Search

[Roman Sorokin]

Position: The Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in
Toronto, Ontario, are seeking applications for a Clinical and Research Fellowship opportunity in
diagnosis and management of Paediatric Ehlers Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and related connective tissue
disorders. As an emerging area in paediatrics, this clinical research fellowship offers clinicians the
opportunity to pursue independent research and clinical work in partnership with a wide range of
professionals to enhance the health and well-being of children with EDS and related disorders. This is a
1.0 FTE position with responsibilities spanning both research and direct clinical service to the children,
youth, and families served by the hospital. This one-year training position begins in Summer 2023 an
earlier/later start date can be discussed with individual applicants

Fellowship Directors: Drs. Roberto Mendoza and Sarah Schwartz

Training Setting: SickKids, affiliated with the University of Toronto, is Canada’s largest and one of the
world’s leading paediatric academic health care institutions. As innovators in child health, SickKids
improves the health of children by integrating care, research and teaching. It is a centre of excellence in
the delivery of cutting-edge health care to the paediatric population and is supported by Canada’s
strongest hospital-based Research Institute. SickKids is the home to the Ontario paediatric EDS and rare
disease program and evaluates and manages patients with these diagnosis through a specialized
multidisciplinary team.

Clinical Training: The fellowship offers the successful candidate the opportunity to be a fully integrated
team member in the weekly EDS Clinic and participate in the evaluation of referrals, initial assessments,
development of management plans and follow up of a variety of patients with different types of EDS and
connective tissue disorders associated with hypermobility. The clinic is staffed by a multidisciplinary
team that includes a pediatrician, geneticist, nurse practitioner, physiotherapist, psychologist, genetic
counsellor, and social worker. This fellowship will allow the trainee to better understand the process of
diagnosis and management of patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and related connective tissue
disorders through clinical rotations. Complimentary clinical experiences in subspecialty clinics such as
cardiology, neurosurgery, gastroenterology, and pain clinics, among others, may be incorporated
depending on the fellows’ personal learning goals and career plans. In addition, the fellow will have the
opportunity to develop a better understanding of advanced genomic tools including microarray, genetic
panel testing and whole exome and whole genome sequencing. Indications for, and interpretation of,
genetic testing in this population will be emphasized. Upon completion of the fellowship, graduates will
have developed a greater understanding of EDS and related conditions, the diagnostic criteria,
management protocols and the tools available for the diagnosis and management of Ehlers-Danlos
syndrome. They will be better prepared to consult with health teams and act as a point person within their
specialty for the evaluation of patients with these conditions. Clinical supervision will be provided by
staff in the EDS program and other specialty areas in the Department of Paediatrics and involves
observation, report review, and one-to-one supervision sessions.

Research training: The Fellow will have protected time for research. The Fellow will develop and pursue
an independent research project in their area of interest under the supervision of a senior clinical or
research staff. The objective of the research project would be to advance the understanding of EDS either
from a molecular genetics perspective or by developing and testing management guidelines and
recommendations to improve the outcomes in this patient population. A scholarly focus in quality
improvement and patient safety may also be considered.
Scholarship: Graduating fellows will have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise within Ehlers-
Danlos syndrome and related connective tissue disorders by offering talks, didactics, and/or case
presentations during their fellowship. These presentations may include provision of education on
specialty topic areas to colleagues, and presentations on broader topics. The Fellow will have the
opportunity to supervise medical and other trainees and will receive supervision on the training they
provide.

Didactics: A rich array of didactic learning opportunities are available to fellows and staff at SickKids.
Lectures, seminars and courses are offered through the Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, the
department of paediatrics, the Division of Genome Diagnosis, the Research Institute and other areas of
interest to the applicant. The Fellow will be able to participate in weekly Rounds, as well as clinical and
research seminars.

Requirements: Applicants should hold a MD degree or equivalent and completed an accredited residency
program accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) and/or College
of Family Physicians Canada (CFPC), or equivalent training. Applicants should be experienced working
in a paediatric medicine environment. Applicants from any specialty or subspecialty are welcome to
apply, as we will customize the experience to address the individual’s interests and learning needs.
Previous research experience is not required but will be considered when evaluating applicants.
Applicants need to be eligible for an educational medical license in the province of Ontario.

How to Apply: Interested individuals should email their application, preferably in PDF format, to
brittany.marshman@sickkids.ca. Please enclose a statement of interest highlighting your reasons for
applying to the fellowship, your most updated CV, a list of your credentials and the names of three
referees. Letters of support will be requested if you are pre-selected.

Interested applicants may direct any informal enquires to: Brittany Marshman, Education Coordinator,
Division of Clinical & Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue,
Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, brittany.marshman@sickkids.ca.

[Author]

Posts