UBC offers a one-year Adult Thrombosis Medicine Area of Focused Competency (AFC) clinical training program accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC).
Goals of Training & Certification
Our training program provides fellows with the competencies to practice independently as Thrombosis Specialists in Canada. Fellows develop expertise in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of venous thromboembolism, management of antithrombotic therapy, and interpretation of laboratory assays relevant to Thrombosis Medicine in both inpatient and outpatient settings. They also gain skills in scholarly work through participation in either a research or quality improvement project.
The CanMEDS competencies that define a diplomate in Adult Thrombosis Medicine are outlined by the RCPSC in the Adult Thrombosis Medicine Competencies (PDF) document. Trainees who successfully complete all core competencies and rotations can apply for a Diploma certificate in Adult Thrombosis Medicine from the RCPSC (the DRCPSC).
Eligibility
Trainees must have a Royal College certification or equivalent in Internal Medicine or Emergency Medicine or be enrolled in a Royal College accredited residency program in these areas. All trainees must be certified in their primary specialty in order to be eligible to submit a Royal College certification portfolio in Adult Thrombosis Medicine.
Program Structure and Academic Activities
The program is divided into the following core rotations:
- Paul’s Hospital (SPH) Thrombosis clinic and inpatient service: 7-8 blocks
- Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) Thrombosis clinic and inpatient service: 2-3 blocks
- Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH) Thrombosis ambulatory clinic: 1 block
- Scholarly Rotation for completion of an academic project: 1 block
Early in their training, fellows attend dedicated Hematopathology teaching sessions. A flexible elective block also allows fellows to pursue specific career goals and aspirations, or to complete an out of province clinical rotation at another AFC accredited Thrombosis training site (either the University of Ottawa, McMaster University, or McGill University).
Beyond clinical training, fellows are expected to participate in a scholarly project, which could involve research or a quality improvement initiative. A 4-week block is granted for completion of the Scholarly Project, although work on the project is expected to continue throughout the academic year.
Fellows are also involved in medical education and academic activities, including the following:
- Delivery of case-based teaching sessions to Internal Medicine residents and undergraduate trainees in the Clinical Teaching Unit.
- Attendance and presentation at monthly Thrombosis Journal Clubs hosted by the St. Paul’s Hospital Thrombosis Physicians.
- Attendance and presentation at monthly BC Thrombosis Network Rounds, attended by Thrombosis Specialists, Hematologists, Internists and visiting lecturers across the province.
Application Process
Prospective applicants must submit a complete application package to the Program Director (Dr. Alejandro Dau) by November 30 of each year for a July 01 start on the subsequent year.
The application package consists of the following:
- Letter of intent outlining the candidate’s career and training goals.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Two letters of support, including one from the candidate’s current specialty Program Director (if applicable).
- Evaluations from post-graduate clinical rotations.
Eligible applicants are reviewed by a Selection Committee and invited to interview. Candidates are notified of the Program Committee’s decision by December 30 of each year. Successful applicants must notify the Program Director in writing of their acceptance to the program by January 15, for those starting the program July of the same year.
We are currently accepting up to two candidates per academic year.
Useful Link
UBC Area of Focused Competency: https://postgrad.med.ubc.ca/prospective-trainees/area-of-focused-competency-afc/
For further questions related to the Adult Thrombosis Medicine AFC, please contact the Program Director, Dr. Alejandro Dau at alejandro.dau2@vch.ca.
