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Pediatric Emergency Medicine Residency Program

Welcome to the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Residency Program at the 91ÒùĸÊÓÆµ.


Interview/CaRMS Specific Information 

Following the review of applications, selected candidates will be invited for an interview. All interviews for the 2026 match cycle will be conducted virtually. While the format differs from the traditional in-person visits, we hope the virtual experience will be a positive one, offering greater accessibility and eliminating the need for travel.

Interviews will be conducted via Zoom and will consist of a series of one-on-one meetings with the Program Director, the Divisional Director, and several members of our teaching faculty. The interviews are designed to assess communication and interpersonal skills, maturity, empathy, and sensitivity.

Contact Us

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Department of Pediatric, Division of Emergency Medicine,
91ÒùĸÊÓÆµ
Email: pedsemerg@ualberta.ca

Dr. Brandy Stauffer
Program Director
Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Anita Reff  
Medical Education Program Coordinator
Email: pedsemerg@ualberta.ca 


 Dr Brandy Stauffer

Dr. Brandy Stauffer
Program Director

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Anita Reff
Medical Education Program Coordinator

Welcome to OUR program

The Stollery Children's Hospital is the clinical home of our program, caring for more than 50,000 patients each year. With a catchment area that extends beyond urban Edmonton to Northern 91ÒùĸÊÓÆµ, Northern BC, and the territories, our patient population is remarkably diverse-ranging from the well bu concerned, to major traumas and complex medical cases.

Our team includes over 40 dedicated faculty members with expertise in areas such as research, ultrasound, simulation, medical education, trauma, and complementary health care. We take pride in our strong commitment to resident education. In addition to daily clinical teaching, our faculty are actively engaged in weekly educational sessions and rounds designed specifically for PEM residents.

Our goal is to provide outstanding training in Pediatric Emergency Medicine while supporting you in developing your own interests and areas of expertise.

Thank you for apply to our program. We are delighted to meet such talented candidates and look forward to getting to know you!

Brandy Stauffer
Program Director


Our Program

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The 91ÒùĸÊÓÆµ/Stollery Children's Hospital is home to the only accredited specialized Pediatric Emergency Department in Central and Northern 91ÒùĸÊÓÆµ.
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Our Pediatric Emergency Department cares for an average of 130–180 children per day, with an annual census of more than 55,000 patients. Approximately 6–8% of visits require hospital admission, offering learners significant exposure to high-acuity and complex pediatric cases.
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Education is a cornerstone of our program. Learners benefit from multiple weekly teaching opportunities, including core curriculum rounds, high-fidelity simulation, and case-based teaching tailored to junior trainees. Sub-specialty residents also participate in simulation sessions, including monthly NICU and dedicated simulation sessions every other month.
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Clinical teaching is provided by a team of over 25 Pediatric Emergency specialists, who mentor residents in the art of caring for children and families requiring urgent treatment. In addition, weekly PEM Grand Rounds, led by local experts and invited subspecialty speakers, ensure that faculty and residents remain current with emerging evidence, treatments, and innovations in Pediatric Emergency Medicine.
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Beyond the hospital walls, the Stollery’s Pediatric Emergency specialists provide extensive point-of-care consultation to smaller and more remote centers across the region. This support helps guide pediatric patient management locally and facilitates safe, coordinated transport to the Stollery when needed.

Residency at a Glance

This residency program is two years in length, consistent with the training standards of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Residents complete thirteen (13) four-week blocks of training in the Pediatric Emergency Department at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. To support progressive development, residents undertake a minimum of five blocks per year, allowing for increasing levels of professional responsibility under close faculty supervision.

 


Residents with a background in Pediatrics must spend:

  • One (1) block in each of Plastic Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery.
  • A minimum of three (3) blocks must be spent in Trauma, Adult/General Emergency Medicine, and a relevant elective.

Residents with a background in Emergency Medicine must spend:


  • A minimum of three (4) blocks total in Neonatology, Pediatric ICU and Pediatric Ambulatory Care (including Child Protective Services).

All residents will complete the following:


  • Toxicology with a balanced emphasis on Adult and Pediatric aspects for one (1) block;
  • Emergency Services Systems and disaster planning for one (1) block;
  • Diagnostic Imaging (0.5) block
  • Administration for one (1) block;
  • Anesthesia/Pain management for one (1) block;
  • 91ÒùĸÊÓÆµ for two (2) blocks, and
  • Two (2) to Three (3) blocks of electives. Elective rotations will be selected by the resident in consultation with the Program Director to align with individual learning goals and career interests.

Residents are expected to complete or significantly contribute to a scholarly project in Pediatric Emergency Medicine, which may focus on research, education, or professional activities. These projects may result in presentations or publications subject to peer review outside the resident’s home institution. Examples include the development of a research protocol, creation of an educational curriculum for a specific course or group, implementation of continuous quality improvement initiatives, or development of clinical protocols.

Residents are also supported in pursuing an optional third year to further specialize in a specific area of interest, such as research, trauma, or another subspecialty within Pediatric Emergency Medicine.


Teaching Hospitals

The primary location for the program is the Stollery Children's Hospital, but learners will spend time at other sites. 

Primary Site:

Secondary Sites:

University of Calgary 

 


Residency Testimonials 

We asked our residents what their highlights of the program are, and one piece of advice for applicants about the interview process. Here is what a few of them had to say:

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What are the highlights of the program for you: How tight knit the PEM community is, and how supportive the staff are.  It's always nice to come into the Emergency Department, whether you're on service or not, and be welcomed by lots of friendly conversations.

One piece of advice you want to share with applicants about the interview process: Everyone wants you to succeed, and we love hearing why you want to come to the U of A.

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What are the highlights of the program for you: Consistent high acuity - great case experiences, supportive/fun/happy staff colleagues. 

One piece of advice you want to share with applicants about the interview process: Process is just as much (or more) about you finding the right program fit for you as it is the program evaluating you. Breathe!

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What are the highlights of the program for you: The collegiality within the Department stands out. Everyone is very supportive and it's a great learning environment.

What is one piece of advice that you want to share with applicants about the interview process: Try to relax and figure out what program and city are a good fit for you!