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SickKids

Haematology/Oncology

a young cancer patient smiling with their happy doctor

The Division of Haematology/Oncology is one of the largest divisions in the Department of Paediatrics at SickKidsWe provide a diagnostic service and specialist care for children under 18 years of age with cancer (paediatric oncology), non-malignant blood diseases (paediatric haematology) and haematopoietic stem cell (blood and marrow) transplantation. 

Canadian leader

We are the largest of its kind in Canada and among the largest in North America. The mission of the Division is to achieve and maintain excellence in the areas of clinical care, education and research. 

What we do 

The Division of Haematology/Oncology registers approximately 275 new cancer cases in children under 18 years of age each year, representing 20 per cent of all new paediatric cancer cases in CanadaApproximately 40 per cent of these children have a diagnosis of leukemia/lymphoma, 30 per cent have a solid tumour malignancy such as a sarcoma, and 30 per cent have a brain tumour 

Large programs exist in the paediatric hemoglobinopathies (approximately 500 children with sickle-cell syndromes and over 100 children with thalassemia) and bleeding and clotting disorders of children (approximately 450 children with inherited bleeding disorders such as haemophilia and over 150 children registered in an outpatient anticoagulant clinic). In-patient care for these children is provided in designated haematology/oncology wardscomprised of 35 beds. 

Expert collaboration

The Division of Haematology/Oncology, in collaboration with the Division of Immunology & Allergyis responsible for all of Ontario's paediatric bone marrow transplants each year. Each year the unit performs approximately 100 autologous/allogeneic stem cell transplants in children with malignancies, severe blood disorders such as aplastic anemia, severe immunodeficiencies such as SCIDS (severe combined immunodeficiency syndromes) and rare genetic disorders 

Family-centred care

A network of satellite centres across Ontario provides selected aspects of care for this large population of children nearer to their homes with the expert teams at SickKids providing leadership with respect to diagnosis and recommendation of appropriate management plans. 

The focus of care is family-centered, and the goal of the Haematology/Oncology program is to provide timely state-of-the-art care to children with cancer and serious blood diseases as near to home as possibleOn a day-to-day basis at SickKidspatient care is provided through specific consultation services in haematologyneurooncology, general oncology and thrombosis; separate designated multidisciplinary teams provide high-level care on the in-patient haematology/oncology and BMT (Blood and Marrow Transplant) wards. 

Programs and services

The decision to restructure the haematology/oncology/BMT cluster into disease-based patient care section programs, supported by a skilled, multidisciplinary team of health-care specialists, was taken to facilitate concentration of expertise and improvement in patient care. 

The Division's patient care services are organized into six sections, with four additional programs. Information is also provided for our Sears Cancer Clinic.

Expand the sections below to learn more. 

  • Haematology 
  • Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) 
  • Leukemia/lymphoma 
  • Solid tumour 
  • Neuro-oncology 
  • In-patient services 

The Sears Cancer Clinic is located within the Haematology/Oncology clinic and specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of children with blood cancers, malignant and non-malignant tumours and hemoglobinopathies, from birth to 18 years of ageWe see approximately 13,000 patient visits per year in the clinic, and approximately 7,000 patient visits per year in the outpatient Day Hospital. 

Clinic Location: 8th Floor Annex – Burton Wing 
Clinic hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Day Hospital Location: 8th Floor, Atrium – 8D 
Phone number: 416-813-5859 (General information) 
Day Hospital hours: Monday to Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 
Fax number: 416-813-5864 (Ambulatory Referral Management System) 

Note: To abide by OHIP guidelines, all patients must be referred by a patient's family MD, paediatrician or other physician. 

Patient and family resources

Family Advisory Council

The Haematology Oncology Family Advisory Council is a partnership of patients, family members, and healthcare providers that are dedicated to improving hospital programs, policies and the overall quality of care provided to children, teens and their families during treatment and beyond. We are a team committed to fostering the mutually beneficial partnerships of patients, families and healthcare providers in creating informed, respectful, safe and effective care. The Haem/Onc FAC collaborates to provide unique perspectives and advise on various hospital initiatives with a focus on informing and empowering patients and families.

We are currently looking for new members to join the Haematology/Oncology FAC! If you're interested in joining, or simply learning more, please contact us.

Email Haem/Onc FAC

Learn about safe handling of hazardous medicine

This AboutKidsHealth learning hub provides resources on hazardous medicines, including video demonstrations. Find information on how to give your child hazardous medicine in the form of tablets, capsules and as an injectable medicine by mouth. Also find information on how to prepare a space to give hazardous medicine and how to clean-up and store hazardous medicines.

