Rheumatology

Subspecialty Residency Training Program
Program Director:  Dr. Keltie Anderson 
Assistant Program Director: Dr. Jodie Reis
The Rheumatology Subspecialty Residency Training Program program is one of five subspecialty residency training programs currently offered by the University of Saskatchewan (Cardiology, General Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Respirology being the other four).  The program is currently a two-year fellowship.

Subspecialty residents receive training principally at community clinics in Saskatoon and at Royal University Hospital.  As well, time is spent in community clinics in Regina each year. Training is heavily geared towards Royal College requirements and trainees receive excellent preparation for the RCPSC Internal Medicine examinations.

Program Description
Curriculum
The Rheumatology program follows the objectives of the Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada. During the course of the two year program, ample time is spent in both academic and community/private practice based settings. Formal experience in Pediatric Rheumatology is achieved through a protected rotation in Pediatric Rheumatology in the second year of training. Metabolic Bone Disease, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Orthopedic rotations are included to incorporate a diversity of experience and proficiency in subspecialty areas integral to community based practice.

A protected "academic Half Day'' is established with a rolling two year detailed curriculum.

One block of research is also included as a mandatory rotation for each of the 2 years in training.

The research program is organized such that residents receive education pertaining to areas such as critical appraisal, research design and data analysis. A mentor system is in place to facilitate interaction with faculty in the design of a project. Residents with projects that have been accepted for presentation at major meetings will receive funding to travel to those conferences.

As residents progress through the program, they assume increasing responsibility under appropriate supervision with the flexibility to be self-directed in defining their own educational needs. Ambulatory care is emphasized in our program to expand the patient spectrum upon which to learn. Rheumatology Residents take part in a longitudinal clinic experience with their "own" patient population.

Throughout the two year program courses the residents are required to participate in include: TIPS, Critical Appraisal.

Year 1
The principle objective of the first year of residency training in Adult Rheumatology is to provide the trainee with core knowledge and foundation skills requisite to the specialty of Adult Rheumatology.
Highlights:

• General rheumatology out-patient clinics
• Selective Rotations in
• Metabolic bone Disease (1 block)
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (1 block)
• MSK Radiology (1 block)
• Elective of own choosing (1 block)
• Longitudinal Rheumatology Resident's clinic one-half day per week (Sept-June).
• Inpatient consultations.
• Development of a research project suitable for presentation at a National Meeting
  • Rheumatology Resident's participate in weekly Division of Rheumatology Rounds/Journal Club and Rheumatology seminars - specialized MSK clinical skills
  • Rheumatology residents may attend one or more national/international Rheumatology meetings each year, for which some financial support is provided.

Year 2
The principle objective of the second year of residency training is to consolidate and refine knowledge as well as clinical skills acquired during the first year:
Highlights:

• General rheumatology out-patient clinics (minimum 3/week).
• Rotations in:
• Pediatric Rheumatology (1 block)
• Selective rotation in Orthopedic Surgery (1 block)
• 2 electives of own choosing
  • The longitudinal Rheumatology resident's clinic will have the resident function as the primary consultant with supervision from the staffperson commensurate with the perceived competence.
• Inpatient consultations.
• Execution, analysis and writing up of the research project
  • The trainee will assume the role of junior consultant in the approach and management of inpatients and consultations both RUH-based and community based.

PGY4 Year

PGY5 Year

Application Requirements
Applications for our program are through the Canadian Residency Matching Service (CaRMS).
Further information can be found on the CaRMS website