Our Training Programs

The Sections of Cardiac and Vascular Surgery at the University of Calgary offer a 12-month clinical fellowship in Advanced Aortic Surgery. The collaborative initiative will provide focused training in both open surgical and endovascular management for complex aortic disease, with an emphasis on aortic arch, descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal pathologies. The Calgary Aortic Program is an academically focused, high volume, interdisciplinary, multihospital aortic care model that will immerse the fellow in all aspects of aortic disease management (medical, endovascular, and surgical).  Fellows will gain specialized training beyond that which is attained within Cardiac and Vascular Surgery residency, with the intention to cross-pollinate skillsets across the two specialties and create true Aortic Specialists for the future.

Objectives

• The Fellow will understand the value of interdisciplinary aortic disease management and how this serves to ensure best practice for patient care
• The Fellow will become a highly trained aortic surgeon, capable of performing complex open and endovascular procedures, with a commitment to leading interdisciplinary partnerships and collaborative aortic team models at their own institution.   
• High level knowledge and technical skill with respect to preoperative assessment, operative planning, operative treatment (open and endovascular) and postoperative care will be conferred.  In addition, the importance of long-term surveillance of aortic patients is also emphasized.

CLINICAL

• The Fellow will spend most of the time rotating between two academic teaching hospitals, while also attending aortic clinic, which is located at a third teaching hospital.
• The Fellow will spend 6-months at each of the two main academic teaching hospitals, however, there is a fluidity to the schedule, as aortic cases occur across both hospitals and the Fellow will be involved at both sites.
• The Fellow will be involved in all thoracoabdominal aortic procedures (open and endovascular), as well as all open descending thoracic, endovascular aortic arch, and the large portion of thoracic endovascular aortic repair procedures.  The Fellow will be part of the full preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative care process for these patients.
• Additional exposure to aortic arch surgery or juxtarenal abdominal aortic surgery will be provided and tailored to the interests and background of the incoming Fellow.
• The Fellow will attend all interdisciplinary Aortic Clinics and participate in Aortic rounds.
• The Fellow’s training experience will complement that of the Cardiac and Vascular Surgery residents, and not impede that experience in any way.
• The fellow will be expected to take some call when on service if needed depending on resident staff numbers. It will not exceed one in four for a one-block period.

Eligibility

• The applicant must have completed (or be in the process of completing), a Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada accredited residency program in either Cardiac or Vascular Surgery

Application Process

Submit the Following:

• A letter of interest – please explain why you want to pursue this fellowship and how you envision for your career plans going forward.
• Two letters of reference
• Curriculum Vitae

The University of Calgary is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and encourages applications from the Indigenous community, persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority, visible minorities and all others who help to diversify the University of Calgary.

Deadline for applications October 1

Interviews will be held in October

All applicants will be notified by the end of October

Contact and application submissions

Drs. Scott McClure & Kenton Rommens

c/o Katelyn Boomer katelyn.boomer@albertahealthservices.ca, Advanced Aortic Fellowship Program Coordinator

This fellowship offers training in the evaluation and multiple management strategies for patients with advanced heart failure.

This senior fellow will participate in in-patient and outpatient management of a wide spectrum of patients with advanced heart failure from initial diagnosis to consideration of high-risk cardiac surgery, cardiac transplantation, mechanical circulatory support and end-of-life care. The program also focuses on co-management of post-operative cardiac transplant and mechanical support device patients. Additional time is devoted to continuity clinic experiences, including regular participation in the Cardiac Function Clinic, outpatient Cardiac Transplant Clinic, Endomyocardial Biopsy Surveillance post cardiac transplant and ambulatory VAD Clinic.

All fellows will participate actively in the multiple ongoing research projects and will undertake at least one independent research project for presentation and publication.

The Libin's research program encompasses all aspects of cardiovascular physiology and disease including biophysics; pharmacology and molecular biology of cardiac cells and their role in arrhythmias and syncope; integrative physiology of the heart and cardiovascular system and mechanics; and excitation-contraction coupling of cardiac muscle in cardiac hypertrophy and congestive heart failure.

