CARMS Profile - Dr. Isabelle Raiche

Where did you train?
Med School and Residency in Laval, MIS fellowship in Ottawa, Colorectal fellowship in St Louis

What is your sub-specialty?
Colorectal

What is your research interest?
I do mostly education research. My current research interests include resident selection and CaRMS processes, decision-making and teaching cognitive skills.

Do you have a special role in the residency program? What do you do?
General Surgery CaRMS Lead: well...I am trying to find the people most likely to bloom into amazing surgeons after training in Ottawa.
General Surgery CBD & Simulation Lead: making sure that our academic activities align with the Royal College requirements and that we complement clinical activities with simulation and appropriate teaching.
Department of Surgery Education Research Representative: trying to foster stronger education research productivity across the department.

What do you like about training residents?
I like making sure that residents will become well-trained surgeons and therefore help more patients. My favourite teaching moments are when residents have an "aha!" moment where all of a sudden something makes sense to them. Watching and being part of trainees maturing into amazing surgeons is one of the best parts of my job.

What is your favourite thing to teach?
I enjoy teaching laparoscopic tricks in general, but I think a laparoscopic right hemi has to be my favorite. I also really enjoy teaching using laparoscopic videos, which became extra helpful during COVID! I also enjoy teaching about research in education.

What do you do outside of work?
I look for the best puddles with my 2-year-old