June 2025 Edition — COA BulletinTrainee Highlights

Eric Bohm, MD, MSc FRCSC
Professor of Surgery
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
Past President, Canadian Arthroplasty Society
2025 CAS Arthroplasty Fundamentals Course Chair

The Canadian Arthroplasty Society (CAS) recently hosted its third Introduction to Arthroplasty Fundamentals Course for orthopaedic residents online February 5 and 12. Tailored towards junior residents, the program covers the principles of hip and knee arthroplasty including preoperative planning, surgical technique, outcomes, complications and difficult cases, as well as the role of navigation and robotics in contemporary practice.

Now alternating annually between hip and knee arthroplasty, this year’s knee-focused module was moderated by Dr. Eric Bohm (University of Manitoba) and featured expert contributions from Drs. Sebastian Tomescu (University of Toronto), Glen Richardson (Dalhousie University), Jhase Sniderman (University of Manitoba), Sara Ward (University of Toronto), Keegan Au (Memorial University), and Michael Dunbar (Dalhousie University).

Key Highlights

Residents explored fundamental aspects of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), including:

• Preoperative planning and surgical technique for routine primary knee replacements.
• Patient-reported outcomes and revision risk following surgery.
• Assessing and managing complications related to knee arthroplasty.
• Management of bony deformity and ligament insufficiency in complex cases.
• The role of navigation and robotic surgery in knee arthroplasty.

The didactic sessions were supplemented with interactive case discussions, allowing participants to apply their new knowledge. Residents from training programs across Canada participated and provided highly positive feedback on the course’s quality and relevance.

Highlight Lectures

 To enhance learning and provide trainees with some key takeaways from the 2025 Knee Course, the Moderator has selected a highlight video from each session and provided a summary of key points from each expert’s talk.  Take a closer look at the short videos on:

• Outcomes of TKA: Glen Richardson
• Role of Navigation and Robotics in TKA: Michael Dunbar

Next year’s hip-focused module will continue delivering expert-led education. Those interested in speaking at future CAS educational programs or accessing the full 2-part recording of the 2025 Knee Course can contact cas@canorth.org.

Outcomes of TKA: G. Richardson Role of Navigation & Robotics: M. Dunbar

Dana Miller
Manager, Communications
Canadian Orthopaedic Association

As featured in Season 3, Episode 0 of the Ortho Insider podcast, Dr. Fay Leung shares a compelling vision for the future of orthopaedic training and leadership in Canada.

As Program Director of the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Leung brings a powerful blend of purpose, perspective, and progress to medical education. Informed by her early experiences in physiotherapy, her path into orthopaedics was shaped by a love for anatomy and movement—but more importantly, by mentors who saw her potential and opened doors.

She speaks candidly about identity formation, and how early encouragement helped her internalize a sense of belonging in a field where few women were present. That foundation, she notes, made it easier to navigate future challenges and resist doubt. Her leadership today is rooted in that same philosophy: foster confidence, create community, and challenge outdated systems.

Now celebrating the 40th anniversary of UBC’s orthopaedics department, Dr. Leung reflects on the program’s evolution—its growth in faculty, research, and global presence—and the importance of holding on to core values while staying responsive to change. “What you should really fear,” she says, “is staying the same.”

She champions vulnerability and connection as essential qualities in both practice and training. Whether through mentorship, collaboration, or simply showing up to share space, Dr. Leung emphasizes that community is not a bonus—it’s the structure that holds orthopaedics together.

Her call to action is clear: Be agile. Be open. Engage with others. Whether you’re a resident finding your path, or a leader shaping the future, progress starts with people—and a willingness to grow together.