Visit the Safe Handling Learning Hub

Key staff

 

Division Head:

Dr. James Whitlock

 

Clinical DirectorDr. Sarah Alexander 

Training Program Director: Dr. Suzan Williams 

Clinical Fellowship Associate DirectorDr. Muhammad Ali 

Undergraduate Medical Education DirectorDr. Angela Punnett 

Staff awards

Dozens of blood samples with red, orange and purple lids

Research activities

The Division of Haematology/Oncology is actively involved in clinical, translational and basic science research related to the field of blood disorders and cancer in children, including paediatric stem cell transplantationA major research focus of the Division is the design of, and participation in, prospective clinical trialsThe Division is an institutional member of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) and is one of two Canadian centres in the COG Phase I Consortiums. 

Other areas of significant research strength and focus are: the Cancer Genetics Program, the New Agents and Innovative Therapies Program, the Retinoblastoma Program, the Inherited Bone Marrow Failures Program and the Paediatric Haemostasis-Thrombosis Program.  

Laboratory-based science research in the Division is active in the following areas: biology of paediatric cancer; the etiology of the childhood leukemias with a focus on the megakaryoblastic leukemias of childhood; the biology of brain tumours in children; multi-drug resistance in clinical trials in retinoblastoma; the paediatric bone marrow failure syndromes; the pathophysiology of inherited platelet disorders; and clinical trials in the inherited and acquired bleeding disorders in children e.g. haemophilia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura.  

Research by scientists in the Division is conducted in collaboration with clinical investigators and scientists in other divisions and departments within SickKids, the Research Institutethe University of Toronto, and with colleagues across Canada and internationally. 

Empty lecture hall of 15 rows and a speaking podium

Education and training opportunities

Core & Departmental Training Programs

Successful candidates complete a three year Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) accredited Training Program, with extensive clinical exposure in oncology (leukemia/lymphoma, solid tumor, neuro-oncology, cancer genetics, new agents and innovative therapies), haematology (haemoglobinopathies, bone marrow failure and myelodysplasia, thrombosis/haemostasis and general haematology), and bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapy.

Training also includes in-depth exposure to haematopathology (morphology, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, blood bank and transfusion, special haematology, and coagulation), adult haematology, radiation oncology, and palliative care and symptom management. Finally, opportunities exist to gain further experience through electives in areas such as diagnostic imaging, pathology and many others. Teaching occurs in both outpatient and inpatient settings, in addition to protected weekly Academic Half-Days, Continuity Clinics, multiple subspecialty rounds, lectures and seminars.

The focus of the first two years of this program is to gain clinical expertise in the subspecialty of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and to begin to formulate scholarly ideas and proposals (basic science, translational, clinical, medical education and quality improvement).

The third year focuses on completing scholarly activities and pursuing further training in individual areas of interest. Successful candidates are fully funded during their three years of training. Clinical duties include outpatient and inpatient care, as well as on-call coverage for general haematology/oncology and bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapy.

See Royal College Training Objectives for Paediatric Haematology/Oncology

Eligibility

  • Canadian and US Graduates who have completed at least 3 of a 4-year General Paediatric Residency Training Program and meet eligibility requirements to apply through CaRMS.
  • Sponsored residents from any of the following countries: Bahrain, Dominica, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, The United Arab Emirates and Libya must all apply through STARS directly by emailing pgme.international@utoronto.ca.

Upon completion of program

All trainees who complete the three year program will receive a certificate of completion from the University of Toronto. Successful trainees are eligible for Royal College certification in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology or certification via the Subspecialty Examination Affiliate Program (SEAP). 

Download Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Subspecialty Minimum Certification Requirements (PDF)

How to apply

Please access the CaRMS website. Sponsored candidates must submit applications directly to pgme.international@utoronto.ca.

Timeline

  • For Canadian and US Graduates, please refer to the CaRMS website.
  • For sponsored residents wanting to apply for the 3 year HaematologyOncology Fellowship program, please submit applications to pgme.international@utoronto.ca directly before January 19, 2024.
  • For sponsored residents wanting to apply to subspecialities, please submit applications to pgme.international@utoronto.ca directly before August 31, 2024. Applications will be reviewed in September and candidates will be contacted about interviews in October-November.

Successful candidates complete a two year highly clinically focused training program, with extensive clinical exposure in oncology (leukemia/lymphoma, solid tumor, neuro-oncology, cancer genetics, new agents and innovative therapies), haematology (haemoglobinopathies, bone marrow failure and myelodysplasia, thrombosis/haemostasis and general haematology), and bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapy.

Training also includes exposure to haematopathology (morphology, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, blood bank and transfusion, special haematology, and coagulation), adult haematology, radiation oncology, and palliative care and symptom management, the extent of which depends on each candidate’s training objectives.

Teaching occurs in both outpatient and inpatient settings, in addition to protected weekly Academic Half-Days, Continuity Clinics, multiple subspecialty rounds, lectures and seminars. Candidates are fully funded during their training. The second year is dependent on successful completion of the first year. Clinical duties include outpatient and inpatient care, as well as on-call coverage for general haematology/oncology and bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapy.

