Division of Rheumatology
Faculty:
- T. P. Anastassiades, Professor Emeritus, Division Chair, Cross-appointed to Biochemistry
- H. L. Averns, Assistant Professor
- I. Brockhausen, Associate Professor (Ph.D. - non-clinical)
- M. Joneja, Assistant Professor, Program Director
- R. Schellenberg, Assistant Professor
- T. Towheed, Associate Professor, Cross-appointed to Community Health and Epidemiology
Clinical Services
The Division of Rheumatology provides a full spectrum of Rheumatological consulting services to both in-patients and ambulatory patients. The majority of these patients are from South Eastern Ontario, but a number are from other areas of the Country. Patients are seen by referral only.
The Division provides specialized out-patient clinics in General Rheumatology, but has also focused interests in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Connective Tissue Disease, Osteoporosis and the Lupus Anticoagulant Syndrome.
Active Consultation Service is provided for the in-patients of the Centre, which have been consolidated at the Kingston General Hospital. Active consultation service is also provided for St. Maryís of the Lake Hospital, the Rehabilitation Hospital. The Division is also closely linked with the Arthritis Society Home Therapy Service, through the Ambulatory Care Program.
Research Programs
Division members are active in a number of Research areas. There is a well established program in Repair of Cartilage and Bone and advanced post-graduate training (MSc and PhD) is offered in Connective Tissue Biochemistry, through the Department of Biochemisty. There is active Epidemiology Research in a variety of areas related to Rheumatic Diseases and post- graduate training (MSc) is offered through the Department of Epidemiology. There are also strong links with Clinical Mechanics and also with Pathology and Rehabilitation. A Centre of Excellence in Bones and Joints, involving a number of cognitively related areas is currently under development. There is a strong component of Epidemiological Research in Osteoporosis, through the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CAMOS). In addition, MDs interested in a career in Research, have opportunities to register in the Clinical Investigation Program (CIP). Post-doctoral training for PhDs is also available, in the areas indicated above, but funding is on a competitive basis through limited internal sources and applications to the Arthritis Society and the Medical Research Council.
Post-Graduate Training in Rheumatology
The Division of Rheumatology and the Rheumatic Diseases Unit are fully approved for training in Rheumatology by the Canadian College of Physicians and Surgeons. This is a two-year training program, ordinarily following completion of three years of training in Internal Medicine in an approved Program. Applicants are taken on a competitive basis and funded through the Ontario Ministry of Health. A very limited number of Fellowships for Clinical training are also available through the Arthritis Society. The Training Program offers a wide spectrum of Clinical training as well as a number of Research opportunities, described above.
