Welcome
Training will consist of exposure to Pediatric rehabilitation in the outpatient setting for a 12-month period. The patient population will include post-orthopedic procedures as well as generally deconditioned patients post long hospital stay due to illnesses. Additionally, attendance at dedicated Spina Bifida and Cerebral Palsy clinics will occur under the supervision of Dr. Stacey (Pediatric Rehabilitation Specialist).
Block elective experience in the outpatient setting will be arranged in the ambulatory care setting. It will consist of the following areas: Orthopedics, Rheumatology, and Neurology. These will be 1-2 month block electives with a minimum of 4 half-day clinics/week.
Trainees will attend weekly case-based rounds and monthly journal clubs. The leadership of both types of sessions will be encouraged if the topics are Pediatric Rehabilitation.
Certification Outcome
The successful completion of the fellowship will grant a Fellowship McMaster Certification.
Entry Requirements
Completion of a recognized accredited Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Training Program.
Application Deadline
12 Months prior to start date.
Goals of Training
- Describe the normal parameters of growth and development and important development milestones.
- Describe the neurodevelopmental models of development, the important childhood reflexes and their use in neurodevelopmental approaches to therapy in a child with neurological illnesses.
- Describe the basic concepts of genetics and inheritance of genetically determined illness.
- Describe the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical features and classification of the following pediatric disorders:
- Familial spinal muscular dystrophies
- Hereditary polyneuropathies
- Hereditary myopathies
- Brachial plexus palsy in the neonate
- Muscular dystrophies
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Myelodysplasia
- Cerebral palsy
- Scoliosis
- Congenital limb deficiencies
- Childhood hip disorders (transient synovitis, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, congenital dislocation, pyrogenic arthritis)
- Identify prognostic functional outcomes of the above disorders and how the clinical picture changes with growth and development.
- Identify and explain the prevention, recognition and management of common complications associated with the above disorders.
- Describe the non-pharmacological and surgical management of the above disorders.
- Appraise use of medications in the treatment of children and young adults with the above disorders and select/prescribe appropriate drug therapy.
- Select, justify and interpret appropriate investigations including laboratory tests, radiological workup, electrodiagnostic tests, tissue biopsies, urological studies and developmental tests.
- Identify the roles of rehabilitation technologies and environmental modifications for children and young adults with disabilities.
- Identify, assess and select appropriate use of orthoses and mobility aids for children and young adults with disabilities.
- Describe the common causes of a limp in childhood.
- Demonstrate a competent pediatric physical examination including a comprehensive neurological examination.
- Formulate appropriate rehabilitation plans based on realistic goals for children and young adults with disability.
- Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as required including joint aspiration, joint injections, and botulinum toxin or phenol injections.
Length of Training
12 months.
Curriculum Highlights
- Grand Rounds
- Journal Clubs
- Rounds
- Quality Improvement
- Simulation sessions
- Procedures
- Quarterly AHD (topics below)
- Chronic Spina Bifida and follow-up of health and developmental issues
- Cerebral Palsy: Mobility and Spasticity Management
- Management of Knee pain in a child athlete
Supervision & Feedback
Clinical Rotation and Faculty evaluations will be distributed to the learner via MedSIS every 3 months. 360 evaluations based on clinical encounters/procedures/presentations. End of Fellowship meeting with Supervisor.