Eligibility

  • International Medical Graduates 
  • Must have Certification in General Paediatrics
  • One-year experience working and/or training in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology is required 


Upon completion of program

All trainees receive a Subspecialty certificate in General Paediatric Haematology/Oncology from the University of Toronto.

How to apply

Complete the online application, link below. Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications are now being accepted.

Haematology/Oncology Fellowship Application

Timeline

  • Fellowship Academic Year: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
  • Application Date Opens: January 1, 2024
  • Submission Deadline: April 30, 2024    
  • Selection Committee Review: May – June
  • Virtual Interviews: July – August
  • Program Acceptance: An email notification will be forwarded to your email address on file between August and September. Following this date, offer letters will be initiated.

Subspecialty Training Programs

Subspecialty Training Programs are for those already trained in General Paediatric Haematology/Oncology who wish to obtain further clinical and/or research specialization. Customized programs may also be developed according to a trainee’s interests. Past customized subspecialty programs have included Sarcoma, and Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Fellowships. Those interested in applying to a customized subspecialty program must highlight their rationale in the letter of intent.

Candidates applying to a Subspecialty Program are ineligible to apply to the Core and Departmental Paediatric Haematology/Oncology programs at the same time. Furthermore, candidates are only permitted to apply to a maximum of two subspecialty programs. Acceptance to these fellowships will be subject to funding.

How to apply for a subspecialty fellowship

Complete an online application. Please note: incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications are now being accepted.

Timeline

  • Fellowship Academic Year: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
    Application Date Opens: January 1, 2024
  • Submission Deadline: April 30, 2024 
  • Selection Committee Review: May – June
  • Virtual Interviews: July – August
  • Program Acceptance: An email notification will be forwarded to your email address on file between August and September. Following this date, offer letters will be initiated.

The General Haematology Fellowship is a combined clinical and research fellowship, which may be completed over one or two-years. The Section of Haematology provides care for the largest haematology population in Canada, including approximately 1000 patients with sickle cell disease, 150 children with red blood cell membrane disorders such as hereditary spherocytosis, 100 patients with thalassemia, 100 patients on chelation therapy and other red cell disorders requiring chronic transfusions. The hospital monitors approximately 1000 patients with various forms of vascular malformations and tumors, and a growing number of these patients are being placed on medical therapies and then followed by a multidisciplinary group of health care providers, including radiology, surgery, dermatology, hematology-oncology, ENT and neurosurgery.

The Section of Haematology is one of the largest Paediatric Bone Marrow Failure and Myelodysplasia Programs in the world, providing care for approximately 300 patients with acquired and inherited conditions. Trainees work with a high volume and range of complex patients with haemostatic and thrombotic disorders, representing the entire spectrum of bleeding and clotting diseases. Opportunities exist for training experience in the Ontario Regional Haemoglobinopathy Laboratory in Hamilton, participation in blood transfusion camp and a two-week placement in Canadian Blood Services. In addition to adult haematology/haemoglobinopathy rotations, trainees also have opportunities to participate at the Summer Sickle Cell Camp and be involved in the Sickle Cell Transition to Adult Care Program.

The first year of training is primarily clinical, including two months each in general haematology, haemoglobinopathies, bone marrow failure and myelodysplasia, thrombosis and haemostasis. During each rotation, learning will occur in both inpatient and outpatient settings. There is flexibility to tailor training according to each individual trainee’s needs. Laboratory activity in these areas is encouraged.

The second year of training may either be a) primarily research focused (laboratory or clinically based, on paediatric blood disorders) where trainees work under the close supervision of a staff haematologist to complete a research proposal. or b) a combination of clinical work and research where trainees may design a customized schedule to fulfill their clinical and scholarly goals, choosing from a variety of clinical rotations. This schedule will be finalized towards the end of year one, in consultation with the haematology education team.     

For both streams outlined above, trainees are required to contribute to clinical and after-hours haematology coverage. This includes one to two continuity clinics per week. For all research projects, trainees are expected to present a research proposal, an interim report and a final report to the Haematology/Oncology Division, with the goal of publication within six months of completion of fellowship training.

Eligibility 

  • Certified or board-eligible in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology or Paediatric Haematology
  • Applicants may be Canadian or International 

The Haemoglobinopathy Fellowship is a combined clinical and research fellowship, which may be completed over one or two-years. There is extensive exposure in the hemoglobinopathy program caring for approximately 1000 patients with sickle cell disease, 100 patients with thalassemia, 100 patients on chelation therapy and other red cell disorders requiring chronic transfusions. Opportunity exist for trainees to gain valuable experience in the Ontario Regional Haemoglobinopathy Laboratory in Hamilton. Adult haematology rotations, working at the Summer Sickle Cell Camp and involvement in the Sickle Cell Transition to Adult Care Program are also integral parts of the program.

