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Crocker Lecture Series
Dr. Keith McLean Crocker was one of the earliest professors in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, after accomplishing his fellowship at McGill University and in Scotland. Following several years of private practice in Saskatoon, Dr. Crocker joined the faculty at the University of Saskatchewan, and practiced throughout the 1970s. Dr. Crocker spent several years in northern Nigeria working in a major hospital and living with most of his family while on leave there. He also worked briefly in Afghanistan, and subsequent to leaving his university practice, in Tunisia and in several places in the United States including The Navajo reservation in Arizona.
Dr. Crocker was an enthusiastic physician, very well-liked by students and residents. During his tenure, he initiated a number of innovations in the teaching program including pelvic teaching associates and the sexual medicine curriculum in our department. He was a world traveler in both his profession and his personal life, and eventually retired in British Columbia until he passed away in 2013.Programs
Residency Training Program
Dr. Kristine Mytopher - Residency Program Director
Dr. Afton Sielski - Residency Program Assistant Director
Dr. Jackie Ferguson - Residency Program Assistant Site Director - Regina Site
General Information
The program is designed to give residents special education and expertise in obstetrics, gynecology and women's health. House staff supervision is by academic faculty representing specialty areas of clinical care and basic scientific research. Community specialists on the clinical faculty, who are committed teachers and preceptors, are involved in training in various aspects of obstetrics and gynecology. The patient population is drawn from the entire province of Saskatchewan, providing a wealth of clinical material and an excellent mix of cases. The program is affiliated with five major hospitals, with sophisticated obstetrical and surgical facilities and state-of-the-art equipment.
The first year involves basic clinical training with rotations in General Internal Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, Anesthesia, rural and urban Obstetrics and Gynecology, and General Surgery. The second year of residency training concentrates on core Obstetrics and Gynecology, while the third and fourth year of training introduces the subspecialties of Reproductive Endocrinology, Maternal Fetal Medicine and Urogynecology. Formal weekly academic half-days and seminars cover a variety of subjects. Elective time is provided to encourage senior residents to explore fellowship and/or job opportunities.
Research activities are emphasized throughout the program. Clinical or basic science projects are done with the support and assistance of faculty. PGY 1-5 residents are required to work on their research projects throughout the year and present the results of their research projects, in PGY 4 or 5, at the Annual Resident Research Day Symposium.
The curriculum is based on the specialty training requirements by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada for Obstetrics and Gynecology. Successful completion of the residency leads to eligibility for certification (by examination) by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Selection of first year resident positions is done virtually via the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). It is anticipated that residents entering the residency will remain with the program and progress through the five years of training.
Quick Facts- The training program is based in Saskatoon, where the University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine is located.
- As of July 1, 2023, five residency positions are based as full time annually in Saskatoon and two residency positions are based full time annually in Regina; these positions must be applied for separately through CaRMS. For more information, see the Obstetrics & Gynecology - Saskatoon program description and/or Obstetrics & Gynecology - Regina program description.
- Strong emphasis on distributed learning with rotations scheduled in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert.
- Strong emphasis on early hands-on labour and delivery, operating room, and ward experience in the core obstetrics and gynecology rotations.
- Attending staff to resident ratio is 2:1; residents have direct 1:1 clinic experience with attending staff in the clinic, case room, and operating theatre.
- Exposure to advanced expertise in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, maternal fetal medicine, urogynecology, and gynecologic oncology through rotations in both Saskatoon and Regina.
- Community obstetrics and gynecology rotation in Prince Albert are a highlight of the curriculum.
- International and interprovincial electives are supported and encouraged as part of elective time - arranged on an individual basis.
- Structured and comprehensive academic program, including academic half-day, weekly subspecialty rounds, monthly grand rounds and journal club, most teaching sessions are video-conferenced.
- Annual resident retreat and business meeting with residents and faculty to discuss the direction of the program.
- Paper and Web-based evaluation system (One45 WebEval).
- Twice yearly practice OSCE exams for PGY 2-5 residents in preparation for final year Royal College exams.
