University of Toronto Division of Neurosurgery hosting

14th Annual Canadian Neurosurgery Rookie Camp

Toronto, Ontario | 2025

Welcome to the 2025 Canadian Neurosurgery Rookie Camp!

The Division of Neurosurgery at the University of Toronto is proud to welcome you on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, 2025. 

This exciting two-day program is designed to jumpstart your neurosurgery residency journey by exposing you to realistic surgical simulations and practical training experiences.

We look forward to hosting you in Toronto and helping you build a strong foundation for the years ahead!

Sincerely,

Nir Lipsman, MD, PhD 

Co-Chair, 2025 Neurosurgery Rookie Camp

Ashish Kumar, MD

Co-Chair, 2025 Neurosurgery Rookie Camp , 2025 Neurosurgery

  • It gave me a real boost to see all the many things that can be done in this field. That’s very exciting.

    – Anton Fomenko, PGY2, University of Manitoba

  • I found all the instructors very approachable. Starting out in this field can be quite scary and it was great to get feedback from the people who have the experience.

    – Michelle Kameda, PGY2, Dalhousie University

  • Rookie camp was an incredible experience. I remember one staff neurosurgeon saying to me at the start of a session: “What I am about to teach you will save someone’s life in the next few months”. They could not have been more right. I learned a host of invaluable lessons about neurosurgery that I continue to use on a daily basis. It was also a great opportunity to catch up with all of my peers who matched to the various neurosurgery programs across the country.

    – Michael B. Keough, PGY4, University of Alberta

Welcome

All residents will meet at 7:00 am EST each day at main lobby entrance at the Michener Institute. Following the group check-in, you will be directed to the lab for your designated group learning and didactic sessions.

Breakfast, coffee, and lunch will be provided.

The Resident Social will take place Thursday evening at 7:00 pm EST at Piano Piano, followed by a combined Faculty and Resident dinner Friday evening at the Hart House.

Should you have any questions throughout course, please contact Program administrator Alicia (905) 767-6618 and she will be happy to assist. The most up to date information will be posted on this site.

We look forward to a weekend of interactive and immersive neurosurgery experience, and hope that you enjoy your stay in Toronto.

Sincerely,

Neurosurgery Rookie Camp Faculty

FAQ

How do I access the pre-camp reading material and curriculum?

Use your ID and log in information sent to you via email, the material is accessible via a web portal

How do I log into the website? Go to our website and click here.

When must I complete the pre-camp curriculum? Please complete the curriculum before July 21.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners

We are grateful to our industry sponsors for their generous support of the 2025 Canadian Neurosurgery Rookie Camp.

Partners like CNSF/CNSS, Integra, Medtronic, Stryker, Surgi-one, Synaptive Medical, and Temerity Centre for Advanced Surgical Education and Simulation play an essential role in helping us deliver a high-impact, hands-on training experience for incoming neurosurgery residents.

Your contributions support the next generation of neurosurgeons as they begin their journey with the tools, resources, and guidance needed to succeed.

Thank you for investing in surgical education and for your continued commitment to advancing neurosurgical training in Canada.

CNSF Membership

As a new PGY1 resident, you’re invited to join the Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation (CNSF) at no cost through a complimentary membership.

The CNSF represents six national specialty societies working together to improve the care, research, and prevention of neurologic conditions across Canada. Membership connects you to a national community of clinicians, researchers, and educators in neurology and neurosurgery.

This form is specifically for PGY1 residents and we encourage you to apply and take full advantage of the benefits and connections available through the CNSF.

Apply HERE