Vikis Centre for Colorectal Oncology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery Fellowship
Location: Royal Columbian and Eagle Ridge Hospitals, Greater Vancouver Area, British Columbia, Canada
University Affiliation: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Program Director: Dr. Elena A.T. Vikis, MD, MEd, FRCSC
Clinical Assistant Professor, Active Staff, Royal Columbian & Eagle Ridge Hospitals
Program Overview
In collaboration with the University of British Columbia (UBC), we offer a one- to two-year post-residency Colorectal, Minimally Invasive & Endoscopic Surgery Fellowship, grounded in a structured and evolving curriculum emphasizing competency-based education, advanced technical skills, research excellence, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Founded in 2016 by Drs. Melich and Vikis, this program has since expanded, with fellows now hosted independently. As of July 2025, the fellowship will formally adopt the Competence by Design (CBD) model, aligning with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada framework for postgraduate education.
Training Components
- Clinical Training:
A rich volume of operative cases and clinical exposure across benign and malignant colorectal conditions, utilizing:- Advanced laparoscopy
- Endoscopic techniques
- Transanal approaches (TAMIS, TaTME)
- Early integration of robotics beginning in 2026
- Multidisciplinary Environment:
Trainees will rotate among 11 attending surgeons across two tertiary-care hospitals and collaborate with GI, pathology, radiology, and oncology teams.
- Clinical Framework:
- Based on the Royal College CBD model, incorporating:
- Staged EPAs (Entrustable Professional Activities)
- Simulation and lab-based skills
- Academic half-days
- Objective assessment tools
Program Structure
- Length: 1 year (clinical), optional 2nd year (research/clinical hybrid)
- Start Date: July 1 (annually)
- Location: Royal Columbian Hospital (primary), Eagle Ridge Hospital (secondary)
- Teaching & Mentorship: Fellows will engage in education of UBC residents, with regular feedback and mentorship sessions.
Eligibility Criteria:
Required:
1. Graduation from an accredited General Surgery Residency Program (Canada, US, or international)
2. Eligibility for licensing in British Columbia:
CPSBC – Postgraduate Fellows Info
3. For international grads from non-English-speaking countries: Proof of language proficiency (IELTS)
Certifications:
- RCPSC (Canada), or
- American Board of Surgery certification/eligibility, or
- Recognized General Surgery board certification (international)
Citizenship/Visa:
- Canadian citizen/permanent resident, or
- Work permit + SIN required for international applicants UBC Immigration Info
Application Timeline:
| Stage | Timeline |
| Application Opens | July 1, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | November 1, 2025 |
| Interview Period | Nov 1 – Dec 15, 2025 |
| Offer Notification | December 15, 2025 |
| Document Submission Due | January 1, 2026 |
| Start Date | July 1, 2026 |
All documents, including CPSBC and UBC Postgrad Office requirements, must be complete prior to fellowship initiation.
Conferences & Professional Development
Major Conferences
Fellows are encouraged to submit abstracts and attend presentations at leading national and international meetings, including:
| MISWeek / SLS Annual Meeting
📍 Lake Buena Vista, Florida 🗓️ September 10–13, 2025 📝 Abstract Deadline: April 1, 2025 🔗 https://sls.org | BC Surgical Society (BC Surg)
📍 Whistler, BC (typical location) 🗓️ Dates TBD – usually early June annually 🔗 https://www.bcsurgical.ca |
| Canadian Surgery Forum (CAGS)
📍 Halifax, Nova Scotia 🗓️ September 17–20, 2025 📝 Abstract Deadline: March 20, 2025 🔗 https://cags-accg.ca | North Pacific Surgical Association (NPSA)
📍 Rotating locations (Vancouver in recent years) 🗓️ Typically November (TBD for 2025) 🔗 http://www.northpacificsurgical.org |
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) 📍 Tampa, Florida 🗓️ May 9–12, 2026 📝 Abstract Deadline: Typically October 2025 (TBD) 🔗 https://fascrs.org | Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
📍 Varies annually 🗓️ Spring 2026 (TBD) 📝 Abstract Deadline: Usually September of previous year 🔗 https://www.sages.org |
| International Society of University Colon & Rectal Surgeons (ISUCRS)
📍 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 🗓️ July 23–25, 2026 📝 Abstract Deadline: December 1, 2025 🔗 https://www.isucrs2026.com | Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO)
📍 TBD 🗓️ Typically March 2026 📝 Abstract Deadline: Typically September 2025 🔗 https://www.surgonc.org |
| European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP)
📍 Paris, France 🗓️ September 10–12, 2025 📝 Abstract Deadline: April 18, 2025 🔗 https://www.escp.eu.com |
Fellows are expected to attend at least two major conferences annually and are supported in pursuing opportunities to present original research or quality improvement initiatives.
Academic Rounds & Weekly Learning Activities
The fellowship includes robust, regularly scheduled educational sessions designed to promote critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and professional growth:
- Research Conference Rounds – Tuesdays, 7–8 AM
Fellow-led presentations and discussion of ongoing or proposed research, including methodologies, results, and quality improvement strategies. - Case Review Conference – Fridays, 7–8 AM
Review and analysis of complex or challenging surgical cases from the week, emphasizing diagnostic reasoning and operative planning. - Multidisciplinary Colorectal Cancer Rounds – Biweekly, Wednesdays, 12–1 PM
Collaborative discussion involving colorectal surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. - Royal Columbian Hospital Department of Surgery Grand Rounds – 2nd Thursday of each month, 7–8 AM
Presentations by faculty or invited experts on current surgical topics and research findings. - Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) Rounds – 4th Thursday of each month, 7–8 AM
Case-based analysis of complications and outcomes, with a focus on systems-based improvement. - Journal Club – One evening per month
Critical review of recent high-impact literature in colorectal surgery and related fields. - Fellowship Review & Feedback Session – Monthly
A structured opportunity for fellows to reflect on their experience, provide feedback, and receive mentorship and guidance from faculty.
Program Funding
The fellowship is fully funded via the Vikis Centre for Colorectal Oncology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery fellowship, coordinated through the UBC Faculty of Medicine and subject to the terms of the BC Clinical Fellow Training Manual.
Contact Information
For inquiries or application details, contact:
Dr. Elena A.T. Vikis, MD, MEd, FRCSC
drvikis@drvikis.com
604-524-2454
Suite #202 – 301 Columbia St E, New Westminster, BC, Canada
To apply, please visit: https://sls.org/sls-fellowship-programs/sls-fellowship-application/
Forms: