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 General Surgery Residency Program at the University of Ottawa
It is with great honor and pride that I introduce you to the General Surgery Residency Program at the University of Ottawa. As Division Head and a lifelong member of this exceptional team, I can confidently attest to the depth of expertise and dedication that defines our division. Our program is built on the foundation of an outstanding group of general surgeons who bring expertise across six subspecialty areas. Each of these sections is represented by committed educators and clinicians who are passionate about training the next generation of surgeons.
Our division prides itself on fostering a collaborative and cohesive environment. We view ourselves not only as colleagues but as a family, united in our mission to promote excellence in patient care, teaching, and research. This supportive culture enables our residents to thrive both professionally and personally.
One of the key strengths of our program lies in its size. As a medium-sized residency, we offer the close, enriching relationships characteristic of smaller programs, while also providing exposure to a broad range of expertise. Our robust fellowship programs complement, rather than compete with, the residency experience, creating an environment where fellows and residents collaborate and learn from one another.
Our program is structured to provide a comprehensive training experience, combining specialized surgical exposure within The Ottawa Hospital with community practice opportunities through our affiliated regional hospitals. This integrated model ensures that trainees can tailor their experiences to align with their career goals, whether they aspire to subspecialty practice, academic surgery, or community care.
Research is another cornerstone of our program. The University of Ottawa offers a rich array of research opportunities, supported by a strong mentorship culture. Many of our residents have taken advantage of our Surgeon Scientist Program to develop impactful research projects, opening doors to academic and leadership roles across Canada and beyond.
Our division is composed of a diverse group of surgeons who bring a blend of youthful enthusiasm and seasoned wisdom. This dynamic fosters an environment of innovation, mentorship, and lifelong learning, providing residents with a unique and inspiring training experience.
Finally, the city of Ottawa itself offers a remarkable quality of life. As Canada’s capital, Ottawa boasts vibrant cultural and artistic communities, year-round outdoor activities, and proximity to Montreal. Its bilingual character and diverse population provide a rich cultural experience that enhances both personal and professional growth.
On behalf of the Division of General Surgery, I warmly invite prospective trainees to join us and become part of this dynamic, multi-talented, and multifaceted community. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of excellence in surgery, education, and research.
Dr. Shaheer Tadros, MD, FRCSC, facs
Division Head, General Surgery
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 Chief Resident of the Ottawa General Surgery Residency Program, I’m excited to welcome you to our community! Ottawa isn’t just a place to train— it’s a launchpad for your career as a surgeon.
The greatest strength of our program is our sense of community. We celebrate successes together and support one another through the highs and lows of residency. The people you work with aren’t simply your colleagues; rather you will foster bonds with mentors, friends, and a family support system that extend beyond your years in training. Faculty and residents genuinely care about your growth and are invested in helping you achieve both personal and professional goals.
Often called the “Goldilocks program,” Ottawa offers the best of both worlds: large enough to provide broad surgical exposure, yet small enough to maintain a close-knit, supportive environment. What sets us apart is our flexibility in tailoring your training to your career goals. Whether you’re pursuing community practice or subspecialty fellowship, you’ll graduate prepared to thrive in surgical practice.
Outside the hospital, Ottawa offers a vibrant balance of city and nature. You can hike in Gatineau Park, skate on the Rideau Canal, or enjoy the cultural scene downtown—there’s something here for everyone.
As you begin this exciting chapter, we invite you to explore the unique opportunities in both our program and our city. We look forward to meeting you, sharing our experiences, and helping you envision your future with the Ottawa General Surgery Residency family.