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This information is sourced from publicly available data and may not be current. Always verify program details with the official source before applying.

Halifax - Cardiac Surgery

Dalhousie UniversityHalifax, Nova Scotia
Cardiac Surgery
CMG Stream
1 Position
Official Page

Dalhousie University's Cardiac Surgery Residency Program offers outstanding clinical training in all areas of cardiac surgery, providing residents with significant autonomy and a comprehensive range of clinical and research experiences. The program emphasizes resident involvement in research, quality improvement projects, and provides extensive academic and skills training across a 6-year curriculum.

Quick Facts
Program ID
29747
Quota
1 positions
Stream
CMG
Program Length
6 years
Last Approved
October 9, 2025
Last Updated
December 3, 2025
Avg. Applications (5 yrs)
51 - 200
Avg. Interview Rate
51 - 75 %
Program Overview

Teaching Philosophy

The program follows a Competency Based Medical Education (CBME) approach, focusing on progressive skill development through Entrusted Professional Activities (EPAs) across different training phases, with an emphasis on research, clinical autonomy, and comprehensive surgical training.

Training Setting

Training occurs at QEII Health Sciences Centre and IWK Health Centre in Halifax, with additional rotations at Dalhousie affiliated New Brunswick Hospitals. The program provides urban academic medical center and community hospital experiences.

Focus Areas
Adult Cardiac Surgery
Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
Congenital Heart Surgery
Heart Failure
Mechanical Circulatory Support
Cardiac Transplantation
Aortic Disease
Pericardial Disease
Cardiac Device Implantation
Special Features
  • Competency Based Medical Education (CBME)
  • Organized skills lab sessions
  • Cadaver training sessions
  • Extensive RCPSC examination preparation
  • Research year opportunity
  • Graduate research degree encouragement
  • Resident wellness representative
Program Strengths
  • Comprehensive cardiac surgery training
  • High surgical volume (900-1000 operations annually)
  • Strong research infrastructure
  • Extensive research opportunities
  • Dedicated research director
  • Resident research expectations
Patient Populations
Adult cardiac surgery patients
Pediatric cardiac surgery patients
Congenital heart disease patients
Heart failure patients
Cardiac transplant patients
Patients requiring mechanical circulatory support
Research Opportunities

All residents are expected to engage in research projects, with opportunities for basic science investigation and outcomes research. The program strongly encourages obtaining graduate research degrees (MSc or PhD).

Teaching Hospitals
  • QEII Health Sciences Centre
  • IWK Health Centre
  • New Brunswick Hospitals
Training Setting Type
Academic medical center
Tertiary care center
Community hospital
Enhanced Skills Training
Research training
Graduate research degree opportunities
Interview Information

Interview Dates

  • January 22, 2026
Evaluation Criteria
  • CV
  • Electives
  • Examinations
  • Extra-curricular activities
  • Leadership skills
  • Medical Student Performance Record (MSPR)
  • Personal letters
  • Reference documents
  • Research/Publications
  • Transcripts
Compensation & Benefits

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island provincial salaries

Updated February 7, 2024

Salary Progression (6-Year Program)

Starting Salary

$69,867

PGY-1

Maximum Salary

$97,968

PGY-6

Benefits & Perks

Annual vacation: 4 weeks
Call stipend: Yes
CMPA dues paid: Yes
Dental coverage: Yes
Educational leave: Yes
Extended health insurance: Yes
Frequency of call: l in 4 in-hospital and for homecall
Life insurance: $100,000 of insurance
Long-term disabilityinsurance: 66.7% of salary
Maternity leave top up after one year’s service: eligible for up to a maximum of 17 weeks top-up allowance for maternity/pregnancy leave
Provincial dues (% of salary): 1.30%
Provincial health insurance: Yes

... and 2 more benefits

Compensation data is province-wide and may vary by institution. Please verify with individual programs. Data sourced from CARMS.

Curriculum & Rotations

PGY-1 Rotations

Transition to Discipline (TTD)Full yearQEII Health Sciences Centre, IWK Health Centre

PGY-2 Rotations

Foundations of Discipline (FOD)Full yearQEII Health Sciences Centre, IWK Health Centre

PGY-3 Rotations

Research Academic Enrichment YearFull yearDalhousie University, Research Facilities

PGY-4 Rotations

Core of Discipline (COD)Full yearQEII Health Sciences Centre

PGY-5 Rotations

Core of Discipline (COD)Full yearQEII Health Sciences Centre
City Amenities
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Program Location
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Data Source: This information is aggregated from publicly available sources. Last updated on 12/3/2025. Always verify details with the official program page.