Message from our
Research Directors
Welcome to the University of Calgary's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) research division! Here we strive to produce research across the field of plastic surgery, aimed at bridging technological advancements and patient care. Our research ranges from bench to bedside - with the opportunity for wet lab research to involvement in clinical trials. We welcome anyone interested in Plastic Surgery Research to come shadow members of our team.
Yours sincerely,
Drs. Rebecca Hartley and Thomas Cawthorn, MD, FRCSC, Research Directors
Dr. Myriam Verly, PGY3, Resident Research Representative
Research Overview
Annually, our residents participate in our local Birdsell Research Day, where they present their research and other scholarly work in preparation for conferences such as the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons Meeting (CSPS). The Birdsell Research Day was founded in honour of Dr. Dale C. Birdsell who received his postgraduate training in general and plastic surgery at the University of Toronto, and subsequently studied at Johns Hopkins and Stanford University. He returned to Calgary at the Foothills Hospital working as director of the Burn Unit and subsequently as program director.
We actively encourage residents to present their research to local, national, and international conferences. Other research activities include quarterly journal clubs and research-oriented academic half days. Irrespective of our resident's research interests, we want to hear about them and see how was can best support their goals!
How Do We Support Our Residents?
Here at the University of Calgary, we strive to support our residents in the various endeavours that they undertake. We support our residents with a dedicated research day per block, and 14 research days allotted for conference attendance each year. Financial support is also available through the program.
Research Curriculum
PGY-1
Research methodology and related topics are provided through courses and seminars. Presentation at the annual Resident Research Day is compulsory.
PGY 2-5
Substantial research project (on annual or continuing basis) and presentation at the annual Resident Research Day is compulsory. The elective blocks are optional for research in addition to weekly protected academic time. Presentation of research material at national meetings is strongly encouraged. Financial support for attendance at meetings is available when papers are given.