Welcome

The McMaster Multiple Sclerosis Fellowship is one year of advanced training in the diagnosis, treatment, management and clinical research of patients with Multiple Sclerosis and related immune-mediated demyelinating disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). Depending upon the applicant’s clinical, research interests and long-term career goals, a second year of advanced training may be considered.

The training involves key components of clinical care, education and research.

Certification Outcome

The successful completion of the fellowship will grant a Fellowship McMaster Certification.

Entry Requirements

Completed training in an Adult Neurology residency program and received certification from Royal College or equivalent Board Certification in Neurology.

The applicant should be eligible for licensing with CPSO.

Recent graduates are required to submit an application form and comply with McMaster University Postgraduate Medical Education requirements for residents and fellows.

Application Deadline

Applications are accepted throughout the year. The academic year runs from July 1 to June 30.

Goals of Training

Our multiple sclerosis fellowship program is designed as 1-2 years of advanced training for neurologists who wish to be competent and comfortable in caring for patients with MS and related immune mediated disorders of the central nervous system. They will be able to develop and hone their skills in recognition, differential diagnosis, diagnostic algorithms, disease modifying therapies, symptomatic management, interdisciplinary care and rehabilitation. The Fellow will be an integral part of the ambulatory multidisciplinary multiple sclerosis clinic and work closely with MS nurses, research nurse and coordinator in providing quality care. Complex inpatient consultations are also reviewed. The Fellow will also have research projects and participate in clinical trial activity.

The overall goals for the fellowship are:

1. To develop experience and competence in the care of MS, NMO, MOG and related immunological disorders of the CNS.
2. To apply diagnostic algorithms and be confident with differential diagnosis.
3. Describe the basic immunology and pathophysiology of MS and related disorders.
4. Ability to order, perform and interpret preclinical tests.
5. Become familiar with all available Disease modifying therapies (DMT) and able to recommend, prioritize, work up and monitor patients.
6. Become familiar and incorporate concepts of personalized therapies in decision making.
7. Become familiar with de-risking strategies.
8. Be part of the urgent relapse assessment team and provide coordinated care for relapses including PLEX.
9. Develop communication and interdisciplinary skills required for comprehensive patient-centered care and rehabilitation of patients including exposure at the neuro-modulation program providing intrathecal Baclofen pump therapy and spinal cord stimulation.
10. Become familiar with use of various symptomatic treatment options.
11. Be familiar with MS cognitive assessments and work with our neuropsychologists.
12. Being involved in clinical trials and develop competence in aspects of design, conduct, assessments.
13. To develop and implement research projects depending on individual interest.
14. Be involved with the active academic program including Neuro-inflammation/MS Radiology Rounds, Journal clubs, MS rounds and resident teaching. Opportunities to participate in EndMS Research and Training Network seminars, national and international conferences.
15. Opportunities to join other related multidisciplinary clinics like joint rheumatology/neurology clinic, botulinum toxin clinic, rehabilitation clinic.

Length of Training

1 year. Additional 2nd yr (optional)

Funding

The applicant can apply for competitive funding that are available.

Curriculum Highlights

The Fellowship program provides extensive exposure to a wide spectrum of demyelinating disorders including atypical ones. This enriching experience will intersect aspects of neuro-radiology, immunology, neuropathology, exercise & rehabilitation, cognition & neuropsychology, neuromodulation, urology, neuro-psychiatry, other multidisciplinary clinics. The fellows will be participate as sub-investigators in clinical trials in addition to developing and pursuing their own research project.

Supervision & Feedback

The fellows will receive direct supervision and feedback on a daily basis.

Monthly meetings to review progress and goals including research.

Associated Programs