Retinoblastoma
Supervisors
- Dr. Ashwin Mallipatna, Fellowship Co-Director
- Dr. Stephanie Kletke, Fellowship Co-Director
Contact Information
Dept. of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences
The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Ave., Burton Wing, M153
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8
Email: ashwin.mallipatna@sickkids.ca; stephanie.kletke@sickkids.ca
Fellowship Co-ordinator
Tel: 416-813-8942
Fax: 416-813-8266
Email: ophthalmology.education@sickkids.ca
Locations
- Hospital for Sick Children
Fellowship Objectives
- To master skills required to manage patients affected with various degrees of severity of retinoblastoma
- To understand the genetics of retinoblastoma
- To be equipped for a lifetime of contribution to care of children with retinoblastoma in the context of global collaboration
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 program deals with retinoblastoma, the leading cause of ocular malignancy in childhood. Our retinoblastoma team serves children with retinoblastoma in Ontario, and other provinces of Canada. The fellowship is characterized by broad exposure to clinical material and problem situations which will specifically develop the fellow’s expertise in the medical and surgical care of children with retinoblastoma. This will include a broad perspective of all factors that improve or inhibit the quality of care reflected in outcomes in many countries worldwide.
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 retinoblastoma 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. Mallipatna and Kletke and Retinoblastoma team 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
15 business days by pre-arrangement, which includes 1 week attributed to Christmas/New Year holiday or March Break.
Conference
One week 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
1 year.
Salary
Approximately $77,342.97 CAD including modified benefits will be 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.
Application Process
Applications are available through the above contacts. Fellowship normally runs from July 1 to June 30. A personal interview is required.
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.