. The additional courses recommended for Cardiac Surgery Residents may include:
- Advanced Cardiac Physiology given jointly by the Department of Physiology and the Division of Experimental Medicine at McGill University.
- Artificial Cells and Organs given by the Centre for Artificial Cells and Organs, McGill University.
- Cell and Tissue Engineering given by the Department of Biomedical Engineering at McGill University.
The laboratory research component of the program is given 33 credits.
The resident must submit a thesis to satisfy the requirements for a Graduate Degree, according to the regulations of McGill University
TEACHING SESSIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES:
- The residents are expected to systematically review and learn clinical and basic science knowledge in Cardiac Surgery, by attending regular review tutorials, conferences and seminars sponsored by the Division of Cardiac Surgery and the Division of Surgical Research at McGill University.
- The Division of Cardiac Surgery sponsors its residents and fellows to present their original papers at national and international scientific and professional meetings, and the residents are encouraged and guided to submit manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.