Core Paediatric Cardiology Training Program
The Division of Cardiology at The Hospital for Sick Children was established in 1938, as one of the first dedicated units treating children with congenital heart disease. Almost 80 years later, the Division remains one of the most prestigious and productive in the world. In collaboration with the University of Toronto, we offer a comprehensive three-year training program in general paediatric cardiology that is accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the American Board of Pediatrics.
Rotations are offered in in-patient cardiology, ambulatory cardiac clinic, cardiac critical care, echocardiography, fetal echocardiography, electrophysiology, interventional catheterization, heart function and cardiac transplantation, cardiac imaging, and adult congenital heart disease. This is complemented by various daily teachings and protected weekly academic half days, which contribute to a rich teaching environment.
Contact
For questions, please contact us at cardiology.meded@sickkids.ca or (416) 813-7467.
SickKids is the #1 research intensive hospital in Canada
Program Structure
The first year of the program is focused primarily on clinical cardiology. Rotations include:
- Inpatient cardiology
- Cardiology consultations
- Echocardiography
- Electrophysiology
- MRI/CT
- Outpatient clinic
- Research (1 month)
- Cardiac catheterization
The second year of training incorporates rotations in the cardiac ICU as well as additional training in the core disciplines of cardiology. Significant time is spent in research during the second year.
- Cardiac ICU
- Cardiac catheterization
- Echocardiography (including transesophageal and fetal)
- Electrophysiology
- Heart function and transplant
- Longitudinal outpatient clinic
- Research (3 months)
The third year of training solidifies training in the core disciplines as well as giving autonomy to the trainee in ‘senior fellow’ roles. Again, significant time is dedicated to elective and research time.
- Inpatient cardiology (as a senior fellow)
- Cardiac ICU
- Echocardiography (including TEE, fetal, review)
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiac catheterization
- Longitudinal outpatient clinic
- Adult Congenital Cardiology (located in Toronto General Hospital)
- Research/Elective (4 months)
In-hospital on call is a requirement of the fellowship program. We have a 24+2 hour on call rule (PARO guideline) meaning that you will have the day off following your on call. Third year trainees participate in in echo back up on call to provide support for new first year trainees (home call). An on call stipend is provided.
We have a robust system of assessment within the program with Competency Based medical education at the heart of our program.
- Our program has fully transitioned to Competency by Design (CBD) since 2020.
- Training is divided into four stages:
- Transition to discipline,
- Foundations of discipline,
- Core of discipline and, finally,
- Transition to practice.
- Trainees are evaluated based on Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) and In-Training Assessment Reports (ITARs). The competency committee meets regularly and reviews each trainee’s progress and determines their suitability to progress to the next stage of training. A faculty advisor provides feedback to the trainee following these meetings.
- Trainees from each year of core training are required to write the In-Training Examination of the American Board of Pediatrics at the beginning of each academic year. This gives candidates the opportunity to compare their knowledge with other individuals at the same level of training.
- Electronic In-Training Assessment Reports (ITARs) are automatically sent to the rotation supervisor at the end of each rotation. After the supervising cardiologist completes the electronic evaluation form, it is forwarded to the trainee who will review and sign it online. Faculty meet to discuss the evaluations with the trainees upon completion of the rotation.
- Participation in Annual OSCE. Provides an opportunity to prepare for the Royal College certifying examination as well as receive feedback as to how they compare to their peers.
Program Leadership
Program Director
Conall Morgan
Dr. Conall Morgan is a staff cardiologist at SickKids, specializing in Echocardiography, Program Director of the Paediatric Cardiology Training Program, physician lead of the Cardiac Transition Service and Assistant Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto. Most recently, Dr. Morgan obtained a master’s degree in medical education and has won multiple teaching awards both during his time as a fellow and as faculty for his contribution to the education of paediatric residents.
Current Chief Fellow(s)
Mohammed Abed
Ali Lootah
Program Coordinator - Education
Ashley Cunha
- Dr. Conall Morgan (Chair)
- Dr. Alex Floh
- Dr. Alyssa Power
- Dr. Andreea Dragulescu
- Dr. Elizabeth Stephenson
- Dr. Koyelle Papneja
- Dr. Nicholas Fitzgerald
- Dr. Mike Seed
- Dr. Danielle Massarella
- Chief Resident/Fellow(s)
- Elected Resident/Fellow representatives from each year
Mentorship
We believe that strong mentorship is key to a successful fellowship and successful career. Each fellow is paired with both a personal/career mentor and a research mentor. They will remain with you during the duration of the training program. The program director also serves to provide mentorship during semi-annual reviews and on ad hoc basis throughout your training.
Research Opportunities
The Division of Cardiology has a long history of research excellence, and the training program encourages our trainees to get involved in research projects throughout the duration of their training. Dedicated research rotations occur in each year. A formal research curriculum has been incorporated into our academic half day to provide you with the foundational principles of research. Each trainee is assigned a research mentor.
A scholarship oversight committee provides additional guidance and mentorship around trainee's scholarly activity. The program provides funding for trainees to attend a scientific conference annually (because on occasion, they can attend more than one). There is an annual trainee research award awarded to a trainee who demonstrated excellence in scholarly work over the previous year. Dedicated research fellowships and innovation seed funding for research projects are available through a peer-reviewed process. Funding and conference leave is provided to attend conferences on an annual basis.
