Dr. Christopher Forrest
MD, MSc, FRCSC, FACS, FRACS
Professor
Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
Temerty Faculty of Medicine
University of Toronto
The Fellowship
Advanced clinical training in pediatric craniofacial and cleft surgery, with graduated responsibility, academic development and preparation for independent practice.
Fellowship Structure
The Pediatric Craniofacial Fellowship runs from July 1 to June 30 each year and accepts two fellows annually. The fellowship is SF Match affiliated and is recognized by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons.
Duration
12 months
Positions
2 fellows
Match
SF Match
Clinical Experience
Fellows receive comprehensive exposure to pediatric craniofacial and cleft pathology, with clinical care spanning infancy through young adulthood. The year includes operative experience, clinic participation, on-call responsibilities and longitudinal involvement in patient care.
Operating Days
3-4 per week
Clinic Days
2-3 per week
On-Call Duties
1 in 5 to 7
Training Framework
Clinical Responsibilities
Expectations of fellows include:
- Attending the Plastic Surgery Outpatient clinics held 2 to 3 times a week with craniofacial staff.
- Participate in the preoperative assessment, surgery, and postoperative care of the supervisor’s and other consultants’ patients 3 to 4 days each week.
- Assist in the evaluation of consults referred to the supervisor and other consultants.
- Assist in the clinical teaching responsibilities of the Division and participate in weekly division rounds.
- Work with other house-staff members attending patients in the Emergency Department and daily Fellow’s clinic.
- It is clearly understood that none of these responsibilities will in anyway interfere with the Residency Training Program but will complement the continuous teaching of residents.
Educational Objectives
Clinical Knowledge
- Comprehensive assessment and management of infants, children and young adults with craniofacial and cleft related conditions
- Emergency management of common pediatric injuries
- Principles of pediatric plastic surgery subspecialties
- Literature review, teaching, presentations and clinical research
Professional and Team-Based Care
- Caring for children with injuries, congenital differences and acquired conditions
- Communicating with parents and families
- Working effectively with physicians, nurses and allied health professionals
- Understanding the value of cohesive multidisciplinary care
- Collaborative and collegial interaction with members of the plastic surgery team
Technical Skills
- Technical experience in craniofacial surgery and related pediatric subspecialties
- Pediatric soft-tissue repair
- Surgical management of cleft lip and palate
- Opportunities for surgical skills enhancement in simulator and cadaver-based settings
Research, Teaching & Academic Development
Fellows participate in the Division’s academic and teaching activities while developing the skills required to evaluate literature, communicate clinical knowledge and contribute to meaningful research.
- Participate in division educational rounds, teaching sessions and journal clubs
- Review current literature and prepare and present rounds
- Participate in the clinical teaching of residents and undergraduate learners
- Develop an understanding of the clinical research process, including study design and randomized trials
- Contribute additional experience and an international perspective to the Division’s teaching environment
- Work alongside residents in a way that complements the residency training program
- Attendance and participation in important national and international conferences
Research Requirement
Complete a minimum of one research project under the supervision of attending staff and prepare it for presentation and publication.
Faculty and Mentorship
Fellows work closely with dedicated craniofacial faculty throughout the year. The training model emphasizes close supervision, increasing clinical independence, and mentorship that may continue beyond the fellowship year.
Dr. Johanna Riesel
MD, FACS, MHPE
Assistant Professor
Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
Temerty Faculty of Medicine
University of Toronto
Dr. Dale Podolsky
BSc, BESc, MD, PhD, FRCSC
Assistant Professor
Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
Temerty Faculty of Medicine
University of Toronto
Academic Development
A research project is expected during the fellowship year. Fellows also have opportunities to participate in academic activity, attend conferences and continue professional development through relevant CME events.
Research Project
Expected during the fellowship year
Conferences
Opportunities may include ISCFS and ACPA
CME Events
Relevant continuing education opportunities
Salary, Benefits and Time Away
The fellowship includes salary support, health insurance and vacation time during the training year.
Salary
CAD $85,564.01
Health Insurance
Provided
Vacation
4 weeks
Professional Development
Conference and CME opportunities
Interested in Applying?
Review application requirements, timelines, SF Match details and supporting documents for the Pediatric Craniofacial Fellowship.