Hepatology Clinical Research Fellowship
Program Director: Dr. Juan Pablo Arab
Early application is encouraged, often 18 months before the start date
Goals
The Advanced Hepatology Clinical Research Fellowship at Western University is a one-year position (that can be extended up to 24 months) which will provide the applicant with focused training in clinical care and clinical research in Hepatology. There will also be some opportunities for training in Transplant Hepatology. The intent of the Fellowship is to position the trainee for a future fulltime academic appointment by providing the skills necessary to obtain a university faculty position if desired. It would also be useful for a general or community practice position with a strong interest in the clinical care of patients with liver diseases. Applications are not restricted by citizenship or nationality - Canadian, US, UK, Australian and other International Applicants welcome. Applications can be made at any time of the year and are subject to funding.
Environment
Specialist clinical care for patients with liver diseases is provided at University Hospital, Gastroenterology Division and Multi-Organ Transplant Unit, London Health Sciences Centre. The program provides the trainee with opportunities to develop the skills requisite to the practice of Advanced Hepatology. The cornerstone of the hepatology fellowship is its involvement with the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University. Since inception in 1983, the London Hepatology and Liver Transplantation program remains one of the largest programs in Canada and typically performs 50 - 70 transplants per year. The program is active in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), deceased cardiac donation (DCD) and neurological determination of death (NDD). Our geographical scope encompasses primarily the London area, but expands throughout all of Southwestern Ontario; hence we care for a wide variety of liver and metabolic diseases. Approximately 500 patients per year are newly diagnosed with liver disease.
Training and Education
Training and education activities will be adapted to the individual. Most of the year will be spent with supervised and, where appropriate, independent clinical responsibilities. The ratio of clinical time to research time will be developed based on the objectives of the successful applicant, interest and prior experience. Education in patient care relating to liver diseases will occur through one-to-one interaction with expert Hepatology clinicians, leading to confidence in all aspects of the clinical care of patients with liver diseases. Training will primarily be based in outpatient clinics and trainees will be expected to attend 2-4 half day outpatient clinics and 1 half day endoscopy blocks per week. Advanced Fellows may participate in the care of in-patients on the multiorgan transplant unit and interact closely with the Transplant Surgery Team. Clinical training will be balanced with research requirements. There are strong linkages between the Hepatology service and Gastroenterology, Hepatobiliary Surgery, Pathology and Interventional Radiology. The program hosts rounds and meetings which are held weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Advanced Fellows will participate actively in these meetings.
Research Activities
During the Fellowship the successful applicant will be expected to carry out one or more clinical research project(s) relating to liver diseases, with the goal of a national/international presentation and publication in a peer reviewed journal. The project will be determined by interests and opportunity. Where appropriate training can be provided in critical literature appraisal, systematic review and meta-analysis.
How to Apply
A cover letter expressing interest and a CV are requested. Letters of recommendation will be required from the candidate's GI Program Director or Division Chief, as well as from 2 other individuals who are familiar with the candidate and can attest to the candidate's abilities in clinical gastroenterology, as well as the candidate's interests in liver diseases and research potential. An interview in person or by virtual platform may be conducted for short-listed applicants. Although there is no specific deadline it is advisable to contact the Program Director ideally at least 12-18 months prior to the proposed start date.
Applications should be sent by email to:
Dr. Juan Pablo Arab, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine, University Hospital, London, Canada
juan.arab@uwo.ca
