Joint Clinical/Malignant Hyperthermia Research Fellowship (TGH)

Two-year joint clinical/MH research fellowship (1 position every 2nd year)

Clinical Curriculum:

The Malignant Hyperthermia Investigation Unit (MHIU) at Toronto General Hospital is one of the earliest laboratories in the world, performing muscle biopsy and caffeine halothane contracture testing. MHIU is the referral centre for MH-susceptible patients from across Canada. The unit is a combined diagnostic and research center. The research areas include clinical and database research, as well as calcium physiology and genetics.

The purpose of this unique fellowship is to provide interested candidates with more in-depth knowledge on:

1. MH pathophysiology, skeletal muscle physiology, and genetics
2. An excellent opportunity for research in a well-established laboratory with access to MH-sensitized patients from all over Canada.

Successful candidates will spend 3 days as an Advanced Clinical Fellow at Toronto General Hospital operating rooms, as well as 2 days in the MH laboratory.

The research curriculum will include:
Basic laboratory techniques including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, running blots, protein extraction, calcium imaging techniques, and caffeine-halothane contracture testing.

Clinically, the candidate will become familiar with clinical aspects of MH, patient referrals, assessment of at-risk individuals, participation in the clinic, and genetic counselling.
The candidate will also have the opportunity to become familiar with RYR1-related myopathies, exercise, heat-induced rhabdomyolysis, and the connection with malignant hyperthermia.

Selection Criteria:

Candidates who have completed Anesthesia residency in an accredited program are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to candidates with a graduate degree who have an interest in bench/laboratory research.

Call duties:

On-call duties will be for the main operating room at Toronto General Hospital. On-call duties start at 16:00, regardless of whether there is an academic or clinical assignment that day. The fellow will be off post-call the following day. Weekend calls are one in three to four weekends.

Education Curriculum:

Tuesday bi-weekly fellows’ rounds at 17:00 are mandatory.

Research:

The completion of at least one project is required. However, candidates can participate in as many projects as possible.

Applications and inquiries:

Please send an updated Curriculum Vitae and Letter of Intent to:  

Dr. Sheila Riazi, MSc, MD
Director, MH investigation unit
Toronto General Hospital
323-200 Elizabeth Street, EN3-438
Toronto, ON, Canada M5G 2C4
sheila.riazi@uhn.ca