Fellowship

ORTHOPAEDIC Upper Extremity Fellowship

Duration: 1 year July 1 – June 30th

Location: McMaster University St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Brantford General Hospital Joe Brant Hospital

Our Program By The Numbers

2,000 +

Procedures Per Year

3

Hospital Rotations

6

Dedicated Faculty

2

Active Fellows

Upper Extremity Fellowship

About Us

Program Overview
- McMaster University is pleased to offer an Orthopedic Upper Extremity Research and Clinical Fellowship to provide Clinical Fellows with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to be leaders in the field of Upper Extremity. The Fellowship offers comprehensive care of the shoulder, elbow and wrist and provides a high-volume exposure to all aspects of Upper Extremity surgery. Two Fellowship positions are available each year.
Faculty
- Dr. Moin Khan, MD, MSc, FRCSC
- Dr. Jaydeep Moro, MD, FRCSC
- Dr. Bashar Alolabi, MD, MSc, FRCSC
- Dr. Carolyn Levis, MD, MSc, FRCSC
- Dr. Matthew McRae, MD, MHS, FRCSC
- Dr. Benjamin Smith, MD, FRCSC
Entry Requirements
- Clinical Fellows are trainees who have written their certification exam and successfully obtained specialty or subspecialty certification in their discipline
- Clinical Fellows must hold a certificate of registration authorizing independent practice or postgraduate education from the CPSO, obtain CMPA coverage, and meet all requirements to obtain hospital privileges.
Application Deadline
- January of the prior year (18 Months in prior to Fellowship start date)
Funding
- Remuneration: Approximately $70 000
- McMaster University has a policy of no self-funding.
- International Fellows are required to be fully funded.

Education

Goals & Competencies
Upon completion of training, it is expected that the Fellow will be proficient in
- Management of simple and complex shoulder pathology including rotator cuff tears and arthropathy, shoulder instability, shoulder arthritis and trauma as well as soft tissue injuries around the shoulder. Technically the Fellow will be proficient in procedures such as superior capsular reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, soft tissue and bony shoulder stabilization procedures, arthroscopic assisted tendon transfers as well as soft tissue reconstruction around the shoulder.
- Management of simple and complex elbow pathology including instability as well and degenerative traumatic pathology. Technically Fellows will be proficient in open and arthroscopic elbow surgery including ligament reconstruction.
- Management of simple and complex wrist pathology. This includes wrist arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, bony deformity correction and management of degenerative pathology. Further elective exposure to hand surgery is available based on interest.
- Fellows will develop advanced arthroscopic skills for the shoulder as well as elbow and wrist. Obtain training in comprehensive non-operative treatment modalities including ultrasound guided injections and biologic treatment options.
Length of Training I year
- Curriculum Highlights
- Weekly conference teaching in upper extremity
- A monthly journal club and case conferences.
- Open access to wet lab for skill development.
- 2-4 OR days per week (approx.)
- Dedicated clinic time
- Dedicated Fellow Rounds and teaching
- Research conferences and training
- Involvement in resident teaching and cadaver labs
- Support for fellowship courses and education

Clinical

Overview
- Fellows will spend 2-4 days per week in the OR and 1-2 days in specialty clinics
- Rotation system to maximize exposure followed by selective to allow Fellows to tailor experience towards interests.
- Fellowship Faculty perform a high volume of surgical cases (>1200) which allows for extensive surgical exposure.
- Teaching our Fellows is a core component of the responsibilities of the Faculty. Fellows are taught in a supportive learning environment where collaboration of care is encouraged.
- Protected research time is available
- Open access wet lab for skill development
- Comprehensive upper extremity teaching curriculum
- Access to virtual reality training modules
- Numerous fellowship training courses and support for conferences
- Robust research methodology and critical appraisal training
Hospital Sites
- St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
- Brantford General Hospital
- Joseph Brant Hospital

Research

Research Opportunities
- Fellows have the opportunity to be actively involved in both basic science and clinical research. The group offers significant research expertise with over a dozen ongoing randomized controlled trials and numerous clinical research projects. Fellows are expected to complete at least one manuscript for peer review publication.
Overview
- Our Fellows enjoy weekly protected research time if required. Fellows will gain significant training with respect to research methodology during their training. Faculty and research support staff work closely with our Fellows throughout the year in active mentorship to complete publishable manuscripts. Our state-of-the-art clinic includes space for clinical and human performance research.

Applying

Application process will ONLY be accepted 20 months prior to the start of requesting fellowship (November 1st).
Application deadline is 18 months prior (January 1st).
Interviews (if granted) will be conducted in February at the 16 month mark and all candidates will be notified by mid-March.
Interviewing will take place in person (preferred) and or arrangements can be made to video conference interview.
As McMaster University has a strict policy of no self funding, we are only able to accept fellows that will come with funding. Although the policy states it is program specific, Orthopaedics does not accept self funding.

Contact Us

Upper Extremity Fellowship Program Inquires and Application

Vanesa Kastrati: kastratv@mcmaster.ca

Welcome to the McMaster Upper Extremity Fellowship Training Program. We are pleased to offer a one-year program that will train future leaders in surgery of the shoulder, elbow and wrist. The Fellowship experience provides a robust clinical exposure which incorporates the latest in surgical techniques and technology. In addition, as McMaster University is known internationally for expertise in Evidence Based Care, our graduates receive exceptional training in research methodology and critical appraisal. It is this combination of exceptional clinical care and cutting-edge research that provides our Fellows with a unique and unparalleled training experience.

The McMaster Upper Extremity fellowship blends innovative approaches to teaching, clinical care and research to the highest degree. It is trainee focused and a comprehensive experience for the future well rounded sub specialist. In short, it’s a superb opportunity to learn from experienced leaders.

“The upper extremity fellowship program at McMaster University has been a wonderful training experience. It is a comprehensive program with a high volume exposure to shoulder, elbow and wrist pathology. For fellows interested in research, it provides opportunities to engage in numerous research projects. I would highly recommend this upper extremity fellowship program to anyone interested in upper extremity surgery.”

"[Women] Men often become what they believe themselves to be. If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, then I acquire the ability to do it even if I didn't have it in the beginning.” Mahatma Gandhi "As such, we are here to foster your development in our fellowship."