The Institute also focuses on clinical studies of cardiovascular diseases, clinical trials and mechanistic studies of cardiovascular diseases as well as knowledge translation. This is an excellent opportunity to develop advanced clinical and/or investigative skills in a rich environment with potential collaboration with a productive group of clinical and basic researchers.

Program Director: Dr. Kristin Lyons

Interested applicants can be directed to Katelyn Boomer Katelyn.Boomer@albertahealthservices.ca

The Libin Cardiovascular Institute at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for the Cardiac Amyloidosis Fellowship. This one-year clinical fellowship focuses on all aspects of management and subtypes for patients with cardiac amyloidosis, including evaluation and work-up, management of cardiovascular manifestations of amyloidosis and use of disease modifying therapies and ongoing follow-up and surveillance.

The University of Calgary is home to the Amyloidosis Program of Calgary, a multidisciplinary program dedicated to enhancing clinical care of amyloidosis patients and academic advancement for all aspects of disease management. The program includes the Cardiac Amyloidosis Clinic, a high-volume referral clinic for patients across the region. In addition, the Cardiac Amyloidosis Fellowship offers a multidisciplinary experience to facilitate a well-rounded understanding of the disease, including exposure to cardiac imaging modalities, heart failure, arrhythmia, valvular heart disease, along with neurology, hematology, pathology, and nephrology clinical exposure, among other medical specialties. The Cardiac Amyloidosis Fellowship also offers dedicated teaching time and opportunities for clinical research to advance the science and improve patient outcomes.

Applicants who have successfully completed three years of general cardiology training are encouraged to apply by submitting the following documentation:

• Curriculum vitae

• One page letter of interest

• Two reference letters

Applicants should submit their application to either:

Program Director: Dr. Nowell Fine, nmfine@ucalgary.ca, or

Program Manager: Jan Veenhuyzen, jveenhuy@ucalgary.ca

Training in Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMR) takes place in the Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, an internationally recognized institution for research and clinical application of CMR. The training program offers fellowships from one month to one year and follows the published guidelines for CMR training as stated by the International Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. This program is under the direction of Dr. James White.

What to expect: 

• The opportunity to learn about indications, contraindications, limitations and the clinical usefulness of CMR studies in patients with cardiac and vascular diseases.
• Work closely with the primary CMR reader to choose the optimal imaging protocol
• Perform the CMR study and prepare report

All cases are reviewed by the staff of the Stephenson CMR Centre on a daily basis, including extensive discussion of CMR methods and diagnostic findings. During a typical month at the Stephenson CMR Centre, the Fellow will participate in over 120 CMR cases, including stress studies, viability assessment studies, flow and valvular studies and congenital heart diseases.

The Stephenson CMR Centre has several formal educational rounds including:

• a weekly journal club
• research rounds
• case review sessions

Fellows staying for 12 months are expected to actively participate in CMR research after their initial three months of intensive clinical training.

To Apply

 Applications for CMR Fellowships must include:

• Current Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter - stating intention, year(s) interested in applying, number of years, funding availability
• Three letters of recommendation on institutional letterhead
• Proper contact information including email address

Emails applications to carrie.smart@ahs.ca

Send recommendation letter to

Dr. James White
Director, CMR Training Program
Stephenson CMR Centre at Foothills Medical Centre
SSB, Suite 0700; 1403 29th Street NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9

Once accepted to the program, a PGME form needs to be filled out and sent to Post Grad Education along with your CV and signed acceptance letter. This is the process in obtaining appropriate Educational license through the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Educational Activities

The CMR group is also involved in Departmental and Divisional educational activities.

Resources

Objectives for Training in Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance

Cardiology Training Program Evaluation Report - Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance

The University of Calgary Cardiac Surgery Residency Training Program is a six-year Royal College-accredited training program. Residency training begins after completion of a medical degree. There is an opportunity to extend training to complete a Masters or PhD.

