Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Fellowship

Length: 1 year
Number of positions: 1
Type of Fellowship: Clinical Fellowship 
Fellowship Directors: Dr. Monika Volesky and Dr. Ruth Chaytor 
Hospital Affiliation: Sir Mortimer B. Davis - Jewish General Hospital- McGill University 
For a complete description of this fellowship please consult the following link: Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Fellowship

Objectives: The main mission of the McGill Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Fellowship is to
provide the trainee with the knowledge, clinical and surgical skills in all areas of foot and
ankle surgery necessary to practice at the highest possible level of competence by the
completion of the training program. This fellowship offers an outstanding diversity of experience
in all areas of adult foot and ankle surgery, including sports medicine, trauma, and
reconstruction of the foot and ankle.

Program Description: The McGill Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery Fellowship Training
Program is one year in length, from July 1 through June 30, under the supervision of 2
fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle surgeons: Dr. Monika Volesky and Dr. Ruth
Chaytor, at the Jewish General Hospital.
The purpose of this clinical fellowship is to expose the fellow to all aspects of the diagnosis and
treatment of a wide spectrum of pathology of the Foot and Ankle. This would include disorders
of the forefoot, midfoot, hindfoot, and of the ankle, such as arthritis, fractures, ligamentous and
tendinous injuries, and complex acquired, congenital or neurological deformities. Emphasis is
placed on gaining advanced knowledge of the anatomy and pathophysiology of each condition,
as well as understanding systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes/charcot as
they relate to the foot and ankle.

In addition, through participation in clinic, the fellow should gain advanced skills in the history
taking of patients with foot/ankle problems, physical examination techniques, and interpretation
of radiographs, including CT scans and MRIs. Other skills to be mastered include treating
patients with appropriate non-operative measures, such as properly prescribing orthotics and
prosthetics. In the operating suites, the fellow should develop advanced surgical skills for
repair of hallux valgus and rheumatoid foot deformities, trauma with fracture or dislocations,
and major reconstructive procedures in the adult consisting of fusions or osteotomies,
particularly for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and arthritis at all levels of the foot and ankle.
Additionally, ankle replacement will be addressed, as will anterior and posterior ankle
arthroscopy.

Participation in all customary academic activities of the department and completion of at least
one publishable research project are expected. Research activity is mostly clinical, however
basic science or biomechanical opportunities are available. Teaching skills will be promoted,
and the fellow will be expected to give presentations during the Divisional Grand Rounds, as well as participating in the weekly Foot and Ankle teaching rounds with the residents at the
Jewish General Hospital.

Expanded Educational Objectives:
By the end of this fellowship, the Fellow will have acquired the following skills:

Cognitive:

Understand the biomechanics of the foot and ankle and how this is related to the overall
gait mechanics of the lower extremity
Experience in management of acute trauma of the lower extremity, in particular of the foot
and ankle
Experience in the assessment and management of various foot pathologies
Understand the natural development of the foot and be able to differentiate between
normal variations in foot mechanics and those that are pathologic
Experience in the evaluation of the neuropathic (diabetic) foot and understand the stages of
managing various problems related to this disease
Understand the deformities in the forefoot and the importance and application of both
conservative and surgical modes of treatment
Understand the disease processes which benefit from surgical management and become
comfortable with the principles and various techniques of surgery
Experience in the interpretation of the radiographs and other investigations pertinent ot the
foot and ankle.

Attitudinal:

Experience in approaching and attending to patients with various foot pathology in both
adolescents and adults
Learn the skills required to be a successful sub-specialist in foot and ankle surgery and
contributing member of a team of physicians, nurses and paramedical personnel providing
care of the foot and ankle
Learn the skills required to be a successful provider of foot and ankle expertise and advice
to various health professionals

Technical:

Acquire surgical skills for handling and repair of both soft tissues and bone
Acquire skills required in correcting simple and complex foot and ankle deformities
Acquire athroscopic skills necessary in the assessment and treatment of foot and ankle
pathology
Acquire expertise on orthotics, prosthetics and other devices that iad in the conservative
and surgical management of foot and ankle pathology.


Job Description:

Clinical
Attend the orthopaedic foot and ankle clinics and private offices, and become competent
and autonomous in the evaluation of various foot and ankle pathologies
Assist in the pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative care of the supervisors’
patients
Assist in the evaluation of in-patient, out-patient and Emergency Department consults
referred to the supervisors
Assist in the didactic teaching responsibilities of the Division of Orthopaedics at the Jewish
General Hospital
*** It is clearly understood that none of trhe above responsibilities will interfere with the
Orthopaedic Residency Training Programme of McGill University but will, rather,
complement and supplement the teaching of residents on rotation.

Research
Completion of at least one publishable/presentable research project is expected. Research
activity is mostly clinical, however basic science or biomechanical opportunities are
available.

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