Cardiac Electrophysiology - SHSC

Fellowship Title:	Cardiac Electrophysiology - SHSC
Division:	Cardiology
Fellowship Type:	Clinical
Supervisor:	Dr. Eugene Crystal
Duration:	1-2 years
Anticipated Start Date(s):	July 1
Number of position(s) per year:	3
Description:	ï»¿ CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES Fellows will be expected to be involved in all aspects of arrhythmia-related procedures. This includes: initial evaluation of new referrals in the out-patient clinic and in hospital assessment and pre-op workup of accepted patients in the pre-admission clinic admission and consent of same-day admission patients communication with referring physicians when appropriate performing the actual procedure as either primary or secondary operator post-operative documentation and orders sheath removal and/or supervision of closure devices availability after hours and weekends for emergencies or routine care issues discharge orders and documentation follow-up (in the clinic) It is not expected that fellows will perform all the above tasks for every patient. However, some cases should be followed through in all aspects from start to finish, while involvement with other cases will only be partial. The clinical care of arrhythmia patients will be shared between the EP fellow and staff physicians, but it is important for fellows to be aware that arrhythmia training extends outside the EP lab or OR. Fellows will be expected to scrub in 150-200 ICD/Pacing/EP cases per year. In accordance with the University of Toronto Division of Cardiology policy, EP fellow (along with other sub-specialty fellowship trainees) may be asked to cover general cardiology in-house call for up to two nights per month. It is anticipated that clinical responsibilities will comprise about 50-60% of the fellows’ time. RESEARCH The research experience in this combined clinical and research fellowship will be viewed as an essential component, with up to 40% of time allotted to research activities. Both expectations of, and support for, research productivity can be anticipated. Early in the fellowship (within the first four weeks), fellows should conceive (with input from staff) at least one independent research project which they will design and carry out over the year. Submission of one or more abstracts to CCS and AHA (in the spring) will be strongly encouraged. In the interest of completing the project, the goals should be realistic, and the project should take advantage of existing expertise and infrastructure. Fellows must also be familiar with ongoing EP research protocols and should help in recruitment of patients to clinical trials. Depending on interest and career objectives, the fellow should also consider becoming involved as a collaborator or research assistant on an additional, established project. ROUNDS AND TEACHING Fellows will be responsible in presenting cases at Cardiology non-invasive and Grand Rounds. At least one presentation will be expected during the year at either the Research Rounds (0800 Thursday). On a very occasional basis, fellows may be asked to conduct teaching rounds with the housestaff in the CCU or on the cardiology ward. Didactic teaching will be provided to interventional fellows in accordance with 1999 guidelines of the American College of Cardiology. It is anticipated that these sessions will be run on a “city-wide” basis and include trainees from the other University of Toronto hospitals which have EP services. REMUNERATION There are no funds provided by the University, the hospital, or the Department of Medicine for fellows’ salaries. Prospective fellows are strongly urged to pursue independent sources of funding. However, the Division of Cardiology has agreed to support the specialized training of highly qualified candidates. The amount of support provided will be negotiated, and will depend on the amount of alternate funding available. Fellows will be provided with a pager, lab coats and scrub suits, a comfortable workspace (shared office), and access to a computer (with e-mail and internet access). Financial support to attend at least one major conference per year will also be provided. Vacation allowance consists of three weeks per year. EVALUATION Fellows will meet with the Medical Director of Arrhythmia Service every three months, with both parties providing oral feedback. A written evaluation (ITER) will be completed after 6 and 12 months. On completion of the fellowship program, a certificate will be issued by the Hospital and the University. In addition to scheduled evaluations, ongoing, informal, bi-directional evaluation is strongly encouraged.
Contact Name:	Dr. Eugene Crystal
Role:	Supervisor
E-mail:	eugene.crystal@sunnybrook.ca