MacOrtho Residency Program

Welcome to the MacOrtho Residency Program at McMaster University, also known as MacOrtho. Our program is a five-year structured program committed to training exceptional and innovative orthopaedic surgeons. Our program offers the full spectrum of high-level care and education across 4 main sites in Hamilton, Ontario.

A Message From Our Program Director

Dr. Jeffrey Kay
Program Director

Welcome to the McMaster Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program: MacOrtho.

Thank you for your interest in our program. Choosing a residency is one of the most important decisions in your surgical career, and we are proud to offer a training environment that combines outstanding clinical education, academic excellence, innovation, and a strong sense of community.

Our mission is to train orthopaedic surgeons who are exceptional clinicians, thoughtful scholars, and future leaders in our specialty. We strive to provide an educational experience that challenges residents to achieve their full potential while supporting their personal and professional growth throughout residency.

MacOrtho serves a large and diverse patient population across Hamilton and the surrounding region through our network of academic and community teaching hospitals. Residents receive comprehensive exposure to every orthopaedic subspecialty, including arthroplasty, sports medicine, trauma, spine, foot and ankle, pediatrics, upper extremity, orthopaedic oncology, and adult reconstruction. The breadth and complexity of our clinical experience prepare graduates for successful careers in fellowship training or independent practice.

One of the defining strengths of MacOrtho is our people. Despite being one of Canada's larger orthopaedic residency programs, we have maintained a collegial, supportive culture where residents and faculty work closely together. Our faculty are deeply invested in resident education, mentorship, and progressive surgical autonomy, creating an environment where trainees are encouraged to develop confidence, technical excellence, and sound clinical judgment.

Academic scholarship is a cornerstone of our program. Residents benefit from structured research mentorship, dedicated academic time, and opportunities to participate in high-impact clinical, educational, and basic science research. Whether pursuing clinician-scientist careers, fellowship training, or community practice, our graduates leave with the skills to critically evaluate evidence and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of orthopaedic surgery.

As medicine continues to evolve, so too does our program. We are committed to continually enhancing our curriculum through educational innovation, simulation, emerging technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and competency-based training. At the same time, we recognize that excellence in surgical education extends beyond technical ability. We are equally committed to fostering professionalism, leadership, wellness, and an inclusive learning environment where every resident can thrive.

Thank you for considering MacOrtho. We are proud of our residents, faculty, and alumni, and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons to our program.

Jeffrey Kay, MD, MSc, FRCSC
Program Director
McMaster Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program

A Message From Our Associate Program Director

Dr. James Yan
Associate Program Director

Welcome to MacOrtho.

Whether you are a medical student considering a career in orthopaedic surgery, one of our current or prospective residents, a fellow or graduated alumni, or a family member that has supported one of our trainees, I am glad that you are taking the time to learn more about our program.

Our program's goal is to provide excellent training to Canada's future of Orthopaedic Surgery. You will gain clinical excellence, research acumen, and many academic opportunities here at MacOrtho.

As Associate Program Director, one of my priorities is ensuring that every resident feels supported throughout their training. Residency is both exciting and transformative, bringing new opportunities, responsibilities, and challenges at every stage. I am committed to being an approachable resource and advocate for our residents during this time while working with our faculty and division leadership to enhance the educational experience.

For those about to embark on or are in the midst of their residency journey here, you are what makes our program great. I value the sense of community that exists among our residents and faculty. Our culture is one of connection, celebrating one another's successes, and are continually working with the experiences and perspectives of the trainees to develop the program to make sure it's at the leading edge and modern to help the surgeons of tomorrow.

If you're considering MacOrtho, I encourage you to spend time with our residents and faculty. Programs are remembered less for their brochures and websites (as excellent as this one is) than for the people who make them. I hope you'll discover what so many of us already know, that this is a community full of people who are passionate about education, dedicated to excellent patient care, and committed to helping one another succeed.

Thank you for taking the time visiting our program website. I look forward to meeting you and sharing more of what makes MacOrtho such a special place to train.

James Yan, MD, FRCSC
Associate Program Director
McMaster Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program