Neuroanesthesia

Why choose the University of Alberta?

The University of Alberta Hospital (UAH) is one of the leading clinical, research and teaching hospitals in North America. It is a 900-bed quaternary referral centre for western and northern Canada. The Department of Anesthesia at the University of Alberta Hospital has a dedicated team of 13 neuroanesthesiologists who will closely guide and supervise prospective fellows.

Clinical Activity

• Vascular neurosurgery (cerebral aneurysm, AVM, AVF, carotid endarterectomy)
• Neuro-oncology (supratentorial and infratentorial brain tumours).
• Functional neurosurgery (awake craniotomy for deep brain stimulation surgery)
• Endoscopic pituitary surgery.
• Epilepsy surgery (awake intraoperative mapping, lesion resection)
• Awake craniotomy (min. 5 per year recommended)
• Intraoperative monitoring (pEEG, EMG, SSEP, ONSD ultrasound, and TCD on NICU)
• Neurosurgery in the intraoperative MRI suite.
• Neuro-interventional procedures (aneurysm coiling, stenting, mechanical thrombectomy)
• Major spine surgery (including anterior and posterior decompression, fusion, and scoliosis correction)
• Develop expertise in TCI TIVA and pEEG.
• Neuro-critical care (optional component).
• Research and academic activities (presenting rounds plus at least one project)
• Elective rotation depending on the fellow’s unique interests, examples could include neurotrauma, subspeciality structural spine surgery, additional research, or QI project, extended critical care experience etc.

Expectations of the Fellow

Medical Expert and Communicator:

• Become an expert in neuroanesthesia (minimum of 80% of their fellowship engaged in guided and supervised perioperative neuroscience activities to include clinical care and academic scholarly activity)
• Be an independent and excellent clinician, participating in the general call schedule.
• Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative management within the speciality of neuro-anesthesia.
• Learn to read basic CT, MRI/MRA imaging, cerebral angiography for brain and spinal cord, we can help facilitate this.
• Professionalism, honesty, and integrity, and a commitment to provide the highest level of anesthesia care to our patients.

Manager:

• To develop the skills and knowledge necessary to manage and direct the care of patients in the neurosurgical operating suite
• Fellows will be given some autonomy in decision making related to patient care to demonstrate leadership and management skills in the operating room setting.

 Scholar:

• Undertake one research project within the specialty.
• Present their work at a national meeting.
• Present at Grand Rounds.
• Organise Neuroanesthesia rounds and Neuroanesthesia Journal Club.
• Learn the fundamentals of conducting basic clinical research.
• Teach the residents on their Neuroanesthesia rotation, medical students, paramedics, respiratory therapists, and nursing staff.

The remaining time will be dedicated to clinical duties where the fellow will independently deliver anesthetic services as a staff anesthesiologist. In addition to delivering anesthetics in the operating room, this includes outpatient clinic consultations and teaching of medical students and residents. As the UAH is a quaternary referral service for many disciplines in western Canada fellows can expect a diverse case mix. Fellows will be expected to participate in the weekend and day / night call roster as part of their clinical responsibilities.

HOW TO APPLY

Review our website to ensure you meet the minimum trainee requirements. Send CV and cover
letter to the fellowship administrator via email at apmfelw@ualberta.ca.

1. Cover letter stating the program you are applying for, and a detailed reason for your interest
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Summary of anesthesia training