The aim of the Clinical Immunology and Allergy Program is to develop the skills necessary for a trainee to become a consultant in this area of clinical medicine. The program is approved by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The main institutions of involvement are the McMaster University Medical Centre and the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Care at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Students wishing to become accredited in this area are expected to do two years of training.
The general goal of the program is to develop the postgraduate student in a flexible fashion adapted to the requirements of the Royal College and the particular trainee. Sound background of immunology theory and practice are supplied, including a foundation for basic or applied research in allergy and immunology. In addition to core training in adult and pediatric clinical immunology and allergy, electives include:
It is expected that students in this program familiarize themselves with all tests of immune function relevant to the clinical situation encountered both through clinical exposure and laboratory rotations.
Research projects, in which basic or applied immunology and allergy questions are being explored, are an ongoing significant part of the training program in this specialty area. Clinical rounds, seminars, journal clubs and courses at various levels in immunobiology create a unique atmosphere of academic excellence. A critical mass of faculty, postdoctoral fellows and students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines constantly affords the trainee a high quality, peer-reviewed structure.
Specific areas of clinical and basic investigative interest include cytokines and growth factors in acute and chronic inflammation, neuroimmunology, gastrointestinal immunology, reproductive immunology, virology and HIV biology, vaccine development, immunogenetics, immunodermatology and autoimmunity.
The goal of the McMaster Clinical Immunology and Allergy program is to train residents to become highly qualified experts in the subspecialty. Residents will be competent to see the full spectrum in the specialty including allergic disease, immunodeficiency and immunoregulatory disease in both pediatric and adult patient populations. Residents will obtain the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes for effective patient-centred evidence-based care and service to a diverse population including in-patient and ambulatory settings. In all aspects of specialist practice, residents will be able to address issues of gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, culture and ethnicity in a professional and ethical manner. Residents will become fully familiar with the methodology, application, and interpretation of a wide variety of investigative/diagnostic tests applicable to the practice of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Residents will demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills, research experience, clinical and academic excellence.
The program seeks applicants who are dedicated to delivering high-quality care and who are enthusiastic about Clinical Immunology and Allergy. Successful candidates will have demonstrated strong clinical skills and excellence in all CanMeds 2015 roles. They are motivated to be involved in scholarly work. They have demonstrated the ability to interact in a professional manner with patients and colleagues.
Residents can be considered for training in Clinical Immunology and Allergy at McMaster University if they have completed at least three years of training in an approved Internal Medicine or Pediatric Residency Training Program. Residents who are unsure of their eligibility for our program should contact the Postgraduate Medical Education Program prior to contacting the Clinical Immunology and Allergy program.
Residents who are eligible for the Ontario Ministry of Health-funded training positions must apply through the Canadian Residency Matching Service. Information about the application process can be obtained by visiting the McMaster Internal Medicine Residency Training Program website and the CaRMS website. All other potential trainees, including those who graduated from non-Canadian medical schools, should contact the Postgraduate Medical Education Program for specific advice about their eligibility for training at McMaster University. Further information is available from The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website.
Applications must include:
Applicants who will not be funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health (e.g. international medical graduates, those requiring a work authorization permit) will also need to provide details about their sponsorship and demonstrate successful completion of the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination. Residents currently training outside of Canada, or who are uncertain of their eligibility to train at McMaster, should review the requirements for training found at the Postgraduate Medical Education Program website. Applicants for non-Ontario Ministry of Health-funded positions should send their application package directly to the Postgraduate Medical Education Program office before September 1st to confirm training eligibility.
Please refer to the Pediatric and Internal Medicine Subspecialty CaRMS timelines for yearly deadlines.
The goal of the McMaster Clinical Immunology and Allergy program is to train residents to become highly qualified experts in the subspecialty. Residents will be competent to see the full spectrum in the specialty including allergic disease, immunodeficiency and immunoregulatory disease in both pediatric and adult patient populations. Residents will be trained in the physiology, pathology, differential diagnosis, and treatment of such diseases with an understanding of the therapeutic modalities including mechanisms of action, dosing, adverse effects, and costs of therapy. Residents will obtain the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes for effective patient-centred care and service to a diverse population including in-patient and ambulatory settings. In all aspects of specialist practice, residents will be able to address issues of gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, culture and ethnicity in a professional and ethical manner. Finally, residents will become fully familiar with the methodology, application, and interpretation of a wide variety of investigative/diagnostic tests applicable to the practice of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.
During the Core Adult and Pediatric Clinical Immunology and Allergy rotations, the resident will achieve the following in their role as:
During the Community rotation, the resident will achieve the following in their role as:
Trainees will be expected to acquire a working knowledge of the diagnosis and management of common dermatologic conditions relevant to the practice of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.
