Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Management Fellowship, Toronto Western Hospital
[Link to top]

The Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management of the University Health Network and the University of Toronto offers a 12-month fellowship training program in Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Management at the Toronto Western Hospital. Our training program aims to confer the clinical skills and academic proficiency for the consultant regional anesthesiologist in modern anesthetic practice.

Clinical Experience [Link to top]

The Toronto Western Hospital performs approximately 3,000 regional anesthesia procedures each year. Fellows will gain experience in a variety of regional anesthesia techniques performed for orthopedics, plastics, and general surgery, under the direct supervision of our experienced attending regional anesthesiologists. Fellows will learn and acquire expertise in central neuraxial blocks, upper and lower extremity block and continuous peripheral nerve block catheter infusion techniques. There is a large emphasis on the use of ultrasound guidance with or without neurostimulation, and the acquisition of the required anatomical knowledge and imaging skills. Fellows will be exposed to the organizational aspects of running a regional service based around a block room model. In addition to the block room, fellows will also participate in the Acute Pain Service and the care of other non-regional anesthesia cases (neurosurgery, spine surgery, bariatric surgery, etc.) during the training year.

Research Experience [Link to top]

There is a large academic focus in this fellowship and approximately 20% of working hours are allocated to research and educational activities. Under supervision, regional anesthesia fellows are expected to initiate at least one research project and participate in at least one ongoing project during the training year. There are usually ample opportunities to contribute to monographs, book chapters, and other scientific educational material. Information on areas of current research can be obtained by contacting the Program Director. Fellows are encouraged to attend and present their research at a national or international meeting during the year.

Education and Teaching [Link to top]

Regular Regional rounds are held at the departmental level throughout the year which will include journal discussions, case discussions, and research or didactic presentations. Fellows will participate in these rounds to gain experience in presentation and teaching. Teaching is a core component of the fellowship, and fellows will regularly instruct and supervise residents in the block room. The group conducts several regional anesthesia workshops throughout the year in which fellows are expected to participate, first as attendees, and then as faculty.

Administrative Aspects [Link to top]

• Four positions are offered per year, starting on the 1st of July.
• The duration of the fellowship is 1 year; shorter periods are not available.
• Fellows will participate in general emergency on-call duties at a frequency of approximately 1 in 10.
• This fellowship is not approved at present for ACGME sub-specialty certification.
• This fellowship is not approved by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada for training leading to specialty certification in anesthesiology.

Application Process [Link to top]

• Prospective fellows must have specialty certification in anesthesiology, and have completed training equivalent to that stipulated by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
• Applications must be received at least 18 months in advance of the fellowship start date, i.e. before January 1st of the preceding year.
• Applicants must submit all of the following:


1. a letter of intent stating personal goals and objectives in undertaking the fellowship,
2. an up-to-date curriculum vitae, and
3. three letters of reference from recent or current supervisors.
• Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Applications will be reviewed shortly after the due date and short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. Candidates are strongly encouraged to make an in-person visit to the department to ascertain if it meets their training objectives and personal goals.
• Successful applicants will be notified at least 12 months in advance of the commencement date.

Application materials should be sent to:
Dr. Ki Jinn Chin
Regional Anesthesia Program Director
Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network
Email: kijinn.chin@uhn.ca

Questions / Contact Information [Link to top]

For further information, please contact:

List of Past Fellows [Link to top]

Note: Unlisted fellows, please provide our webmasters with the appropriate information.