The first year of training is primarily clinically focused on the inpatient and outpatient management of haemaglobinopathies. Laboratory activity is encouraged and is dependent on each trainee’s experience, individualized goals and objectives, and their plans. 

The second year of training may either be:

  1. primarily research focused (laboratory or clinically based, on paediatric blood disorders) where trainees work under the close supervision of a staff haematologist to complete a research proposal, or;
  2. a combination of clinical work and research where the trainee may design a customized schedule to fulfill their clinical learning goals, choosing from a variety of clinical rotations. This schedule will be finalized towards the end of year one, in consultation with the haematology education team.

For both streams outlined above, trainees are expected to contribute to clinical and on-call coverage. This includes one to two continuity clinics per week and on-call haematology coverage. Trainees are expected to present a research proposal, an interim report and a final report to the Division, with the goal of publication within six months of completion of fellowship training.

Eligibility 

  • Certified or board-eligible in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology or Paediatric Haematology
  • Applicants may be Canadian or International 

The Division of Haematology/Oncology at SickKids, in partnership with Dream Legacy Foundation and the Black Innovation Fellowship Program at Ryerson University, is pleased to present the Dream Maker Inc. Fellowship in Sickle Cell Disease. 

This exciting two-year fellowship is directed towards Paediatricians in Sub-Saharan Africa who have completed their Paediatric Residency within the last five years and have a demonstrated interest in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD).

The first year of training will focus primarily on acquiring further clinical expertise in the care of patients with SCD. During the second year of training, the candidate, in partnership with the Black Innovation Fellowship at Ryerson/DMZ, will have the opportunity to work closely with a start-up company that is interested in incubating new technology to help better diagnose, track, and care for people with SCD. This innovative technology will ideally be scalable across the candidate’s country in Africa and by extension, the African continent. 
The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to clinical coverage. This includes attending SCD clinics, participating in inpatient care of SCD patients and some on-call haematology coverage after-hours over the two years. 

Eligibility 

Please note this fellowship will not be available for the 2025-2026 academic year.

  • Completion of Paediatric residency within the last 5 years
  • Applicants who have passed Part I of the National or Regional fellowship exams may be considered 
  • The applicant should have demonstrated interest in and previous engagement with patients with SCD
  • Previous involvement with research projects or publications in SCD will be an advantage 
  • Previous participation in other extraneous activities that may not be necessarily medical, but with potential to enhance the quality of life of patients with SCD 
  • Ability to generate original ideas as evidenced by previous project execution. This need not be directly related to SCD
  • Citizen of an African country and working in Africa 

The Haemostasis and Thrombosis Fellowship is a combined clinical and research fellowship that may be completed over one, two, or three years. Training occurs in the area of childhood bleeding and clotting disorders. The program was launched in 2001 due to the visionary work of Dr. Victor Blanchette and Dr. Maureen Andrew changing the landscape of this area. Graduates of the program have gone on to have successful academic and clinical careers in centres around the world. 

The first year of training is primarily clinically focused. Trainees are exposed to a high, complex patient volume (i.e., > 650 open heart surgeries per year; 40-50 ECMO patients per year; 40-50 kidney transplants per year). The entire spectrum of bleeding and clotting complications is represented. Rotations during the first year include 6 months in Thrombosis and Haemostasis inpatient and outpatient services (including the paediatric comprehensive care hemophilia program), 1 month in the inpatient and outpatient paediatric stroke service, 2 months of laboratory training, and 3 months of elective rotations.  

The second and third year (optional) may either be

  1. primarily research focused (laboratory or clinical research in Paediatric Thrombosis and Haemostasis) or
  2. a combination of clinical work and research where the trainee may also design a customized schedule to fulfill their clinical goals and objectives.

In both cases, the trainee will work under the direct supervision of a thrombosis and haemostasis faculty member to complete a research project. Trainees are also encouraged to develop collaborative projects involving both SickKids and the original or future academic centres.

The schedule of the fellowship will be outlined prior to the start of the year in consultation with the Medical Director of the Paediatric Haemostasis and Thrombosis Program. The remaining half of the fellowship will be determined according to the needs and feasibility of conducting and completing the proposed research. 

For both streams outlined above, trainees are expected to contribute to clinical and on-call coverage. This includes continuity clinics (one day per week) throughout the fellowship. For all research projects, trainees will be expected to present a research proposal, an interim report and a final report to the Haematology/Oncology Division, with the goal of publication within six months of completion of fellowship training.

Eligibility 

  • Certified or board-eligible in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology or Paediatric Haematology
  • Applicants may be Canadian or International

This unique two-year fellowship is geared toward early career staff or trainees from Latin America interested in the field of Paediatric Haemostasis and Thrombosis. The program aims to promote knowledge and expertise in clinical, coagulation laboratory methods, and introduce clinical research in this field. The successful candidate will be awarded a salary to support their training over the two years.