The following sections outline the rotation expectations in CanMEDS roles within the domains of medical expert, communicator, collaborator, manager, health advocate, scholar and professional.
Key Competencies. Physicians are able to:
Apply fundamental knowledge, skills and attitudes to the practice of dermatology:
Principles and Methodology of relevant laboratory tests:
Clinical Sciences:
Demonstrate knowledge of etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, assessment and practical management of the following:
Key Competencies:
Specific Requirements:
Key Competencies:
Specific Requirements:
Key Competencies:
Specific Requirements:
Key Competencies:
Specific Requirements:
Key Competencies:
Specific Requirements:
Key Competencies:
Specific Requirements:
During the ENT rotation, the resident will achieve the following in their role as:
During the HIV medicine rotation, the resident will achieve the following in their role as:
During the immunodeficiency rotation, the resident will achieve the following in their role as:
The overall objective of this period of training is to provide the resident with the necessary skills, competence and confidence to be aware of the issues that occur in biochemical laboratory analysis that may impact the utility of laboratory results.
During the Occupational Medicine rotation, the resident will achieve the following in their role as:
During the Respirology rotation, the resident will achieve the following in their role as:
The following sections outline the rotation expectations in CanMEDS roles within the domains as a medical expert, communicator, collaborator, manager, health advocate, scholar and professional.
As Medical Experts, Clinical Immunologists and Allergists integrate all of the CanMEDS roles, applying medical knowledge, clinical skills and professional attitudes in their provision of patient-centred care.
Key Competencies
Physicians are able to:
Basic Science
Pharmacology
Therapeutics
Specific Diagnostics
Clinical Sciences - demonstrate knowledge of etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, assessment and practical management of the following:
Principles and Methodology of lab techniques in Rheumatology related to Allergy
Key Competencies
Specific Requirements
Key Competencies
Specific Requirements
Key Competencies
Specific Requirements
Key Competencies
Specific Requirements
Key Competencies
Specific Requirements
Key Competencies
Specific Requirements
During the second year of training, the resident will attend and run the Senior Resident Clinic longitudinally. The resident will achieve the following in their role as:
Resident education must occur in a physically safe environment (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, standard A.2.5; College of Family Physicians of Canada). The university also recognizes that a safe working environment for trainees is beneficial to resident education and patient care and that there are ethical and moral reasons for maintaining such a working environment.
The purpose of this document is to provide a policy regarding workplace safety for postgraduate trainees in Clinical Immunology and Allergy at McMaster University and to demonstrate the commitment of the residency training program in providing and maintaining healthy and safe working and learning environment for all postgraduate trainees. This is achieved by observing best practices that meet or exceed the standards to comply with legislative requirements as contained in the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, Environmental Protection Act, their regulations, and the policy and procedures established by the University.
It is expected that the postgraduate trainee, the residency training program, the Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) Office will work together with the affiliated teaching hospitals and community training sites to ensure the personal safety of all postgraduate trainees.
This policy complies with the Royal College accreditation standards A2.5 and B1.3.9 and does not supersede any University-wide or PGME Policy that is already established. In this policy, “Safety” relates to the residents’ physical, emotional and professional wellbeing. See: //fhs.mcmaster.ca/postgrad/policies.html
This policy covers resident safety in the areas of travel, patient encounters, including house calls, after-hours consultations in isolated departments (Royal College Standard B1.3.9). This policy should allow residents' discretion and judgment regarding their personal safety and ensure residents are appropriately supervised during all clinical encounters.
These policies apply only during residents’ activities that are related to the execution of residency duties.
3.1 The Resident Safety Policy needs input and acceptance from the residents through the residency education committee.
3.2 Residents need to provide rotation and faculty evaluations to help direct or establish concerns about resident safety.
3.3 The residency program administration and the Program Director need to act promptly to verify safety issues and take due action to rectify the problem.
3.4 Critical incidents involving residents must be recorded, and appropriate debriefing should occur in a timely fashion.
4.1 Residents travelling for clinical or other academic duties by private vehicles should maintain their vehicles adequately and travel with appropriate supplies and contact information. Residents should not use cell phone use or text messaging while driving.
4.2 If the resident has determined that it is unsafe to travel (i.e. due to extreme weather concerns), the resident may elect not to attend the clinic, see a consult, or academic half-day. However, they must inform their clinical supervisors as soon as possible in a professional manner.
4.3 Residents should ensure adequate rest after call duties before travelling home from the site of clinical duties. Call rooms are available at each training site to accommodate residents for rest before travel. Residents should discuss such arrangements with the on-call supervisor or program director.
4.4 Residents who are called in for clinical duties after 6 pm and before 6 am, and feel unsafe to drive post-call should opt to take a taxi for transportation. Reimbursement for taxi charges will be provided upon the presentation of appropriate receipts.
