SickKids fellowship training program ensures that fellows gain experience in all major areas of paediatric orthopaedics.
General Paediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship
Five clinical fellowship positions in paediatric orthopaedics are available at The Hospital for Sick Children each year.
Two fellowship positions are available for eligible candidates through the San Francisco matching scheme for paediatric orthopaedics. Three further fellowship positions are available through a direct application to The Hospital for Sick Children. The duration of the fellowship is for one year and commence in July each year.
The Division of Orthopaedic Surgery is seeking candidates with a strong clinical and academic background that demonstrates proficiency in orthopaedic surgery and related subjects. Candidates will be pursuing a clearly defined path in paediatric orthopaedic surgery. International Medical Graduates who have obtained their medical education and training from non-Canadian, American, British or Australian systems, are encouraged to obtain several years experience as a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon before applying to the program.
Advanced Spine Fellowship
The Hospital for Sick Children also offers an advanced fellowship in paediatric spinal deformities. This single-specialty fellowship provides comprehensive training in the surgical and conservative treatment of paediatric spinal disorders, however the focus of this fellowship is on the surgical reconstruction of complex deformities.
Substantial previous experience in spinal surgery is a prerequisite to applying for this fellowship. Fellows are mentored by the three paediatric orthopaedic spine surgeons; Dr Zeller, Dr Lebel, and Dr Camp. The spine fellow also participates in the paediatric orthopaedic on-call schedule for general orthopaedic trauma. The fellowship training period can range from six months to one year. All potential candidates are encouraged to apply directly to The Hospital for Sick Children. Early application is encouraged as fellows are selected following interviews in the winter/spring of the year prior to the commencement of the fellowship.
Elective Rotations
Fellows rotate with a team of two surgeons every ten weeks. Each rotation covers a defined subspecialty area of paediatric orthopaedics, including neuromuscular, limb reconstruction including hip/foot, trauma, rare diseases, and orthopaedic oncology. An office orthopaedic rotation covering clubfoot, DDH and small-curve scoliosis is also included in the schedule. There is some flexibility regarding the roster, which is established in consultation with each fellow. Our goal is for fellows to develop highly competent skills and sound clinical judgment to be leading academic paediatric orthopaedic surgeons. Fellow responsibilities include preparation and surgical treatment for elective cases, operative fracture treatment, outpatient clinics and research. A typical fellow weekly assignment includes two operating room days, two clinic days, and at least one half day for research.
Taking Call
SickKids is a level I paediatric trauma centre and has a broad referral base for emergent conditions.
Becoming confident with the acute management of fractures, complex trauma and bone and joint infections is an essential aspect of paediatric orthopaedic training. Principles and experience gained from these areas translate broadly to elective scenarios. Clinical fellows take call on a 1 in 5 basis in a hierarchical roster together with residents and faculty. Primary calls to the emergency department, the ward and from other institutions are fielded by the residents. Fellows assume duties that are transitional on their way to becoming faculty themselves.
Mentorship
At SickKids we pride ourselves on offering close mentorship experience for all of our clinical fellows. We have a formal feedback structure that includes one-on-one progress meetings with clinical supervisors at the beginning, middle and end of each subspecialty rotation offering the fellow substantial opportunity for personalised professional growth and development.
Research Opportunities
Fellows are expected to complete a research project during their fellowship. The faculty surgeons are all experienced academic researchers with expertise in clinical epidemiology, medical education, bioethics, basic science and biomedical engineering and are available to supervise a wide range of research projects. Fellows are encouraged to start their own novel research projects and in addition are encouraged to join existing projects that align with their clinical interests. Fellows are expected to present their research at the University of Toronto Division of Orthopaedics Fellows Research Day, and submit their research for publication in peer-reviewed journals. A highly qualified clinical research assistant is dedicated to facilitating new fellow research projects, with the ability to help with study design, obtain ethical board approval and in data analysis.
Academic Meetings
Fellows are encouraged to attend North American and international paediatric orthopaedic meetings, including POSNA and IPOS. Each fellow is provided with a generous stipend for academic travel expenses in addition to their salary. Fellows are entitled to four weeks paid vacation leave, plus one week of conference leave each year.
Fellowship Academic and Social Calendar 2020/2021
August
Clinical and Research Orientation
September
SickKids Orthopaedics Welcome Party for Fellows and Families
October
Robert B. Salter Visiting Professorship and Dinner
November
SickKids Ortho Holiday Party
December
Fellows Family Party
Hosted by Dr. Kelley
January
Ice Skating
Location: Nathan Philips Square
February
Fellows Family Ski Day
Hosted by Dr. Howard
March/April
Pub Night
May
POSNA/Salter Society Dinner
U of T Fellows Research Day
June
Rang Visiting Professorship and Dinner
Summer BBQ
Hosted by Dr. Narayanan
July
Goodbye to our Fine Fellows
Pub Night
Educational Rounds
Monday
Elective Rounds
Moderated by a staff surgeon
Attended by residents and fellows
Purpose: Cover entire paediatric orthopaedic curriculum on rotating basis
Tuesday
Trauma Rounds
Moderated by a staff surgeon for 1st 6 months
Moderated by a fellow for 2nd 6 months
Attended by residents and fellows
Purpose: Cover entire paediatric trauma curriculum on rotating basis and to allow fellows opportunity to develop teaching skills
Wednesday
Morbidity and Mortality Rounds x 1/month
Moderated by Reinhard Zeller or Andrew Howard
Attended by all staff, fellows, residents
Purpose: Discuss and record recent events leading to morbidity and mortality for quality improvement
Research x 1/month
Moderated by supervising staff surgeons
Attended by all fellows, research coordinators
Purpose: Facilitate fellows to have presentable project for U of T Ortho Fellow Research Day in May, and submission for publication by end of fellowship in July.
Pre-Operative Rounds
Moderated by a staff surgeon
Attended by all staff, fellows, residents
Purpose: Preoperative presentation, planning and discussion for all elective (non-spine) cases in advance of OR.
Thursday
Spine – Spine Rounds
Moderated by all spine staff surgeons
Attended by Residents, spine fellow, gen fellow (spine)
Purpose: Preoperative presentation, planning and discussion for all spine cases in advance of OR.
Friday
U of T Academic Rounds
Attendance optional
