CLINICAL ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY

The Adult Clinical Immunology & Allergy Program at the University of Manitoba offers varied and organized training in the subspecialty, which is enhanced by close academic interactions with the Section of Pediatric Allergy and the Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba. These ties afford great opportunities for both a varied clinical and research experience. Trainees have over many years produced peer-reviewed manuscripts and presented their work at national and international meetings.

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

The program is approved by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Students wishing to become accredited are expected to do two years of training, of which six months may be used to provide experience in research.

The main institution of training is the Health Sciences Centre, with 8 half day Clinical Immunology and Allergy clinics per week, as well as in patient consults. Consultations are also seen at St Boniface General Hospital and occasionally at non-teaching hospitals.

Although there are required rotations (adult and pediatric clinical immunology and allergy, PFT lab, Immunoprotein lab, rheumatology, transplant, occupational medicine, research) the program provides sufficient flexibility in elective rotations to meet the requirements of the Royal College as well as address the specific interests of the trainee.  Over the two years, the trainee will gain a sound background in immunology theory with weekly immunology rounds as well as 1-2 postgraduate immunology courses.  Three, one hour academic sessions are held per week, including journal club, chapter review of Middleton’s “Allergy Principles and Practice” as well as Abbas “Cellular and Molecular Immunology”.  The academic sessions are held together with the pediatric allergy trainees. Attending attendance at academic sessions is excellent.  Evening journal club is held once per month with community allergists in attendance. The program participates in the Canadian Immunodeficiency Society video conference rounds, which are held four times per year.

Over the two years, the trainee will develop expertise in management of the following conditions:

• Clinical immunology, including autoimmune inflammatory conditions and immunodeficiency
• Atopic disease, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, dermatis,
• Drug hypersensitivity
• Venom allergy
• Latex allergy
• Pediatric allergy & immunology
• Urticaria / angioedema and hereditary angioedema

CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY AND ALLERGY AS A CAREER

Atopic disease is on the rise in Canada and the Western Hemisphere. Currently there is a shortage of specialists in Canada, which is expected to worsen with retirements within the next decade. The specialty is predominantly out patient, in the community, although new programs in Vancouver, Edmonton and Halifax will require additional academic specialists.

For further information regarding the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Training Program please contact:

Jacki Armstrong
Education Coordinator, Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Department of Internal Medicine
University of Manitoba
GF328 - 820 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg, MB  R3A 1R9
Ph:    204-787-7693
Fax:  204-787-4528
Email: jarmstrong4@hsc.mb.ca

Contact:
Dr. C. Kalicinsky MD FRCPC
Training Program Director
ckalicinsky@hsc.mb.ca