Chronic Pain Management (TWH)
Toronto Western Hospital (TWH)
(Maximum of 8 Pain Fellows per year)
Clinical Curriculum
This is a twelve-month fellowship offered to Anesthesiologists who are interested in comprehensive pain management. An emphasis is placed on teaching interventional pain medicine in an evidence-based manner. Candidates learn fluoroscopic and ultrasound-guided techniques in addition to learning how to diagnose and manage various acute, chronic and cancer pain conditions.
All applicants are encouraged to click on the following link and explore the various programs in more detail at the Division of Pain Medicine website
Our pain fellows rotate through different hospitals and work in general pain management clinics as well as subspecialty clinics that involve: Advance MSK Interventions, Cancer Pain, Craniofacial Pain, Ketamine Infusions for intractable pain, Neuromodulation (spinal cord and peripheral nerve simulation), Pain in Pregnancy, Pelvic Pain, Transitional Pain, and Young Adult Pain. Pain Fellows learn about psychology, pharmacology and physical therapy in pain management while working as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes healthcare professionals from these various specialties.
Locations
The candidate will work primarily at the Toronto Western Hospital (TWH). The pain fellow will deal primarily with chronic pain inpatient and outpatient consultations but may also become involved with certain acute-to-chronic pain cases as well as certain transitional pain cases. The Comprehensive Integrated Pain Program at TWH has allied health support from a nurse, psychologist, and physical therapist.
Pain fellows will rotate to the Wasser Pain Management Centre at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, and Women’s College Hospital.
Call Duties
There is the expectation that the pain fellow will share after-clinic hours on-call coverage for chronic pain consultations, procedures, and follow-ups. Currently our pain fellows cover one week per every six to eight weeks, and are available Monday through to Sunday alongside a staff person who is also on-call one week at a time. Pain fellows will not be expected to work overnight on-call in the operating room. There is no mandate for the pain fellow to work in the operating room as an anesthesia provider, but this is negotiable based on exceptional circumstances.
Research
There are numerous research projects conducted by the faculty. The fellows are expected to be involved in at least one research project during the rotation. Fellows are expected to present posters and oral presentations at major national and international meetings. Fellows that present at a major meeting may apply for and be awarded financial compensation. Fellows are encouraged to publish in peer-reviewed, indexed medical journals.
Education
The multidisciplinary pain fellowship is closely affiliated with the University of Toronto Pain Medicine Residency Program, the Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute (TAPMI), and the University of Toronto Centre for Study of Pain (UTCSP). There are various educational programs, including weekly rounds for the pain fellows as well as weekly teaching as offered to University of Toronto Pain Medicine Residents. The fellows will also receive complimentary registration for the Ultrasound Pain Medicine Course organized by pain physicians in the department.
Applications
Please use the links below to apply for the Chronic Pain Medicine fellowship at Toronto Western Hospital. Applicants are encouraged to apply at least 12-13 months prior to start date of the fellowship period they are interested in.
- Applications for January 2026 are closed.
- July 2026, please complete this online application form. The closing date is September 30, 2025.
- January 2027, please complete this online application form. The closing date is March 31, 2026.
- July 2027, please complete this online application form. The closing date is September 30, 2026.
Direct Inquiries to:
Dr. Paul Tumber
paul.tumber@uhn.ca
Director, Chronic Pain Fellowship
Toronto Western Hospital
399 Bathurst Street, McL2-405
Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8