Eligibility 

  • Paediatric Haematologist with less than five years of clinical subspecialty training or a Paediatric Haematology/Oncology trainee completing their training 
  • Applicants must be of Latin American citizenship 
  • Must meet language requirements stipulated within our online application
  • Applicants must not be employed by a pharmaceutical, biomedical, medical device, or any other for-profit company/organization 
  • Applicants must provide a curriculum vitae (CV) in English encompassing their undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate education, including their previous clinical, laboratory and research experience in the field of Paediatric Thrombosis and Haemostasis. In addition, any ongoing projects including abstracts presented and/or accepted for presentation or publication should be listed. Presentations at local, provincial, national or international forums should also be numbered 
  • The possibility of returning to an academic position or to a centre that can favorably impact the lives of children with hemostatic or thrombotic conditions will be evaluated

Download application form for Latin American Fellowship in Paediatric Hemostasis and Thrombosis (PDF)

The Bone Marrow Failure and Myelodysplasia Fellowship is a combined clinical and research fellowship which may be completed over one or two-years. Trainees gain valuable experience in Paediatric Bone Marrow Failure and Myelodysplasia caring for a population of approximately 300 patients with acquired and inherited conditions.

Additionally, SickKids is the home/coordinating centre of the Canadian Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Registry (CIMFR) and the Canadian Aplastic Anemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome Study (CAMS), both multi-centred studies focus on answering clinical and translational questions on inherited and acquired disease. There are two full-day outpatient clinics per week, weekly clinical and research team meetings, and an opportunity to attend a multitude of other teaching rounds. Approximately 50 to 70 per cent of time is dedicated to basic, translational or clinical research under the supervision of a highly engaged faculty member. Clinical duties include outpatient and inpatient care, as well as on-call haematology coverage. 

Eligibility 

  • Certified or board-eligible in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology or Paediatric Haematology
  • Applicants may be Canadian or International

The Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Fellowship is a one to two-year program aiming to train the next generation of leaders in the field of BMT and Cellular Therapy. The BMT-CT program performs over 100 paediatric transplants and cell therapies each year across the range of malignant and non-malignant indications, including treatments for thalassemia, sickle cell disease, inherited and acquired bone marrow failure, metabolic disorders, immunodeficiency/dysregulatory diseases, leukemia/lymphoma, and solid tumors.

This training experience, which can be tailored to individual needs, includes managing a busy inpatient service (three to five months), a continuity clinic with longitudinal follow-up of a patient cohort and a consult service with responsibility for transplant intake, donor and preparative regimen selection, apheresis and marrow harvests.

Additional rotations include exposure to immunodeficiency patients, HLA typing and matching, transfusion medicine, laboratory experience with cell management, viral and chimerism monitoring, quality management, program development and transplant for adults with our Princess Margaret Hospital partnership.  The program is active in cellular therapies including CAR-T and gene therapy trials. There are tremendous research opportunities within the Division of Haematology/Oncology and the Research Institute. Successful candidates will participate in on-call coverage on the inpatient BMT ward. For additional training beyond completion, candidates are encouraged to apply to Garron Family Cancer Centre Research Fellowships.  

Eligibility  

  • Certified or board-eligible in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology or Paediatric Haematology
  • Applicants may be Canadian or International

The Leukemia and Lymphoma (L&L) Fellowship is a one-year program with clinical and scholarly immersion related to the care of children with leukemia, lymphoma and histiocytic disorders. Approximately 25 per cent of the children diagnosed with cancer in Canada visit SickKids. SickKids is also a national referral centre for children with relapsed/refractory or otherwise very high-risk disease.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to lead section based inpatient rounds, be responsible for the diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning and disclosure for new patients, and participate in longitudinal ambulatory care. Based on interest, fellows can be involved in the New Agents and Innovative Therapy and the Cellular Therapy trial programs.

Required scholarly activity will be tailored to the candidate's research interest and expertise. The L&L trainee is responsible for coordination of the L&L Journal Club and the mentorship of junior trainees presenting at this venue. They are expected to take on a leadership role in weekly rounds and will have the opportunity to provide teaching in our formal Academic Half Day program. On-call coverage is required, most commonly weekend daytime coverage on the inpatient haematology/oncology ward.

For additional training beyond year one, candidates are encouraged to apply to Garron Family Cancer Centre Research Fellowships.

Eligibility 

  • Certified or board-eligible in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology or Paediatric Haematology
  • Post-Doctoral board-certified Paediatric Haematology/Oncology or Paediatric Haematology trainees focused on leukemia research are also invited to apply
  • Applicants may be Canadian or International

The Meagan’s Hug Fellowship in Paediatric Neuro-Oncology is completed over a one, two or three-year period. It is an academic clinical and/or research fellowship that will provide trainees with the opportunity to train in one of the largest, world-renowned paediatric brain tumor programs and affiliated paediatric brain tumour research centres in the world. The combined clinical and research programs have a global reputation for state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary care of paediatric brain tumor patients, and excellence in clinical and research training.

