Fellowship In Gynecological Pathology At Sunnybrook

The Gynecological Pathology fellowship at Sunnybrook provides state-of-the-art training in diagnostic gynecological pathology combined with a unique opportunity for translational research.

Supervisor: Dr. N. Ismiil

Teaching Pathologists: Drs. M. Cesari, V. Dubé, N. Ismiil, S. Nofech-Mozes

Description of the Fellowship: The Department of Anatomic Pathology at Sunnybrook receives more than 10,000 gynecological pathology surgical specimens annually, more than 7,000 of which are neoplastic. Most of the oncologic cases are referred with exceptionally complex and unusual scenarios (For more information, see our department profile.) The fellow will have the unique opportunity to handle and study some of the most unique surgical specimens and unusual entities.

The fellowship provides state-of-the-art training in diagnostic gynecological pathology combined with a unique opportunity for translational research.

The fellow is offered a graduated responsibility in the signing out of cases as he/she matures in the program. Participation in the departmental robust intra-operative consultation service and renowned teaching sessions of grossing techniques offer the fellow the necessary background to take a proactive role in reaching diagnoses. The fellow will also have the opportunity to be in charge of grossing complex and challenging cases.

With repeated shared sign-out sessions with the teaching staff, the fellow is expected to show progressive independence in working up cases and formalizing reports. The fellow will also be offered full access to gynecologic oncology consult cases which typically encompass a wide range of complex and unusual pathologies. He or she will have access to the Gynecologic Oncology Program teaching rounds (list of available rounds), which provides an opportunity to become familiar with clinical aspects in gynecologic oncology in a systematic way.

The fellow will also have an opportunity to perform additional scholarly activities with the pathology staff including, but not limited to, discussing papers of interest, participation in translational research projects or presentations, preparation and review of archival material of rare examples of tumors. Adequate and full academic support will be available for the fellow as desired.

Our staff actively participate in weekly tumor boards (multidisciplinary cancer conferences) at the Odette Cancer Centre, which will offer the fellow the practical experience of being an integral part of the multidisciplinary decision-making team. This experience will help the fellow appreciate the clinical implications of his/her future diagnoses and build the necessary communication skills, which will enrich the fellow's future independent practice. Participation at the department's weekly gynecological pathology consensus meetings will help the trainee to strengthen his/her understanding of quality-assurance issues and of various diagnostic challenges in gynecological pathology.

Goals: The goal of the fellowship is for the trainee to:

• Build strong diagnostic skills and expertise in gynecological pathology
• Gain an in-depth understanding of quality-assurance issues and underlying clinical and therapeutic implications of his/her diagnoses
• Prepare for a subsequent independent practice in a specialised academic career. 

Specific Objectives:

1. To obtain a unique gynecological pathology diagnostic experience, through:

• Diagnostic criteria
• Building of differential diagnoses for unusual and difficult cases
• Standardized and comprehensive reporting of prognostic factors
• Employment of immunohistochemical techniques in diagnosis
• Mastering clinical-pathologic correlation
• Appreciation of the importance of quality-assurance in gynecological pathology

2. To participate in translational research, including:

• Learning to ask pertinent research questions
• Building hypotheses
• Collecting series
• Sharing the writing up of case reports and original manuscripts
• Learning tissue banking techniques

3. Improve teaching techniques and interpersonal communication skills, including:

• Teaching pathology residents
• Presenting in tumor boards
• Participating in various CME activities' departmental rounds [List of available rounds; LINK to rounds schedule]

Duration of the fellowship: One year

Eligibility: Open to fellows who have completed their anatomic or general pathology residency training.

Number of Fellows: Up to three fellows at a time.

How to apply: Candidates interested in applying for the fellowship position should contact:

Nadia Ismiil, MD, FRCPC
Interim Chief, Department of Anatomic Pathology
Phone: 416-480-4009
Email: nadia.ismiil@sunnybrook.ca