Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Fellowship Title:	Inflammatory Skin Diseases
Division:	Dermatology
Fellowship Type:	Clinical
Supervisor:	Dr Vincent Piguet
Duration:	12 months
Start Date:	July 1 (flexible)
Number of position(s) per year:	1 - 2
Description:	The inflammatory skin disease fellowship at University of Toronto is a 12-month multi-disciplinary program, incorporating general dermatology and internal medicine. The fellowship is a comprehensive training program that aims to prepare clinician-researchers to care for the wide spectrum of complex dermatological cases encountered in a teaching hospital. Fellows learn to manage inflammatory skin disorders such psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) as well as less common and complex wounds due to systemic disorders such as pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). The Fellowship also fosters a rich environment for productive research activities where fellows are encouraged to develop specific research interests. The Fellowship provides exposure to all aspects of research including clinical research (investigator initiated and industry sponsored trials) as well as robust basic science laboratories. Fellows learn hands on topics in study design, regulatory and ethical considerations as well as “real-life” execution of research protocols. When and how do people become fellows? Registration for candidates generally begins 6 months before the anticipated start date; interviews are conducted in the fall for the upcoming year. Our training program is one year, generally running from July 1^st to June 30^th, however the timelines are flexible. Typically, the CV, letter of interest and three letters of reference are needed for the application. Further documents, required for registration, will be requested if the application is successful. Who can apply? Candidates who completed a full dermatology residency by the time the fellowship commences will be considered. International candidates (i.e., outside the USA or Canada) are welcome. What is our fellowship like? The fellowship is based at Women’s College Hospital, affiliated with the University of Toronto. We expect the fellow will attend clinics with faculty involved in clinical and research work in inflammatory skin diseases, to advance their knowledge and skills in these areas. The program also offers additional opportunities to develop interest in basic science research and clinical research. The fellow is expected to complete a fellowship research project, as per University of Toronto guidelines. The fellow will spend approximately 50% of their time in outpatient clinics (clinical time commitment will depend on research productivity), where they will learn, in a highly mentored environment, the fundamentals of inflammatory skin disease treatment and prevention. The rest of the time will be dedicated to scholarly activities (research and education). The fellows will teach trainees informally at the bedside and also 1-3 hours of formal lectures each month for residents and students. The objectives of the fellowship-training program are: To assess dermatology patients and learn how to perform a focused patient history and physical examination relevant to the complex inflammatory cases, to formulate a provisional management plan, and perform procedures under supervision; To gain expertise in multidisciplinary approach in AD, HS and PG; To present the findings of research at dermatology conferences and to prepare drafts of manuscripts suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals; To participate in formal rounds and seminars. Fellows are funded by our research and clinical funds, if available, or their own supporting systems (governmental, university or other funding resources). All candidates meeting criteria are encouraged to apply.
Contact Name:	Laura Barwell
Role:	Academic & Education Coordinator, Dermatology, Women's College Hospital
Telephone:	416-323-6400 x6441
E-mail:	laura.barwell@wchospital.ca