Although the integrated program is of six years' duration , the length of the program varies depending on the resident's career goals, the qualifying specialty body for which he or she is making preparation and the individual background of experience at McGill in medical and surgical disciplines. The first year of neurosurgical training is considered part of the Core Surgery Program. Residents should pass the Principle of Surgery examinations during their second Core Surgery year. They are expected to attend mandatory Core Surgery preparatory sessions to that effect. For the Neurosurgical Training, thirty-nine blocks are expected of individual residents.
Individual rotations are of three to four blocks' duration.
Residents will be expected to rotate through the four adult neurosurgery services at the Montreal Neurological Hospital, the trauma rotation at the MGH site and the paediatric rotation at the MCH site in junior resident capacity. When they return to these rotations they automatically assume a senior resident role on individual services. The second set of rotations are usually of four blocks' duration. Additionally residents are expected to do a year of electives in neurology, neuroradiology, neuropathology and critical care neurosurgery. Participation in research programs for qualified and interested residents is encouraged during the course of training.