Training Programs - Fellowship Program

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management of the University Health Network and the University of Toronto offers a 12-month fellowship training program in Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Management at the Toronto Western Hospital. Our training program aims to confer the clinical skills and academic proficiency for the consultant regional anesthesiologist in modern anesthetic practice.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE:

The Toronto Western Hospital performs approximately 3,000 regional anesthesia procedures each year. Successful applicants will gain experience in a variety of peripheral nerve block techniques performed for orthopedics, plastics, and general surgery. Under the direct supervision of an attending regional anesthesiologist, fellows will learn to perform interscalene, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, and axillary brachial plexus blocks, as well as distal forearm blocks of individual nerves. Lower extremity blocks routinely performed at our institution include femoral, sciatic, popliteal, and ankle blocks. Fellows will gain expertise in continuous catheter perineural infusion techniques for both the upper and lower extremities. Neuraxial blocks, including thoracic epidurals, combined spinal-epidurals, and saddle blocks, are also commonly performed for surgery at our hospital. The successful applicant will learn to perform all peripheral nerve block techniques with ultrasound guidance using state-of-the-art ultrasound machinery with expert instruction. Fellows will also participate in the Acute Pain Service rotation and non-regional anesthesia cases during the training year. The Acute Pain Service manages approximately 2,000 patients per year including some referrals with challenging chronic and cancer pain.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:

Regional anesthesia fellows will spend 20% of their time in research and educational activities (may increase to 40% with proven academic productivity). Under direct staff supervision, regional anesthesia fellows are expected to initiate at least one research project and prepare at least one research protocol during the training year. Fellows are expected to present their research at national and international meetings as well as publish their work in high-impact journals. Our current areas of research include ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blockade, complications of regional anesthesia, and outpatient pain management techniques.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

In the latter portion of the fellowship year, fellows are expected to assume a teaching role and instruct both junior and senior residents in regional anesthesia techniques. Further, senior fellows will serve as instructors at many of the popular educational initiatives offered by our Department of Anesthesia, including our quarterly Hands-On Ultrasound for Regional Anesthesia Workshops and our annual Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Conference.

PROGRAM INFORMATION:

Positions: 4 Salary per annum: $75,000 CDN for 2007-2008

Term of training: 80% clinical, 20% non-clinical (research)

Duration of training: 12 months Available for: PGY5 candidates or post-fellowship (FRCA, FANZCA, or equivalent)

ACGME approved fellowship: no; there is no sub-specialty certification

NAMES OF KEY FACULTY:

Richard Brull, MD FRCPC

Vincent Chan, MD FRCPC

Ki Jinn Chin, MBBS, FANZCA, FRCPC

Jacob Lai, MD FRCPC

Ahtsham Niazi, MB, FCARCSI

Philip Peng, MBBS FRCPC

Anahi Perlas, MD FRCPC

Arun Prasad, MBBS, DA, FRCA

Paul Tumber, MD FRCPC

Jean Wong, MD FRCPC

Chair, Department of Anesthesia, University of Toronto: Brian P. Kavanagh, MB BSc MRCPI FRCPC FFARCSI(Hon)

Head, Regional Anesthesia and Pain Program, University Health Network: Vincent W.S. Chan, MD FRCPC

Director, Regional Anesthesia Fellowship Program, University Health Network: Richard Brull, MD FRCPC

Director, Regional Anesthesia Clinical Program, Toronto Western Hospital: Anahi Perlas, MD FRCPC

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Fellowships commence on January 1st and July 1st of each year. A total of four fellowship positions are available each year, two positions beginning in January and two beginning in July. Applications are due 18 months in advance of the proposed starting date, e.g. January 1st, 2007 for the July 1st, 2008 commencement. The application includes a letter of intent, a curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation. The letter of intent must specify the applicant’s proposed commencement date. All application materials must be received by the due date. Applications will be reviewed shortly after the due date. Invitations for a personal interview will be offered to promising candidates, especially those with a commitment to research. Candidates are encouraged to visit the department prior to the interview if possible. Successful candidates will be notified at least 12 months in advance of the commencement date.

QUESTIONS/CONTACT INFORMATION:

For further information, please contact:

Christine Drane

Departmental Administrator

Department of Anesthesia

Toronto Western Hospital

University Health Network

399 Bathurst St., McL 2-405

Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada

Tel. 416-603-5118

Fax. 416-603-6494

E-mail: christine.drane@uhn.on.ca

Dr. Richard Brull

Director, Regional Anesthesia Fellowship Program

Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network

399 Bathurst Street Toronto, Ontario, CANADA M5T 2S8

Tel. 416-603-5118

Fax. 416-603-6494

E-mail: richard.brull@uhn.on.ca