About Us
The Division of General Surgery provides clinical care to residents of Ottawa-Carleton and is a referral center for tertiary general surgical care for Eastern Ontario. Our Division provides clinical services and medical teaching at The Ottawa Hospital’s three campuses (Civic, General in-patient beds and ambulatory facility at the Riverside) as well as the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Our faculty members have a range of subspecialty interests including critical care and trauma, colorectal surgery, hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, minimally invasive surgery, bariatric surgery, surgical oncology and breast surgery. Some of our faculty surgical oncologists are affiliated with the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, providing expertise to the Breast Oncology Program, the Melanoma Oncology Program and the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program.
Our postgraduate residency program follows the specialty training requirements and objectives specified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. A feature of our postgraduate education is that we offer a opportunities to work in a variety of settings including quaternary academic centers, community hospitals, and remote rural communities.
The Division of General Surgery’s mission is to continue to provide excellence in fulfilling its academic mandate and meeting the patient-care needs at The Ottawa Hospital and at CHEO.
A Message from our Division Head
Welcome to the Division of General Surgery at the University of Ottawa. We are extremely proud of our achievements in training capable surgical residents who will be the surgeons of the future. We provide a rich learning environment encompassing a spectrum from highly specialized surgeries to more common surgeries at the Ottawa Hospital, CHEO and our many affiliated community hospitals. This diversity and volume of surgeries will ensure that, as a resident, you have the opportunity to tailor your training to meet your eventual career goals. Our teaching faculty is made up of a group of highly talented, diverse, engaged surgeons who take pride in guiding residents through their training. We are proud to be located in Ottawa which is a wonderful place to live, providing many opportunities for recreational activities, summer and winter.
Dr. Giuseppe Pagliarello, MD, FRCSC
Division Head, General Surgery
“The General Surgery training program at UofO offers a rich, supportive environment where you can learn and thrive to become the best surgeon and the best person you can be.”
A Message from our Program Director
A well-trained general surgeon should pride themselves on their ability to manage surgically critically ill patients with acute trauma, lead the management of a variety of surgical oncological diseases as part of a multidisciplinary team, and skillfully manage benign surgical pathologies, all the while demonstrating leadership in research, surgical education, and health care system delivery.
Here in Ottawa, residents are an integral part of the care team. They are guided to gradual independence by a diverse, lively, and enthusiastic group of surgical educators that are to some capacity, involved in the above-mentioned activities.
Our graduated residents have moved on to deliver care in both large cities and remote communities, and embarked on specialty training across our country and its borders at reputable institutes, through mentorship from our excellent faculty.
General surgery residency is grueling in its nature, the training program does not need to be to produce excellent surgeons. If you are interested in a training program that aims to balance resident education, well-being and patient care, we look forward to your application.
Dr. Maher Matar, MD, MSC, FRCSC
Program Director, General Surgery
A word from the Chief
As the Chief Resident of the Ottawa General Surgery Residency Program, I’m thrilled to welcome those of you considering joining our family! Our program isn’t just a place to train; it’s a holistic launchpad for your career as a future surgical innovator and leader.
Ottawa’s General Surgery program is often referred to as the “Goldilocks program” - large enough to expose you to a wide range of surgical experiences, yet small enough that you’ll enjoy a tight-knit community bond. What really sets us apart is our commitment to tailoring your education to fit your career goals. Whether you’re into community practice or specialized training, we’re all about giving you the skills to thrive in your career and tackle the challenges of surgical practice. We're a program that's run by residents, for residents, where your voice matters and your needs are a top priority.
We’re proud of the unique mix of academic rigor and community experience our program provides. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for research that sparks innovation and pushes boundaries in surgery. Our curriculum is always evolving to keep up with the latest in medical education, including cutting-edge simulation programs and initiatives that focus on your well-being as a learner.
Perhaps our greatest strength is the camaraderie you’ll find here. The people you work with aren’t simply your colleagues; rather you will foster bonds with mentors, friends, and a family support system that extends beyond your years in residency. Our faculty and residents genuinely care about your success and are invested in helping you achieve your personal and professional goals. We’re excited to welcome you to a community where teamwork flourishes, achievements are celebrated together, and lasting relationships are forged.
As for the city of Ottawa, it’s just as diverse and vibrant as our program. Our city blends the charm of a small town with the energy of a metropolitan city. Whether you love the great outdoors with a hike in Gatineau or prefer to soak in the cultural vibe downtown, there are so many hidden gems to discover in Ottawa.
As you set off on this exciting new chapter in your career, we encourage you to explore the unique opportunities available within our program and the city itself. We look forward to meeting you, sharing our stories and experiences, and helping you envision your future with the Ottawa General Surgery Residency family. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our residents or staff — we’re here to support you on your path to success!