Contact

Program Director: Dr. Daniel Holloway, MD
Program Administrator: Samantha Lam; Samantha.lam@albertahealthservices.ca
Tel: 403.944.2011
Fax: 403.283.0744

Foothills Hospital
880, 1403 29th St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9

For an overview of our curriculum and selection process click the link below. 

Trainees are exposed to a broad range of clinical cardiology experiences and are well equipped for independent practice upon completion of the program.  

The University of Calgary offers a three year training program in Adult Cardiology funded by the Ministry of Health and fully accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. In accordance with the requirements for training in adult cardiology, the core program consists of 31 blocks of mandatory clinical rotations with an additional four elective and four research blocks. Trainees may be able to spend elective time at training sites outside of Calgary. 

A well-developed curriculum is supported by Academic Half Day sessions, daily educational rounds and formal bedside teaching of cardiovascular physical examination skills. The program combines a focus on the acquisition of skills and knowledge with teaching and evaluation of the CanMeds roles as outlined by the Royal College.

Research is a mandatory component of the program. A well-established infrastructure and extensive human resources facilitates the involvement of trainees in clinical and basic laboratory research projects. All residents are required to participate in the annual research competition at ACC Lake Louise beginning in the second year of the program.

Program Director: Dr. Katherine Kavanagh

Contact: Pamela Hoffmann
Email:  CardiologyResidencyProgram@albertahealthservices.ca
Phone:  403-944-3975

This one-year clinical fellowship offers extensive experience in echocardiographic imaging and is suitable for physicians who have completed three years of core cardiology training in a recognized Canadian institution, or equivalent.

Four acute care hospitals are affiliated with the University of Calgary: Foothills Medical Centre, Peter Lougheed Hospital, Rockyview General Hospital and South Health Campus.

Foothills Medical Center (FMC) is a tertiary care facility and trauma center with a 20 bed Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. Patients with the highest acuity are typically managed at this site. There is a high volume of transthoracic and transesophageal studies at this hospital. Echo-guided myocardial biopsies are carried out on a weekly schedule by the Heart Function Service. Echo-guided pericardiocenteses are frequently required for patients referred from the Tom Baker Cancer Center which is physically attached to FMC. Structural heart program performs TAVRs weekly. ASD and paravalvular leak devices are also performed. 

The Adult Congenital Heart Disease clinic is located at the Peter Lougheed Center. There is an outstanding opportunity to acquire skills in imaging this unique patient population. The two remaining sites offer experience in general echocardiography with a particular emphasis on stress studies.

Applicants should submit a one-page statement of interest and two letters of reference to Dr. Colbert by June 30. Program applicants must apply to the Arthur Child Foundation for financial assistance. This scholarship provides full salary support for the duration of the fellowship. There is only space for one fellow each year.

Contact: Dr. Jillian Colbert jillian.colbert@ahs.ca

Phone: 403.944.4524

Address: Foothills Hospital, Department of Cardiac Sciences, 1403 29th St NW Calgary Alberta T2N 2T9

Echo Lab Director: Dr. Nowell Fine

This program has existed for more than 20 years and offers research and training experience in managing heart rhythm disorders. Trainees are provided with a wide range and volume of electrophysiology problems and procedures. The EP staff are world renowned researchers.

This is a highly academic program and trainees are expected to be involved in at least one research project. Numerous research opportunities exist within the program, including clinical research projects involving either pacing or ICDs. Our experimental electrophysiology research program is extremely active.

