Postgraduate Program
Program Description
The Vascular Surgery Residency Program at McGill University offers cutting-edge training in a field that demands precision, innovation, and leadership. Accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the program provides a rigorous and supportive learning environment tailored to prepare residents for excellence in clinical practice, research, and academic medicine. With a curriculum designed around the principles of Competency by Design (CBD), residents benefit from structured milestones, hands-on surgical experiences, and comprehensive mentorship. Training is available through two pathways, offering flexibility based on prior surgical education and career goals.
Residency Program Director Elie Girsowicz, MD, MSc Jewish General Hospital - E 110 Phone: (514) 340-8222 ext. 23324 Fax : (514) 340-7533 | Program Coordinators Kathy Roussis and Julia Boyko Vascular Surgery Residency Program Phone: (514)934-1934 ext. 37063 |
Training Pathways & Curriculum Information
Pathway 1: Direct Entry from Medical School
Duration: 5 years
Application Process: CaRMS Match and/or International Medical Graduates (IMG)
Language of Instruction: English
Overview
- Open to applicants directly after medical school.
- Residency length: five years in Vascular Surgery.
- Number of positions is variable and updated annually on the CaRMS website.
- Number of IMGs positions is variable and updated annually – apply through McGill Postgraduate Training Office.
Training Structure
- Years 1–2: Surgical Foundations Program
- Shared with all other surgical residents.
- Culminates in the Principles of Surgery Exam, which is a Royal College prerequisite for specialty certification.
- Years 3–5: Core Vascular Surgery Residency
- Progressive responsibility in clinical and operative settings.
- Exposure to advanced vascular surgical techniques.
- Ongoing competency-based assessments aligned with Competency by Design (CBD).
Competency by Design Transition
- As of July 1, 2021, Vascular Surgery training at McGill has fully transitioned to Competency Based Medical Education (CBME).
- The curriculum is built around Royal College principles to ensure residents progress through defined milestones.
- The program emphasizes continuous improvement in educational delivery.
Curriculum Plan - Pathway 1 (5-Year Residency)
Program Overview by Year
PGY1–2: Foundations Training
- Surgical Foundations Program with all surgical disciplines
- Rotations include: General Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, ICU, Trauma, IM consults
- Culminates in Principles of Surgery Exam (Royal College requirement)
PGY3–5: Core Vascular Surgery
- Progressive responsibility and training in Vascular Surgery
- Key rotations include:
- Clinical Vascular Surgery (majority of PGY3–5)
- Interventional Radiology exposure
- Vascular Laboratory training
- Electives/Research opportunities
- Final years focus on advanced vascular training & preparation for specialty exam
Curriculum Snapshot (Pathway 1: 5-Year)
Year | Focus | Key Rotations |
|---|---|---|
| PGY1 | Surgical Foundations | General Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, Consults, Introduction to Vascular |
| PGY2 | Foundations II | Thoracic, ICU, Trauma, Early Vascular exposure |
| PGY3 | Transition to Core | Transplant, Cardiac, Vascular Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Lab, Elective/Research |
| PGY4 | Core | Intensive Vascular Surgery rotations + Imaging & Lab |
| PGY5 | Transition to Practice | Chief-level Vascular Surgery, Advanced endovascular and venous rotations |
Pathway 2: Entry After Prior Surgical Training
Duration: 2 years
Application Process: McGill Postgraduate Training Office
Language of Instruction: English
Overview
- Designed for applicants who have already completed Royal College–approved residency training in one of the following specialties:
- General Surgery
- Cardiac Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Residency length: two years in Vascular Surgery.
- Number of available positions varies each year.
Training Structure
- Focused, advanced training in vascular surgery following prior surgical residency.
- Tailored pathway following the Competency by Design curriculum that has to be completed within 2 years.
- Curricular emphasis on:
- Advanced open and endovascular surgical techniques
- Multidisciplinary vascular patient care
- Leadership, research, and academic development
Application Process
- Applicants must submit an electronic application via the McGill Postgraduate Training Office.
- The PGME office will:
- Verify eligibility
- Manage the application process
- Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the Program Director prior to applying to inquire about available positions.
Curriculum Plan - Pathway 2 (5+2 Year Route)
Program Overview by Year
PGY6–7:
- Full immersion in Vascular Surgery after prior surgical residency
- Dedicated time in:
- Clinical Vascular Surgery (majority)
- Vascular Laboratory
- Interventional Radiology
- Electives tailored towards individual career goals
- Transition to practice rotations
Curriculum Snapshot (Pathway 2: 2-Year)
Year | Focus | Key Rotations |
|---|---|---|
| PGY6 | Intensive Vascular Immersion | Majority Vascular Surgery, Vascular Lab, Community Vascular Elective |
| PGY7 | Advanced & Transition to Practice | Advanced Vascular, Interventional Radiology, Venous rotations, Lead resident responsibilities |
Academic Sessions
Our Vascular Surgery Residency Program is committed to providing residents with structured, high-quality academic teaching and hands-on learning opportunities. Every Friday is designated for Academic Sessions, a protected time dedicated to advancing knowledge, clinical reasoning, and technical skills. Through a blend of didactic teaching, case-based discussions, service rounds, and simulation training, residents gain comprehensive exposure to both foundational principles and evolving practices in vascular surgery.
Resident Policies and Resources
Goals & Objectives for Rotations
Access the goals and objectives for each vascular surgery rotation below—downloadable as PDF documents for reference and review:
Vascular Surgery Rotations
Surgery Rotations
Assessment and Promotion in Postgraduate Residency Programs
Your guide to the rules and responsibilities for assessment and promotion throughout McGill’s Postgraduate Residency.
Assessment and Promotion in PGME Residency
PGME Policies at McGill University
For a list of key documents that regulate postgraduate medical training and administrative processes including the FMRQ collective agreement, the PGME Evaluation & Promotion Rules, National Transfer Guidelines, reporting mistreatment and much more.
Vascular Surgery Residency Health & Safety Policy
The McGill University Vascular Surgery Residency Program strives to provide a healthy working and learning environments for all trainees in the program. To access the full Program Policy on Resident Safety click here:
Wellness
The Resident Wellness program is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive learning environment where all participants are valued and treated with respect. In addition to the resources available by the PGME Wellness ORE, the program has a designated wellness representative, Dr. Jason Bayne, committed to ensuring resident wellbeing.
Our Residency Program Committee has a dedicated social events representative who initiates the planning of wellness activities for faculty and residents outside of working hours with the support of the program. The Office of Medical Learner Affairs at McGill offers academic and wellness support to medical residents, including counselling appointments, wellness rounds, workshops, etc. To learn more about wellness support and resources offered to medical residents at McGill click here:
