Immunology/Allergy
As the home of the Canadian Center for Primary Immunodeficiency, the Division of Immunology/Allergy provides unique clinical and laboratory diagnostic services for immunodeficiency. It is the nation's home for complex treatments, such as bone marrow transplantation. Another major focus in the division is to provide tertiary consultation for complex allergic disorders.
The great exposure to a variety of patients with allergic disorders and immunodeficiency in our division provides an ideal environment for educating young subspecialists in Allergy and clinical Immunology as well as core paediatric and Internal Medicine specialists.
Research in the division is directly linked to the clinical and educational goals as it concentrates on studying the molecular and genetic basis of immunodeficiency, susceptibility to infection and allergy. This translational research is backed by related basic science in the areas of lymphocyte development and signal transduction.
Visit sickkids.ca to read more about the Division of Immunology & Allergy.
This two-year program attracts trainees from around the world and exceeds the essential clinical and laboratory elements that permit outstanding training in Clinical Immunology and Allergy. The program provides individual training, with the flexibility to accommodate trainees' interests and career goals by presenting opportunities for focusing on immunology, allergy, academia, and/or community practice.
Objectives
The goal of this program at SickKids and the University of Toronto is to generate sub-specialists in Paediatric Clinical Immunology and Allergy who will provide expert consultation in the investigation, diagnosis and management of conditions involving the immune system. Clinically, the program offers extensive inpatient and outpatient learning experiences through efficiently structured rotations, rounds, and clinics that are embedded with well-organized academic content. There is extensive exposure to diagnosis and management of primary immunodeficiencies with a high level of case diversity, with strong links with the Adult Clinical Immunology and Allergy residency program at St Michaels's Hospital. The program is committed to the incorporation of research training into the program. The accomodating and experienced staff, diverse patient population, availability of cutting edge resources and an office with personal working space, all provide the trainees with an excellent learning environment.
Training Sites
The Hospital for Sick Children, St. Michael's Hospital, and community clinics.
Program Content
The Division of Immunology and Allergy offers a 3-year Clinical Fellowship to International residents. The 1st and 2nd year have a fixed curriculum, while the 3rd year is dedicated to Research in Immunodeficiency and Transplantation.
This 3-year program is available to eligible international fellows who have completed their certification in Paediatrics or Internal Medicine or are already in the Immunology & Allergy stream in their home country. These positions are dependent on the availability of funding.
Research Experience
There are many opportunities for trainees to participate in research activities. Based on their area of interest (Immunology or Allergy), residents will be mentored by a faculty member with knowledge and experience in that field. A Research Coordinator meets with residents every six months to assess their progress with their scholarly activities and provide support as needed.
Evaluation
Formal evaluations are completed for each rotation. Resident also have regular work-based assessments and feedback. A Competence Committee reviews each resident's evaluations and reports back to the Program Director, who meets with residents twice yearly to review their progress in the program.
Ways To Get Involved
Trainee input is highly valued in the program. Trainees have the opportunity to participate in various committees such as the Training Program Committee, Selection sub-committee and Wellness sub-committee
Additional Educational Opportunities
Weekly academic half-day, Post clinic Immunology sessions, post clinic allergy sessions, journal clubs etc. AAAAI annual meeting and the CSACI annual meeting.
Elective Opportunities
Elective opportunities are mainly catered to residents and subspecialty residents within Canada. The process involves obtaining approval for a certain block followed by online application to the University of Toronto elective website at https://electives.pgme.utoronto.ca.
Observership Opportunities
Due to space constaints and shortage of resources, we are unable to provide observership opportunities.
Contact
Training Program Director
Dr. Vy Kim
Phone: (416) 813-8626
E-mail: vy.kim@sickkids.ca
Education Administrative Coordinator
Sandra Mendonca
Phone: (416) 813 8626
E-mail: sandra.mendonca@sickkids.ca