Anaesthesia Simulation Fellowship (SHSC)

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto and is one of four major teaching hospitals in the city. There are three hospital sites: Bayview Campus, Holland Centre and St. John's Rehab. Fellows will be expected to work at Bayview Campus and the Holland Centre depending on their subspecialty interest. Sunnybrook is a major tertiary referral centre for cardiac (700 cases/year), major trauma (800+/year), oncology, and burns.  A full complement of surgical specialties except for pediatrics are on site. In total the hospital carries out approximately 18,000 surgical procedures per year and provides obstetrical services for over 4,000 deliveries per year. The Department of Anaesthesia also runs a Clinical Simulation Centre, providing training for multiple medical specialties.

The Canadian Simulation Centre for Human Performance and Crisis Management Training was the first high fidelity simulation centre in Canada, and remains one of the most academically productive centres in North America. Approximately 1000 learners attend the centre each year.

Duration and Positions

This fellowship is 12 months. Fellowships that are shorter or longer may be pursued under certain circumstances.

There is one (1) position per year.

Program / Curriculum

The objectives of the Simulation fellowship are as follows:

• To develop a knowledge of how to establish educational and research programs in part-task and high fidelity simulation.
• To develop expertise in using simulation for evaluation purposes
• To develop expertise in debriefing of simulation scenarios
• To participate in active research programs
• To enhance knowledge of the literature with respect to the uses of simulation in medical education.

The applicant will spend one to two days per week in the simulator centre per week and carrying out simulator research. The applicant would have the opportunity to participate in ongoing research studies as well as to pursue an independent study in conjunction with one of the simulation researchers. The remaining days per week will be spent providing anaesthesia care in the general operating rooms.

Licensing

Once accepted, a temporary license is issued by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). This enables the fellow to practice under direct supervision in a teaching hospital. After successful completion of a 1 to 3 month assessment period, the CPSO issues an educational license and the fellow may continue the fellowship. This assessment period is mandated by the CPSO and failure of this assessment will preclude licensure and the fellowship will be immediately terminated.

Medical Malpractice insurance must be procured by the fellow.

Application Process

Please follow the application instructions and note that the application links provided will close after the application cut-off date. You may, under special circumstances, be considered for a late application. Please contact the Fellowship Director if you are applying outside the normal timeline.

The fellowship committee will review and rank all candidates and only those highest ranked will be contacted. Fluency in English is mandatory. Applicants whose first language is not English must pass the TOEFL/TSE or IETLS.

The application process is outlined below:

• Applications should be made at least 15 months in advance.
• To apply please use the following links below.  Each link corresponds to a specific intake period.  Please choose only one intake period for your application (if you are flexible in your start time please make this clear in your letter of intent). 
• In addition to using the links below please send a CV and letter of intent to Dr. Roland Xu (shuzhengrong.xu@sunnybrook.ca)
• The Letter of intent should stipulate the fellowship position you are applying for and indicate the dates you wish to work, your educational goals, research aims (if any) and future plans.
• Reference letters need to be signed by the referee and sent independently to our office.
• Please note that when applying, electronic correspondence (i.e. email) is preferred for all documents (including reference letters).

Begin Your Application

Applicants can apply using the online platform: 

• If you are interested in applying for July 2026, please complete this online application form HERE
• If you are interested in applying for January 2027, please complete this online application form HERE
• If you are interested in applying for July 2027, please complete this online application form HERE
• If you are interested in applying for January 2028, please complete this online application form HERE

General Inquiries and Reference Letters should be directed to:

Dr. Roland Xu (shuzhengrong.xu@sunnybrook.ca)
Fellowship Director, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
2075 Bayview Avenue, Room M3-200
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M4N 3M