4.5 Residents are not required to attend academic half-day if they are greater than 50 km away from the academic half-day location nor are they required to attend on post-call days. Should residents feel well-rested despite being post-call, they are encouraged and welcome to attend academic sessions. If not attending due to post-call, residents must inform the Program Assistant (Ann-Marie) of this reason for absence.
4.6 Residents must participate in required safety sessions including Workplace Hazardous Materials Information and Safety (WHMIS), Fire Safety, and abide by the Safety Codes of the designated area where s/he is training.
4.7 Residents must observe universal precautions and isolation procedures. If necessary, a refresher or literature will be provided on universal precaution procedures.
4.8 Residents should familiarize themselves with the occupational and safety office. This includes familiarity with policies and procedures in reporting contact with contaminated fluids, needles, TB exposure or risk, etc.
4.9 Residents should keep their immunizations and TB skin testing up to date. Overseas travel immunizations and advice should be organized well in advance when travelling abroad for electives or meetings. Since the residency training program does not mandate overseas electives, the resident is expected to coordinate and finance these services.
4.10 Residents should not assess violent or psychotic patients without the backup of security or a supervisor and also an awareness of accessible exits.
4.11 Residents should not work alone at after-hours clinics, make unaccompanied home visits, perform air transport, or arrange to meet patients after hours without on-site support. This does not apply if a patient is being seen in the emergency room or in a hospital ward. A supervisor must always be present if the resident is assessing a patient in an ambulatory setting after hours.
4.12 If the resident feels that his/her own personal safety is threatened, s/he should seek immediate assistance and remove themselves from the situation in a professional manner. The resident should be aware of the contact for security at participating training sites. The resident should ensure that their immediate supervisor and/or Program Director, has been notified, as appropriate. The resident can also bring their safety concerns to the attention of the PGME office (905 525 9140 Ext. 22118) during regular work hours, particularly if the Program Director is not available. If an issue arises after regular office hours, where the clinical supervisor and/or Program Director may not be available, contact Security of the institution where the trainee is based.
4.13 Residents doing home calls and arriving after hours should be aware of their environment before leaving their car and have a cellphone available to contact security if it is deemed an escort is required. If residents feel a potential threat to their safety, residents should not exit their cars and leave accordingly. In the rare event this occurs, residents should notify the clinical supervisors on call.
4.14 Residents must get approval from the program director when planning to do an elective outside of North America to ensure compliance with standards and best practices for the safety of all trainees. International electives must occur in a stable political environment with a qualified preceptor to provide appropriate supervision. Additionally, there must be a Canadian Consulate in that country.
4.15 Residents must use caution with respect to confidential personal and patient information, and exercise good judgment and professional behaviour when using social media.
4.16 If an injury occurs while working, the injury must be reported as follows:
4.17 Residents are encouraged to report incidents of intimidation, harassment and discrimination to the Program Director. Any incidents or issues brought forth to the Program Director will remain confidential and residents have the right to confidential psychological and counselling services.
4.18 Residents are encouraged to comment on the rotation evaluations of any professional issues encountered by staff and residents.
4.19 Residents must not be expected to participate in any situation that would go against their professional responsibilities, ethics, or moral beliefs.
4.20 Residents must have adequate contact with their clinical supervisors for help during critical incidents.
4.21 CMPA provides legal advice and insurance for residents who have acquired coverage.
5.1 It is the responsibility of the residency training program and the PGME to ensure that appropriate safety sessions are available to all trainees. In addition to WHMIS, the residency training program must ensure that there is an initial, specialty, site-specific orientation available to the trainee.
5.2 It is the responsibility of the residency training program to ensure that individual clinics or practice settings develop a site-specific protocol in the event that personal safety is breached. The protocol should include the following:
5.3 It is the responsibility of the residency training program that each training site remains compliant with the program policy.
5.4 It is the responsibility of the residency training program to ensure a safe learning environment that is free from intimidation, harassment and discrimination. The residency training program will not tolerate such behaviours.
Postgraduate Medical Education Office
905-525-9140 X22118
905-527-2707
Faculty of Health Sciences Safety Office
Health Sciences Centre, Room 3N1C1200
Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5
905-525-9140 X24956
905-528-8539
Hamilton Health Sciences
Human Resources – Employee Health
Telus Sourcing Solutions
120 King Street West, Suite 200
Hamilton, ON
905-387-9495 X63900
St. Joseph’s Healthcare
Occupational Health and Safety Services
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6
905 522 1155 X33344
During the Bone Marrow Transplantation rotation, the resident will achieve the following in their role as:
During the Solid Organ Transplantation rotation, the resident will achieve the following in their role as:
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McMaster University Medical Centre
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Hamilton, ON
L8N 3Z5
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Phone: 905-521-2100 ext. 76374
Email: veyh@mcmaster.ca
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