Trainees will have the option to pursue a strict 12-month clinical training program with opportunities to develop the clinical academic skills necessary to practice as an expert consultant in Paediatric Neuro-Oncology at the highest level and to pursue additional research training.

The Paediatric Brain Tumor Program at SickKids has 100 primary diagnoses per year and consults on more than 200 patients worldwide. There are dedicated international twinning programs for clinical care and clinical research with centres in Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Latin America, Caribbean and others. Trainees are mentored to develop strong clinical academic skills through involvement in clinical trials, preparation of clinical manuscripts, involvement in focused clinical projects and attendance at international meetings.

Trainees who have an interest in further clinical academic or translational/basic research beyond the core 12-month clinical Neuro-oncology training as a Meagan’s Hug Fellow will have opportunities to be considered for research funding through the Garron Family Cancer Centre, and work with faculty investigators with research expertise in clinical or translational/basic science. Successful candidates will participate in on-call coverage, which is most commonly weekend daytime coverage on the in-patient haematology/oncology ward. 

Eligibility 

  • Certified or board-eligible in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology or Paediatric Haematology
  • Applicants may be Canadian or International

The Neuroblastoma Fellowship may be completed over one or two-years. The goal of training is to provide the successful candidate with experiences in two or more of the following areas: the outpatient neuroblastoma clinic program, translational research in a variety of labs with neuroblastoma related projects, experimental therapies/protocol development and the MIBG program.  The fellowship and relative duration for each component may be personalized to the interests of the applicant.

Our Neuroblastoma Program has approximately 25 new patients per year and additional local, national and international consultations, including patients with refractory neuroblastoma and genetic predisposition to neuroblastoma. Active neuroblastoma research projects include but are not limited to tumor initiating cell/ cancer stem cells, murine metastatic models, drug screening, neuroblastoma cell signaling and apoptosis, genetic predisposition to neuroblastoma.

Successful candidates will participate in on-call coverage, mostly consisting of weekend daytime coverage on the in-patient haematology/oncology ward. For additional training following the completion of this fellowship, candidates are encouraged to apply to Garron Family Cancer Centre research fellowships.

The Neuroblastoma fellowship may be combined with the New Agents and Innovative Therapies (NAIT) Fellowship. To combine these fellowships, interested candidates should highlight their interest in their letter of intent and during interview.

Eligibility 

  • Certified or board-eligible in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology or Paediatric Haematology
  • Applicants may be Canadian or International

The New Agents and Innovative Therapies (NAIT) Fellowship may be completed in one or two-years, with the goal of providing trainees with experiences in the outpatient experimental therapy/Phase 1 clinic program and in letter of intent (LOI)/protocol development for experimental therapies. Opportunities exist to participate in weekly molecular tumor board meetings and regular national teleconferences with the developmental therapeutics group. For those with interest, involvement in translational research projects may be possible in several labs with expertise in pharmacology, biomarkers, or pre-clinical models for drug development. 

On average, our Phase 1 Program has 20 to 25 patients per year and additional local, national and international consultations, including patients with relapsed or refractory leukemias/solid tumors/brain tumors. The Hospital for Sick Children has the largest Paediatric Oncology Developmental Therapeutics Program in Canada and participates in multiple industry sponsored and investigator-initiated trials, as well as those from academic consortia such as NANT (neuroblastoma), PNOC (neuro-oncology) and pedCITN (immunotherapy). An MIBG therapeutic facility opened at SickKids in early 2014 and the hospital also has a very active Cellular Therapy program for cancers.

The fellowship program and relative duration for each component may be personalized to the interests of the applicant. Successful candidates will participate in on-call coverage, most commonly weekend daytime coverage on the in-patient haematology/oncology ward. Following completion and if interested in additional training, candidates are encouraged to apply to Garron Family Cancer Centre research fellowships.

Eligibility 

  • Certified or board-eligible in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology or Paediatric Haematology
  • Applicants may be Canadian or International

The SickKids Fellowship in Childhood Cancer Survivorship is completed over a one or two-year period and will provide an opportunity for the trainee to obtain expert knowledge in the late effects of treatment for childhood cancer. It will provide trainees with exposure to survivors of childhood cancer during their childhood, adolescent and adult years. In addition to understanding the physical late effects of cancer treatment, it will also provide exposure to the neuropsychological, psychosocial and emotional sequelae of the disease and the challenges of transition from paediatric to adult care.

Trainees will attend clinics at SickKids and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Together, these constitute Canada’s largest program for childhood cancer survivors. Approximately 700 survivors are seen in clinic at SickKids each year.  