Distributive Learning at the University of Saskatchewan, The College of Medicine, while physically located in Saskatoon, is a provincial resource in attitude and in practice. Postgraduate medical education at the University of Saskatchewan takes seriously its role in supporting quality health care to all people of the province. This means training physicians to meet the needs of not only urban populations, but also those of rural and remote populations. In so doing, the College of Medicine has developed, and continues to develop, rotations in other communities. These rotations are designed to provide educational experiences to enhance the resident's knowledge and skills, and take maximum advantage of unique educational opportunities in diverse communities. All postgraduate programs are expected to develop and incorporate into their curriculum, rotations in communities other than Saskatoon. The manner in which each program does this is not strictly prescribed by the College of Medicine - but is determined by the Residency Program Committee, taking into consideration the needs of their residents, and the excellent opportunities available in other locations. These rotations continue to evolve as we seek to build stronger and better programs.
Extensive support is available for out-of-town rotations. The exact nature of this support varies with location and program. The communities involved, individual programs, the College of Medicine and the Ministry of Health work collaboratively to ensure residents are not financially disadvantaged by the need to relocate.
For residents assigned to short term rotations in Regina and Prince Albert, housing is provided. Where necessary, every effort will be made to provide family-friendly accommodation.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Residency Program Administrator - Saskatoon
Residency Program Administrator - Regina
Tel: (306) 766-3709
Divisions
The Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine cares for patients with high risk pregnancies and offers a variety of diagnostic and treatment options, including:
- biophysical evaluation
- obstetric ultrasound
- maternal medical conditioning monitoring
- diabetes in pregnancy
- hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
- prenatal screening
- prenatal testing
- intrauterine fetal therapy
The Division has consultants located in both the Saskatoon and the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Regions. Appointments are by referral.
Gynecologic Oncology is a specialized field of oncology that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing cancers that affect women's reproductive organs. This includes cancers of the ovary, uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva. Given the complexity and variety of cancers within this specialty, gynecologic oncology requires a nuanced and highly specialized approach to patient care, integrating surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies to offer the best possible outcomes.
Gynecologic oncologists are specialists who have expertise in treating gynecologic cancers. Their training includes a residency in obstetrics and gynecology followed by a fellowship in gynecologic oncology, where they gain extensive experience in oncology, surgery, and the complexities of cancer treatment specific to female reproductive organs. This advanced training equips them with the skills to perform complex surgeries, including radical pelvic surgery and minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopy or robotic-assisted surgery. They also have expertise in prescribing chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies, and collaborate with radiation oncologists when radiation therapy is indicated.
The role of gynecologic oncologists extends beyond the operating room and the clinic. They are deeply involved in the continuum of care for their patients from initial diagnosis through treatment and into survivorship or palliative care as needed. They work closely with a multidisciplinary team that includes radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, nurse specialists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to treatment. This team collaboration is vital for addressing the complex needs of gynecologic cancer patients encompassing physical, emotional, and psychosocial support.
Gynecologic oncologists also play a crucial role in advancing the field through research and clinical trials. They are often involved in studies that explore new surgical techniques, novel chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies, and innovative approaches to treatment that promise better outcomes. Their work contributes significantly to the evolving understanding of gynecologic cancers and the development of more effective, personalized treatment options.
Gynecologic Oncology Division Heads:
| Regina | Saskatoon |
| Dr. Maryam Al-Hayki | Dr. Vickie Martin |
Research
Events
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Contact
|
Address: Room 4544 |
| Dr. Joanne Sivertson Provincial Department Head Obstetrics and Gynecology Phone: 306-844-1059 |
Email Executive Assistant to the Provincial Dept. Head & Finance Assistant Phone: 306-844-1059 |
|
Harold Shiffman |
Dr. Kristine Mytopher, Resident Program Director |
|
Email |
Email Residency Program Administrative Assistant - Saskatoon |
| Email Office Administrator Phone:306-844-1173 |
Email Residency Program Administrative Assistant - Regina Phone: 306-766-3709 |