The Malignant Hyperthermia Investigation Unit (MHIU) at Toronto General Hospital is one of the pioneering MH research center's worldwide. The MHIU is a combined diagnostic and research center. Since Dr. Beverly Britt and pharmacologist Werner Kalow laid the foundations of muscle contracture testing in the late 1960's, the MHIU has served as reference centre to healthcare providers and patients across Canada, yielding valuable scientific contributions and endeavoring in knowledge dissemination about MH. The purpose of this unique fellowship is to provide interested candidates a more in-depth knowledge of MH clinical spectrum and pathophysiology, with excellent resources for research in a well-established laboratory with multiple international collaborations. With access to a nationwide database of MH pedigrees for research and clinical purposes, our activities involve molecular genetics testing, caffeine-halothane contracture testing, investigations on various aspects of skeletal muscle physiology. Fellows will spend 3 days in Advanced Clinical Practice anesthesia services at Toronto General Hospital (see ACP fellowship for day shifts and call duties details), and 2 clinical/research days devoted to MH.
The research curriculum include learning different basic science tools including DNA/RNA/protein extraction, PCR, blots and skeletal myocytes calcium dynamics in skinned fibers. The fellow will get familiar with the diagnostic muscle biopsy for the caffeine-halothane contracture test. In addition to MH, fellows will also gain knowledge about RYR1-related myopathies and other neuromuscular disorders by getting involved in patient referrals, clinical assessment and genetic counselling of individuals at risk. Candidates, who have completed Anesthesiology residency in an accredited program are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to candidates with a graduate degree interested in lab-bench and clinical research.
.JPG)