University of Alberta Hospital

University of Alberta Hospital 2D, Walter C Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre 8440-112 Street Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2B7 (780) 407-7250   Daniel A. O’Connell M.D. M.Sc., FRCSC – Fellowship Director (pending ATC approval) (780) 407-3961 Lindsey Jacobsen – Coordinator

Number of Fellowships: 1 Duration (in years) / Type: 1-\2 years / Faculty: Daniel A. O’Connell M.D. M.Sc., FRCSC. Vincent Biron, M.D. PhD, FRCSC. Neil Chua, M.D., FRCPC. Naresh Jha, M.D., FRCPC. Rufus Scrimger, M.D. Brock Debenham Suresh Nayar, BDS., MDS., MFDSRCS., MRDRCSE., FDS(Rest Dent)., MPhil. Erin Wright, MDCM, MEd, FRCSC, FRCSEd(HON)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The fellows will be an active participant in:

1. The evaluation, management, and care of a minimum of 400 head and neck neoplasm cases (benign or malignant, including endocrine and salivary gland).
2. A minimum of 300 surgical procedures, representing the full scope of head and neck surgical oncology including skull base malignancies.
3. 30-40 transoral robotic surgical (TORS) procedures on oropharyngeal malignancies.
4. The interdisciplinary management of head and neck oncologic patients and tumor board participation.
5. The development and implementation of head and neck oncologic research.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The fellow candidates are required to have these qualifications to be considered a position at the University of Alberta.

1. Completion of an Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, General Surgery, or Plastic Surgery residency training program.
2. Documented experience and ability in the management of head and neck cancer patients.
3. A one or two week elective at the University of Alberta – Edmonton is highly recommended but not required. This will allow the candidate an opportunity to thoroughly evaluate the program

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application and selection processes are in line with the AHNS protocols and include.

1. Application to the AHNS
2. An applicant personal statement.
3. Three letters of reference
4. A successful completion of an interview with the Fellowship Directors and faculty.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this Fellowship is to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary training to individuals who are committed to a career in head and neck surgical oncology. The fellowship training will provide a broad exposure to the full range of clinical encountered in a tertiary head and neck oncology program. Upon completion of a one-year fellowship, the surgeon will possess the following proficiencies:

1. Expert understanding of head and neck cancer biology.
2. Expertise in the multidisciplinary management of patients with head and neck cancer.
3. Knowledge and skills in skull base surgery.
4. Expertise and skills in microvascular free flap reconstruction.
5. Expertise in functional reconstruction and rehabilitation of patients with complex head and neck defects.
6. Expertise in organ preservation protocols including surgical techniques.
7. Board-based knowledge and comprehension of principles of radiation oncology, medical oncology, maxillofacial prosthetics, oncologic nutrition, head and neck pathology, diagnostic radiology/nuclear medicine and rehabilitation of speech and swallowing.
8. Judgment and ability to perform complex tumor resections and an understanding of the technical limitations of the procedures.
9. Appreciation of scientific methodology, study design, clinical trials, and data analysis.
10. Ability to practice effectively in an academic, tertiary care setting and to participate in medical education and translational research.

STRENGTH

The Advanced Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction Fellowship at the University of Alberta provides a high-volume experience in the treatment of patients. In addition to resections, the fellows will have exposure to  a minimum of 150 microvascular reconstructions and perform at least 75 microvascular reconstructions in their one-year fellowship. The fellows will also be exposed to and perform a wide variety of transoral surgical approaches to oropharyngeal cancers including transoral robotics (TORS). The fellows will gain expertise in complex boney reconstruction and occlusal rehabilitation including the Alberta Reconstructive Technique, the bone flap prefabrication, and Jaw in a day procedure.

Research opportunities are available and encouraged. Involvement in our prospective functional outcomes lab, under the supervision of Dr. Seikaly is expected and will provide an excellent opportunity to learn an appropriate and comprehensive approach to treating patients in a manner to provide optimal function and survival. The fellows also have the opportunity to be involved in and lead basic benchtop research under the supervisions of Dr. Biron and Adesida.

RESEARCH

The fellows will be involved in clinical research projects and participate in the presentation and publication of the results. There is dedicated research time for the fellows of ½ day a week. Fellows in 24-month programs will have dedicated (protected or block) time available for laboratory or clinical research. We expect at a minimum of a publication of one paper and a presentation at major Head and neck meeting a year. Ideally the fellows would have multiple publications as well as several presentations over the course of the year.

PAST FELLOWS

The Advanced Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstruction Fellowship’s goal is to train surgeons for careers in Head and Neck Oncology. Contact information for prior fellows is available through the program directors and we encourage candidates to contact our fellows to discuss the fellowship experience.

Licensing, permits, and Registration in Alberta

The fellowship coordinator will help you navigate this process.

Call

The fellows are on call with residents and a member of the head and neck fellowship faculty. The call is usually city wide, weeklong, and one in four throughout the year.

SALARY

A salary can be provided based on the level or training but renumeration is usually obtained on a fee for service model.