Wellness
The physical, psychological, and social wellbeing of our trainees is key to our success as a training program. We have a Wellness Committee made up of both faculty and fellows that strive to improve the wellness of our trainees. Initiatives include:
- Annual trainee retreat
- Yoga and running clubs
- Balint groups for debriefing after traumatic events
- Strengthening our mentorship program
- Establish a wellness curriculum
- Social events
- Career evenings
Visit the Office of Postgraduate Wellness for additional wellness resources.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
As a training program that accepts trainees from all over the world, we welcome different perspectives as it is this diversity that drives innovation and growth. We strive to cultivate an environment where everyone feels comfortable being their true selves, where differences are respected and valued and where trainees are empowered to collaborate and share their ideas. By recognizing, addressing, and minimizing bias and inequities, we are working to create a space that is open, supportive, and respectful.
Here are a few examples of the initiatives within our Program
- Allyship Training
- Implicit Bias Training
- Hidden Curriculum Training
See more EDI programs at SickKids and the University of Toronto:
Application Information
Please note that this section applies to applications for the 3 year general pediatric training program only.
Eligibility
- You must be a licensed paediatrician or eligible for licensing in your home jurisdiction.
- We accept applicants from across North America and internationally.
The academic year commences on July 1 and ends on June 30. Trainees are expected to start on July 1 and all registration requirements must be in place prior to the start date.
How to apply
International Applicants including US citizens:
- Complete the online Fellowship Application Form
- Upload the Application Package online at the end of the Application Form, which consists of the following documents:
- Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (Please include date of birth, home address and country of birth)
- Letter of Intent
- Photocopy of your Medical Degree (University degree)
- Notarized translation of your medical degree in English – if applicable
- Photocopy of your Paediatrics Certificate or if you are currently a Paediatric trainee, please arrange for your program director or specialty board (e.g. American Board of Pediatrics) to provide us with a letter of good standing
- Notarized translation of your specialty certificate (Paediatrics) in English – if applicable
- Three (3) Reference Letters (on official letterhead dated within the last 12 months in .pdf format), including one Reference Letter from your Program Director, to be emailed to the Heart Centre Medical Education email addressed to:
Dr. Conall Morgan
Program Director
Division of Cardiology
Hospital for Sick Children
Email: cardiology.meded@sickkids.ca
Canadian Applicants:
Canadian applicants training in Canadian or American residency pediatric programs must apply through CaRMS.
Deadlines
Processing times have changed. Applications will be accepted from September 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026 for the academic year commencing July 1, 2027.
Please note that deadlines are firm, and letters of reference must be received before the deadline to complete the application process. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Funding
For international applicants, there are two funding pathways:
- The Hospital for Sick Children Payroll: These positions are fully funded by the Department of Pediatrics at SickKids.
- Externally Funded: These positions may be funded by an outside institution or scholarship. There is a strict requirement with respect to the minimum salary required. A funding confirmation letter must be provided by the institution or scholarship immediately following acceptance into the program.
Beshoy Botros, MD
Paediatric Residency: Western University, London, ON, Canada
Catalina Vargas-Acevedo, MD
Paediatric Residency: Universidad de los Andes, Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia
Katarina Lannering, MD
Paediatric Residency: Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
Megha Unadkat, MD
Paediatric Residency: Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
Thomas Karas, MD
Paediatric Residency: Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
Second Year
Leonard Grossman, MD
Paediatrics Residency: University Hospital of Düsseldorf, Germany
Marcelo Galindo, MD
Paediatrics Residency: TecSalud School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mexico
Swapna Sivadas Thilakam, MD
Paediatrics Residency: Baroda Medical College, India
Third Year
Mohammed Abed, MD
Paediatrics Residency: Sheba Medical Center, Israel
Ali Lootah, MD
Paediatrics Residency: University of Toronto, ON, Canada
José Luis López Guillén, MD
Paediatrics Residency: University General Hospital, Valencia, Spain
Past Trainees
Michael Gritti, MD (Chief Fellow)
Ahmed Hassan, MD
Rajkamal Lalli, MD
Gilles Mets, MD
Osama Abumregha, MD (Chief Fellow)
Jose Aldana Aguirre, MD
Alexandra Taylor, MD
Pierre-Olivier Veillette, MD
Yuval Bitterman, MD (Chief Fellow)
Joshua Griesman, MD
Katie Losenno, MD
Carlos Villalobos, MD
Abdulaziz Alosaimi, MD
Devin Chetan, MD
Alison Howell, MD (Co-Chief Fellow)
Bhavikkumar Langanecha, MD (Co-Chief Fellow)
Frequently Asked Questions
Once all applications have been reviewed, all candidates will be notified by the Education Coordinator of the status of their application.
We happily accept international applicants for both the Paediatric Cardiology Core Training Program and the Subspecialty Fellowship Program. Funding is available for a limited number of positions in each academic year.
Applicants can also be externally funded by an outside institution, government, scholarship and/or grant. Please note, there is a strict requirement with the minimum salary required. A funding confirmation letter must be provided by the institution or scholarship immediately following acceptance into the program.
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