Clinical training includes:

• standard and complex ablations
• device procedures
• lead extraction
• inpatient and outpatient management

Program Details

• Accommodates four to five trainees
• Two year duration (EP lab for ablation procedures; Operating Room device implants/extractions, inpatient ward/consults, outpatient clinics, and research)
• Four weeks of holidays per academic year
• Along with cardiology rounds, there are weekly dedicated electrophysiology rounds focusing on major topics in electrophysiology and intra-cardiac electrograms

Contact Us:

Dr. George (Yorgo) Veenhuyzen
1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 2T9 
George.Veenhuyzen@albertahealthservices.ca
 

This program, offered by Foothills Interventional Cardiology Service (FICS), is internationally recognized for its excellence in physician training and draws applicants from around the world and has been in existence since 1983. The two-year fellowship with a research focus in the second year is the largest and most comprehensive interventional training program in Canada. 

The program is directed by Dr. Ayaaz Sachedina with the assistance of the FICS team. The program trains up to four fellows per year, taken from a pool of about 20 applicants who are reviewed on an annual basis. 

The interventional fellow will:

• Be provided with an opportunity to acquire knowledge of the indications, contraindications, risks, limitations and complications associated with catheter-based interventions
• Perform a minimum of 400 coronary interventions during his/her training.
• Work closely with all eight interventionalists and gain expertise and knowledge with the primary focus on coronary artery disease.

FICS has formal educational rounds every week with fellows responsible for presenting journal articles, core topics, quality assurance and interesting cases. All fellows are expected to participate in research and are assigned to various projects during their training.

Applications for interventional fellowships must include:

• Current Curriculum Vitae (must include email address).
• Cover letter stating intention, year(s) interested in applying, number of years and funding availability
• Three letters of recommendation on institutional letterhead

Potential trainees who completed their medical degree outside of Canada or in a country where English is not a first and native language are required by the CPSA to provide proof of English language proficiency. To ensure that trainees will be able to obtain a license from CPSA and begin their fellowship on time, Post Grad Medical Education office(PGME) verifies trainees meet this requirement when framework documentation is submitted for approval. The minimum requirement is 24 for each component in either TOFEL IBT and/or ILETS. Without the ELT, trainees may only complete an observership rather than a fellowship. These are organized through Alberta Health Services. 

Applications should be emailed to Samantha.lam4@ahs.ca

Please send recommendation letters to:

Dr. Francois Charbonneau
Program Director
Interventional Cardiology Training Program
Foothills Medical Centre
C807 1403 29th Street NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9

Once accepted to the program, Post Graduate Medical Education office will send you the official Letter of Offer so you can apply for a work permit. PGME office will also provide next steps. This is the process in obtaining appropriate Educational license through the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons. Coverage with the CMPA (Canadian Medical Protection Association) is also required. If you are from out of country, the EICS form must also be completed and submitted. Information on EICS and the EICS application can be found at ECFMG International Credentials Services (EICS).

Educational Activities

In addition to FICS-specific activities, the FICS group is involved in departmental and divisional educational activities. The group (MDs and RNs) is very involved in research and educational activities such as the TORCH and clinical epidemiology program. Members present their research at the local, national and international levels.

• Tuesday 8-9 am - Cardiology Grand Rounds
• Tuesday 4-6 pm - FICS Rounds (core topics/guest speakers/journal club/quality assurance/interesting cases/research) organized by Dr. B. Har.
• Thursday 8-9 am - Cardiology Journal Club
• Friday 8-9 am - Revascularization Rounds

Trainees will gain experience using cutting-edge technology and model systems and work towards solving important problems in a collaborative environment. Leave with the skills and abilities to succeed in a number of academic and non-academic settings. 

Graduate training in cardiovascular sciences is offered through Graduate Science Education. Students can enroll in several different programs such as Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Cardiovascular & Respiratory Sciences; Community Health Sciences; and Medical Sciences, while conducting research under the mentorship of Libin members. 

The Cumming Postdoctoral Scholar Program offers postdoctoral scholars up to three years of funding for a maximum of $50,000 plus benefits per year. 

Who can apply? Applicants who completed their PhD, professional health degree or clinical residency within two years and who don't have external salary support. Priority is given to new postdoctoral fellows. 

For Libin Institute PDS application forms.

For more information, including terms of reference, click on the button below.