Leading the Next Generation in Pediatric Orthopedics

At the heart of Shriners Children's mission is a deep commitment to education. Mitchell Bernstein, M.D., FRCSC, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada and residency program director at McGill University, is one of the key figures driving this commitment forward.

“Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada is not just one of our teaching sites – it’s the academic hub of the program,” said Dr. Bernstein. Every week, residents from McGill’s orthopedic residency program gather at Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada for their academic half day, which includes lectures, case discussions, simulation sessions and visiting speakers. The hospital’s state-of-the-art simulation center plays a central role in building technical skills in a safe, controlled environment.

“Residents can practice high-complexity procedures, build confidence, and receive direct coaching without the pressure of being in an operating room,” Dr. Bernstein said. “It’s one of the best ways to accelerate learning while keeping patient safety at the forefront.”

Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada stands out for its unique blend of specialized pediatric care and hands-on teaching. “We’ve built an environment where they not only see the full range of pediatric orthopedics but also work closely with our allied healthcare teams – therapists, nurse practitioners, psychologists and more,” said Dr. Bernstein.

Dr. Bernstein believes that mentorship is just as important as clinical training. “We want our residents to leave here not just as skilled surgeons, but as thoughtful, balanced individuals with strong emotional intelligence,” he said. “Mentorship isn’t about telling someone what to do – it’s about caring enough to guide and challenge them.”

The program also reflects an international reach. Residents come from across Canada, the U.S., Europe and the Middle East – drawn by the high quality of training and the hospital’s model of compassionate care. “We show them what medicine can be when care is patient-focused, collaborative and inspiring.”

Looking to the future, Dr. Bernstein is confident that surgical education will continue to evolve.

“Simulation, virtual reality and data-driven coaching are already reshaping the way we teach. But at the core, it’s about developing healthy, effective physicians who can lead in their communities. That’s what we’re trying to do here every day.”