Clinical exposure will include:

  • attendance at weekly after care clinics for survivors of childhood cancer in paediatric and adult settings
  • specialized clinics for survivors of brain tumors and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
  • opportunity for rotations in other services that care for specific sequelae of childhood cancer (e.g. endocrinology, pulmonary function lab, echocardiography lab, clinical and neuropsychology)

Trainees may also gain experience in research around survivorship issues. Concurrent completion of a post-graduate degree (e.g. in clinical epidemiology or education) is a possibility. Trainees are able to develop projects ranging from basic science to clinical research by taking advantage of the numerous ongoing research initiatives in the after care section, including the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS), the Paediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) childhood cancer registry, the IMPACT cohort of survivors of AYA cancers, the Children’s Oncology Group’s (COG) Survivorship and Outcomes Committee, and CIHR-funded grants investigating cardiac and vascular outcomes in survivors. Successful candidates will participate in on-call coverage, most commonly weekend daytime coverage on the in-patient haematology/oncology ward.  

Eligibility  

  • Certified or board-eligible in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology or Paediatric Haematology.
  • Applicants may be Canadian or International 

The two-year fellowship in Cancer Genetics is established in recognition of extant, emerging and anticipated advances in molecular medicine that add levels of complexity to the care of children with cancer. The ‘grey zone’ of transition from laboratory-based discovery research to translational clinical application has been blurred with the very rapid implementation of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology into medical decision-making models.

As such, it is incumbent on us to rethink our traditional discipline-specific training methods to ensure that the current and next generation of practitioners are familiar with, expert in, and will adapt their practices to incorporate these exciting yet complex discoveries and technical tools. These can be encapsulated under the following six themes:

  1. The rapid emergence of NGS platforms as new diagnostic tools in paediatric cancer
  2. Recognition of the critical importance of the cancer genome, transcriptome and methylome in explaining cancer biology
  3. opportunities that NGS provide for more precise diagnosis and risk stratification of common and rare cancers; 4) incorporation of economically manageable NGS platforms into CLIA-certified molecular diagnostic labs; 5) the ability to identify new molecular targets in relapsed patients, metastatic and ‘hard to treat’ cancers and creation of novel clinical trial design to incorporate innovative therapies such as immunotherapy and molecular inhibitors that rely on an understanding of the molecular architecture of tumors; and 6) the recognition that heritable genetic factors may play a role in the etiology of at least 40% of childhood cancers, leading to challenges for genetic testing, counselling and interpretation and application of gene-based results. 
    The Cancer Genetics Fellowship consists of intensive training in hereditary cancer and genetics including the diagnosis and management of patients and families with a germline cancer predisposition. The trainee will develop unique expertise decision-making for genetic testing, management and surveillance for patients (particularly children) with a hereditary cancer syndrome.  The trainees will also participate in two ½-day clinics/week (CG clinic is one full day/week). Hospital call will be required. Trainees receive teaching in epidemiology, genetic counselling, adult cancer genetics, precision oncology/medicine and medical ethics.
    The two-year curriculum is constructed as follows:
    Year 1: Clinical (60%) + Research (30%) + Other (10%) 
    Year 2: Clinical (20%) + Research (70%) + Other (10%) 
    Please click here for the detailed curriculum structure.  
    The objectives of the training include; developing skills in working with a team of genetic counsellors, geneticists, paediatric/adult oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, and site-specific clinical specialists (e.g. Endocrinology, GI), bioinformaticians, psychologists and ethicists in field of cancer genetics; developing diagnostic and interpretative skills in a wide variety of hereditary cancer syndromes; developing the ability to communicate results to medical genetic professionals, to other clinicians (e.g. oncologists), laboratory personnel, and directly to patients and their families and recognize the psychological implications of a genetic problem in the family; develop skills in structuring appropriate differential diagnosis’s and planning an appropriate course of investigation with respect to a personal and family history of cancer, including outpatient programs, appropriate utilization of paramedical personnel, medical record keeping and quality assurance; developing and implementing appropriate surveillance strategies for genetically at-risk patients; learn to interpret laboratory investigations that pertain to cancer predisposition; development of a research interest and scientific portfolio in hereditary cancer genetics.

Eligibility 

  • Certified or board-eligible in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology or Paediatric Haematology
  • Applicants may be Canadian or International

The Histiocytosis Fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Canada is a one-year training program providing focused exposure to clinical and academic activities involving children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and Rare Histiocytic Disorders (RHD). A formal Histiocytosis Program was established at Sickkids in 2020, where approximately 20 new cases of LCH, 14 new cases of HLH and 6 new cases of RHD are annually diagnosed. Sickkids is the National Canadian Coordinating Centre for the LCH-IV International Treatment Trial and the international coordinating centre for the International Rare Histiocytic Disorders Registry (IRHDR).

The successful candidate will be responsible for the diagnostic assessment, management and disclosure of new histiocytosis patients, as well as participate in the weekly Histiocytosis clinics.

