Welcome message from the residency program coordinator

Neurosurgery is the specialty of surgery dedicated to the diagnosis, surgical and nonsurgical management of congenital abnormalities, trauma and diseases affecting the nervous system, its blood supply and supporting structures.

The clinical program within the division of neurosurgery encompasses a comprehensive regional program and includes a neurosurgery residency program leading to certification by the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, on completion. The program serves as the major tertiary and quaternary referral center for most of southern Ontario, a drainage population of almost 2.5 million residents. Its major clinical services take place at the Hamilton General Hospital with the pediatric neurosurgery located at the McMaster Children’s Hospital, the second largest Children’s Hospital in Ontario. There is also an operating day at the St. Joseph’s Hospital that is utilized for minimally invasive spinal procedures. A multidisciplinary neuro-oncology clinic takes place at the Juravinski Hospital, one of the best equipped cancer centres in North America.

Surgical Education Training

The division of neurosurgery educates learners in surgery at all levels, including medical students, residents and clinical fellows. The benefits of academic and clinical training are brought to patient care and to professional colleagues in a spirit of caring, learning and advancement of our profession. We further strive to enrich the educational experience of our learners by reinforcing our values:

• Respect for others with responsibility for oneself
• Honesty and integrity in all professional activities and circumstances
• Communication that is clear, timely and professional
• Continuous learning and sharing of knowledge and skills
• Attitude of curiosity and scientific enquiry
• Analysis and evaluation to bring continuous improvement
• Collegiality