Fellowship Training and Observer Visits

Accepting Fellowship Applications for January 2025 Onwards

There are two funded and potentially one un-funded fellowship in Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery available at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.  Fellows typically train for a one year period (special arrangements can be made for a 2 year fellowship). The funded position provides CDN$70,000 (plus benefits) for one year and the un-funded position must be financially supported by your home institution or government.

Fellows will have hands-on participation in all stereotactic & functional procedures at Vancouver General Hospital and UBC Hospital. The Vancouver Functional Neurosurgery program is the only neurosurgical facility in British Columbia (>5 million people) performing:

• Deep Brain Stimulation (thalamic, pallidal, subthalamic, anterior nucleus of thalamus)
• Deep Brain Stimulation research (spasmodic dysphonia, depression)
• Lesion surgery (Anterior Capsulotomy, Pallidotomy, Thalamotomy)
• Pain surgery (Cordotomy, Mesencephalotomy, Punctate Myelotomy, Trigeminal Rhizotomy)
• Trigeminal Nucleotractotomy
• Motor Cortex Stimulation

We also have a very large referral base for trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. Fellows will get hands-on experience with percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy and microvascular decompression (V, VII, IX, X).

Our facilities include microelectrode recording and Stealth Neuronavigation. We have a strong collaboration with the movement neurologists at U.B.C. and our Neuropsychology team. Fellows will be required to participate in clinical research and will help run the Deep Brain Stimulation Clinic. in the DBS Clinic, fellows will learn how to adjust DBS parameters and resolve complications.

Two of our previous fellows have provided articles describing their experience during Fellowship training.

Mr. Ian Low’s article was published in the Royal College of Surgeons of England Bulletin. You can read this article by clinking the link Ann R Coll Surg Engl (Suppl) 2007:89:354-356.

Dr. Michael Hart’s article was published in the December 2022 issue of Surgeons’ News from the Royal College of Surgeons. You can read this article by clicking the link Surgeons’ News Dec 2022.

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About Vancouver, BC

Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics! Prof. Honey hosted the 3rd World Congress on Microvascular Decompression (MVD) and the treatment of cranial nerve disorders in Vancouver July 8-10, 2022. He also hosted the 16th World Congress of the International Neuromodulation Society in Vancouver May 11-16, 2024. The American Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery held its biannual meeting here in 2008. The International Congress on Parkinson’s Disease was held here in 1999.  Vancouver is known for its outstanding outdoor activities, restaurants, and safe environment. The best ski resort in North America, Whistler-Blackcomb, is 90 minutes away. The climate is tempered by the Pacific Ocean. Information about Vancouver, Canada can be found at www.tourism-vancouver.org.

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Previous Clinical Fellows

A list of our past fellows can be found on our Previous Clinical Fellows page.

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Application for Clinical Fellowships:

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Eligible candidates include:

See all the requirements at the British Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons website

1. Licensed to practice neurosurgery in Canada or their home country (Clinical Fellow); or still completing neurosurgery training in Canada or their home country (Clinical Trainee)
2. Planning a career in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery
3. Proficiency in English (oral and written) is required.  This is a requirement from the British Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in order to provide a temporary educational medical license. These are the minimum English requirements to apply.  In summary, candidates who did NOT receive their medical training in English, must submit proof of proficiency in English from one of the accredited Examinations. Forward your Test Report Form (TRF) by including the British Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons or forward your TRF number to the College. Scores are valid for two years from the date taken.
4. Be legally entitled to live and work in Canada.

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Interested candidates should send:

1. A letter outlining why they wish to train in stereotactic & functional Neurosurgery
2. Two letters of reference (including a letter of support from their Chairman)
3. Their curriculum vitae (highlighting publications)
4. Their email address, fax and cell phone contact numbers to:

Christopher R. Honey, MD, D.Phil., FRCSC, FACS
Professor & Head of Neurosurgery, UBC
Suite 8105, 2775 Laurel St.
Vancouver, BC
Canada  V5Z 1M9
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tel: +1 604 875 5894
fax: +1 604 875 4882

There is more general information on Clinical Fellowships at the University of British Columbia Post-Graduate Medical Education Web Site.

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Application for Observership Visits:

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia allows surgeons from other countries to visit our facility if they want to watch and learn how we operate. If your visit is less than 7 days, you do not have to demonstrate proficiency in English. If your visit is more than a week, you will have to complete an IELTS exam within two years of your visit and meet the College requirements. The details of the requirements for “Visiting Physicians” are available on the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia website. You will need to send a letter to Professor Honey detailing why you would like to visit and include a CV. Dr. Honey will then send a letter to the College agreeing to supervise your visit. The College will then send you the necessary forms.