We are supporting healthy, sustainable surgical programs for rural Canadians by engaging current and future rural General Surgeons in building mentorship connections.

The CAGS Rural Surgery Mentorship program engages practicing Rural Surgeon mentors and General Surgery Resident mentees through quarterly web-based meetings to discuss the rewards, challenges, and training path to a fulfilling career in rural surgery.

Discussion topics from previous programs included:

  • Building your Rural Surgery Toolkit: How residents can prepare for a career in rural surgery
  • Work-Life Balance in rural practice: Living and working in a small community in a positive and healthy way
  • Working at the edge of your comfort zone: Managing challenging cases at the edge of your scope of practice or that you don’t see often
  • Training Rural Surgeons for the future: Barriers and opportunities in training rural surgeons

The Rural Surgery Mentorship program aims to provide opportunities to grow and support a strong community of engaged current and future rural surgeons, as well as provide professional development for residents through discussion and networking opportunities for possible electives and future employment.

Attention Rural General Surgeons

We are looking for Rural Surgeon mentors who are engaged and excited by their work and local community to share your experience and passion to inspire the next generation of rural surgeons.  If you are looking to expand or transition your practice, the Rural Surgery Mentorship program can also provide opportunities to connect with interested residents who would be a good fit for your community.

Attention General Surgery Residents

We are looking for General Surgery resident mentees from all levels and all parts of the country who are interested in a challenging and diverse career in Rural Surgery.  Whether you are learning what rural surgery is all about or are already fully engaged in a rural training path, we want to help you explore all that Rural General Surgery has to offer.  Participation in the Rural Surgery Mentorship Program program also provides opportunities to identify future electives and employment.