Summer Student - Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research
Company Description
UHN is Canada's No. 1 hospital and the world's No. 1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members. UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.
UHN's vision is to build A Healthier World and its only because of the talented and dedicated people who work here that we are continually bringing that vision closer to reality.
Job Description
Summer student position to support the following study: A quality improvement project to improve the use of 3D LVEF, GLS and diastology assessment in the UHN Echo lab
Union: Non-Union
Site: Toronto General Hospital
Department: Cardiology
Reports to: Dr. Mali Worme
Work Model: Hybrid
Grade: A0:90
Hours: 35
Salary: 17.20 - $20.30 per hour. Start rate non-negotiable. (To commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN compensation policy)
Shifts: Monday to Friday
Status: Temporary Full-time
Closing Date: March 3rd, 2025
Job Details:
Seeking a highly motivated summer student to join the Echocardiography Lab for a QI project aimed at improving the assessment and diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction, utilization of 3D LVEF and also Global Longitudinal Strain at the UHN Echo Lab. The project will focus on enhancing the quality and consistency of these diagnostic modalities to optimize the diagnostic yield for our patient population.
As part of the team, the student will gain experience in clinical research, quality improvement processes, and data analysis, while also working closely with sonographers, cardiologists, and scientists. The student will play an integral role in assessing the current state of echocardiogram reports, supporting workflow integration, and contributing to training and educational efforts. This is a great opportunity for students interested in cardiology, healthcare quality improvement, and clinical research.
Educational Objectives:
Gain a deeper understanding of the role echocardiography plays in diagnosing diastolic dysfunction. Plus the role 3D LVEF and GLS play in diagnosing cardiac pathology.
Learn about quality improvement techniques and the process of protocol integration within a clinical setting.
Develop skills in clinical research, data collection, and analysis, particularly within the context of medical diagnostics.
Acquire knowledge of the ASE guidelines for diastolic dysfunction, technical knowledge of 3D echocardiography and speckle tracking (GLS). Gain insight into evidence-based practices in cardiology.
Enhance communication and teamwork skills through collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.
Proposed deliverables at the end of the placement:
Report on Baseline Assessment: A comprehensive analysis of the current echocardiogram reports at UHN, detailing the proportion that include diastolic function assessments, and the accuracy of those assessments compared to ASE guidelines. As well as detailing the proportion that include 3D LVEF and GLS (when indicated by guidelines).
Workflow Integration Summary: Documentation of the integration of the updated (2025) ASE diastolic dysfunction protocol into the sonographers workflow, including any challenges and successes encountered.
Educational Materials: Development or support in the creation of educational materials or training sessions for sonographers and fellows about the new workflow, plus sessions on optimization of 3D and GLS acquisition/interpretation.
Impact Evaluation: A summary of the impact of the workflow changes on diagnostic accuracy, discrepancy rates, and sonographer productivity, including any iterative improvements made during the project.
Final Presentation/Report: A presentation or written summary of key learnings, findings, and contributions to the project.
Qualifications
Education:
Enrolled in an undergraduate program in a relevant field such as biology, health sciences, biomedical sciences, or pre-medical studies. Students with an interest in cardiology, medical imaging, or healthcare quality improvement are especially encouraged to apply.
Experience:
Previous coursework or experience in medical terminology, health sciences, or clinical research is an asset but not required.
Familiarity with data collection and analysis is a plus, especially in a healthcare or research setting.
Skills:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with attention to detail.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is preferred.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to healthcare protocols and standards.
Other Requirements:
A professional and compassionate attitude toward patient care.
Willingness to learn and adapt to new workflows and research methodologies.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Student must be legally able to work in Canada full time during the positionStudent must be legally able to work in Canada full time during the position
Additional Information
Why join UHN?
In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.
- Competitive offer packages
- Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
- Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
- A flexible work environment
- Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
- Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)
Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.
Vaccines (COVID and others) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption on a medical ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.
UHN is a respectful, caring, and inclusive workplace. We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity and equal opportunity. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known in advance. Any information received related to an accommodation will be addressed confidentially.
University Health Network thanks all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.
UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.
Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.
UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.