Paediatric Cornea and External Disease Fellowship

Supervisors: 

• Dr. K. Mireskandari, Fellowship Co-Director 
• Dr. A. Ali, Fellowship Co-Director

Contact Information: 

Dept. of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences
The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Avenue, Burton Wing
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8
Email: kamiar.mireskandari@sickkids.ca ; asim.ali@sickkids.ca

Fellowship Co-ordinator

Tel: 416-813-8942
Fax: 416-813-8266
Email: ophthalmology.education@sickkids.ca

Location

The Hospital for Sick Children

Fellowship Objectives

1. To gain expertise in all aspects of pediatric cornea & external diseases, including diagnosis and management of common and rare diseases;
2. To perform a research project; and
3. To prepare for an academic career in pediatric cornea & external diseases. 

General Description

This training experience is an intense and active fellowship set in the largest pediatric center in North America for clinical care and research. The fellowship is in conjunction with the Residency and Fellowship Training Program of the University of Toronto, Department of Ophthalmology. The Fellowship is unique and characterized by specialized exposure to Paediatric Cornea and External Disease, Refractive and Reconstructive surgery. A major advantage compared to many other cornea fellowship programs is the dedication to paediatric cornea and can be tailored somewhat to fit special needs or interests of the trainee. We also provide a broad exposure to other anterior segment clinical experience in pediatric ophthalmology.

Clinical Duties

Only one fellow will be trained in a particular year. Fellowship may not be offered on an annual basis. The fellow will divide his/her time between clinics, operating room, consultation service, and research. The fellow is expected to be involved in all aspects of patient care. The volume and complexity of the patient population will provide extensive experience in all aspects of pediatric cornea & external diseases.

Research

Approximately 30% of the fellow's time will be protected for research (3 half day sessions per week). The fellow will be expected to conduct and complete an original research throughout the fellowship year. The results of these studies are expected to be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, the fellow will be expected to present the results of the research project at the annual Ophthalmology Research Day. The trainee will be expected to attend and present their research work at national or international meetings. The completion of a research project will be a requirement for obtaining the fellowship certificate from the University of Toronto Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

Teaching

The fellow is expected to attend and participate in the regular teaching sessions given by Drs. Mireskandari and Ali to ophthalmology residents and paediatric ophthalmology fellows. The fellow is also expected to contribute regularly to the teaching program, including giving formal lectures / seminars and grand rounds presentations to residents, fellows, and staff.

Vacation

3 weeks of vacation by pre-arrangement, which includes 1 week attributed to Christmas/New Year holiday or March Break.

Conference

Up to two weeks of conference time may be taken upon approval by the Supervisors. The trainee will be encouraged to attend COS annual meeting. Expenses will be reimbursed if the fellow gives a paper or poster presentation at the conference.

Evaluation

The fellow will be evaluated every four months. In addition, the fellow will be asked to evaluate the fellowship experience. A university and departmental certificate attesting to the completion of the fellowship will be presented at the end of the period.

Duration

One year.

Salary

As of January 2025, the fellow salary will be $78,190.61 CAD including modified benefits which is mandated by the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at The Hospital for Sick Children. Candidates are encouraged to secure their own funding however, funding may be available through application to the departmental fellowship committee at SickKids Hospital.

Housing

Housing may be available in the residence at the Hospital for Sick Children at the fellow’s cost. The fellow must apply directly to the residence, if this option is desired.

Application Process

Applications are available through the above contacts. Fellowships normally runs from July 1st to June 30th. A personal interview is required. Deadline for applications is the second Friday in September of the year prior to beginning the Fellowship in July.

License Requirements

Foreign applicants may apply. The Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons will generally grant a full clinical educational license to applicants with recognized specialty certification in their home country. Those applicants whose medical school was not taught in English will now no longer be required to take TOEFL and TSE examination. However, there will be a 4-6 week pre-fellowship evaluation period during which the candidate's ability will be assessed before a final educational license can be granted.