Elective Rotations 

SickKids fellowship training program ensures that fellows gain experience in all major areas of paediatric orthopaedics.

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 and rare diseases, general spine, 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

Placeholder 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.

Fellowship Academic and Social Calendar 2019/2020

August

U of T Welcome BBQ

Location: Hart House

December

Fellows Family Party

Organized by Dr. Kelley

January

Ice Skating

Location: Nathan Philips Square

February

Fellows Family Ski Day

Organized 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

Organized by Dr. Narayanan

July

Goodbye to our Fine Fellows Pub Night

Educational Rounds

Elective Rounds

Moderated by a staff surgeon (in rotation) 

Attended by residents (always), fellows (1st 6 months)

Tuesday

Trauma Rounds

Moderated by a staff surgeon for 1st 6 months

Moderated by a fellow for 2nd 6 months

Attended by residents (always) and fellows (1st 6 months)

Non-spine

Outcomes x 2/month

Moderated by staff surgeons (alternating subspecialty teams)

Attended by Fellows (not spine)

M&Ms x 1/month

Moderated by Mark Camp or Andrew Howard

Attended by all staff, fellows, residents

Research x 1/month

Moderated by supervising staff surgeons

Attended by all fellows, research coordinators

Thursday

Friday

U of T Academic Rounds

Attendance optional

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged 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.

Fellowships Available

1. SickKids fellowship training program ensures that fellows gain experience in all major areas of paediatric orthopaedics.

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 and rare diseases, general spine, 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.

2. SICKKIDS 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 four paediatric orthopaedic spine surgeons; Dr Zeller, Dr Lebel, Dr Camp and Dr Lewis. 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.