Fellows are expected to participate in research projects regarding histiocytic disorders which will be tailored to their expertise. They are also expected to provide teaching to pediatric residents and to fellows in our Academic Half-Day program, and to participate in other educational activities of the Histiocytosis program. Contribution to out of hours pediatric oncology coverage is required. In addition, other Leukemia-Lymphoma and/or BMT clinical opportunities are available according to the candidate’s interests and goals.

 Eligibility

  • Certified or board-eligible in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology or Paediatric Haematology
  • Candidates who have completed two years of training in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology or Paediatric Haematology
  • Canadian citizenship/permanent residency is not required; International candidates are encouraged to apply.

Medical Students & Electives

The Elective Program in Haematology/Oncology at SickKids is available to medical students, residents and haematology/oncology elective trainees. Students and trainees are exposed to some of the most unique cases, technologies and research opportunities available in Canada. Depending on their interest, students and trainees can choose between paediatric oncology, haematology or participate in both disciplines. In addition, both inpatient and outpatient experiences are available. Students and trainees should indicate to the Haematology/Oncology Education Office their preference and date when booking an elective. 

Electives are a maximum of four (4) weeks during an academic year (July 1 – June 30). For inpatient and outpatient Haematology/Oncology elective rotations, prior completion of a core paediatric rotation is strongly recommended. All elective applications are processed and must be approved by the Elective Office, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.

How to apply

  • University of Toronto medical students, applications are processed via MedSIS.
  • Medical students outside of the University of Toronto, applications are processed via the AFMC Portal.

International and US Medical Students are encouraged to visit the University of Toronto Medical Electives site and scroll down to “Visiting North American and International Medical Students” section.

As a postgraduate medical resident, you may register for an elective rotation at the University of Toronto in order to satisfy a specified part of the requirements of the ongoing residency training program in which you are enrolled at your home institution. In order to be considered for elective training, applicants must be eligible for a certificate authorizing postgraduate education (an educational-type medical license) from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). 

All resident elective trainees must have confirmation from their program director and our Education Training Program Office (education.haemonc@sickkids.ca) prior to applying. The elective training period is a maximum of four weeks, due to the volume of training requests. 

How to apply

All resident elective trainees are advised to review the University of Toronto Post MD Education site outlining applicant categories, processes and required documentation. Once all requirements are fulfilled, you will receive an email notifying you of your start date and subsequent emails which will include orientation details. 

Canadian/Permanent Resident residency trainees, must submit application and documents through the University of Toronto - PGME Electives Program website. 

All International residency trainees must submit their requests and documentation to education.haemonc@sickkids.ca. International applicants require a work permit for the full duration of their elective training. 

For all inquiries, contact the Haematology/Oncology Education Office at education.haemonc@sickkids.ca. 

SickKids Paediatric Haematology/Oncology is one of the largest training programs in Canada. We have the privilege of being able to accommodate many trainees. However, we do not have capacity to accept observers.

Contact Haematology/Oncology

 

Haematology/Oncology and Sears Cancer Clinics 

Phone: 416-813-5859 

 

Inpatient Ward 8A 

Phone: 416-813-6934 

Inpatient Ward 8B 

Phone: 416-813-6915 

 

Haematology/Oncology Administrative Office 

Phone: 416-813-8885 

Fax: 416-813-5327 

Our history

During the 1970s, SickKids’ paediatric oncology unit was housed at Princess Margaret Hospital, while the haematology service was located within the Hospital. In 1980, on the recommendation of a task force, oncology was moved to SickKids, and the two services were combined into the Division of Haematology/Oncology in the following year. 

The first-ever bone marrow transplant

In 1974, the Division Head, Dr. Peter McClure, performed the first-ever paediatric bone marrow transplant and SickKids soon became known as a leading centre for this procedure. Other significant achievements of the Division's haematology branch include the development of a comprehensive haemophilia program in 1983 and a sickle-cell anemia program in 1985.  

A dedicated oncology program begins

Haematology research flourished, with landmark studies of congenital bone marrow and hemoglobin disorders, and of inherited and acquired paediatric bleeding disorders. 

Initially, oncology was viewed as an add-on to the primary focus of the Division, namely the haematological diseases of childhood. The ensuing years saw a dramatic increase in our knowledge of the etiology and treatment of childhood malignancies, and the need for a separate oncology program within the Division became clear.  

Over the past two decades, growth in the combined division of paediatric haematology, oncology and haematopoietic stem cell (bone marrow) transplantation has been consolidated through the recruitment of new full-time faculty and the creation of multidisciplinary disease-specific sections/programs in both haematology and oncology.  

The division now boasts one endowed chair (The SickKids Women's Auxiliary Millennium Chair in Paediatric Haematology/Oncology) and funds to allow specialist training in thrombosis (The Baxter BioScience Endowed Fellowship in Paediatric Haemostasis), leukemia (the Markel Fellowship in Cancer Research), and paediatric oncology (Bank of Montreal Financial Group Oncology Fellowship and Scotiabank Clinician Scientist Training Fund). 

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