CINQ 2014 summer studentship research opportunities:
Development of iBook for teaching concepts in Adult Congenital Heart Disease. Our Primary Objective is to create
an electronic learning tool that will clearly explicate difficult and common anatomic concepts in ACHD using a
variety of illustrations, echocardiographic and multi-modality images. The electronic tool will use the iBook
platform, be free of charge to all trainees, and be available at the point of care. Our Secondary objective, will be to
evaluate the usefulness of this new learning tool by comparing test scores between iBook users and a control group
taught using a standard textbook and curriculum. Suitable for First or Second Year Students. Project funding applied
for, not yet obtained. Under supervision of Dr. Amer Johri, Division of Cardiology. Email at
cinq.research@gmail.com
Evaluation of Carotid Plaque Quantification as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Outcomes through Linkage of a
Clinical Cohort Database to the ICES Data Holdings. Our primary objective is to determine the correlation between
plaque quantified and cardiovascular outcomes (death, myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, stroke,
emergency room visit, hospital admission). In order to describe healthcare utilization and outcomes, we will link the
cases identified in the clinical cohort database to the administrative data holdings at the Institute for Clinical
Evaluative Sciences (ICES). Suitable for First or Second Year Students. Project funding applied for, not yet
obtained. Under supervision of Dr. Amer Johri, Division of Cardiology. Email at cinq.research@gmail.com
Effect of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Atherosclerosis in Metabolic Syndrome. We propose a prospective,
double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, Pilot trial. Using 3-Dimensional Ultrasound plaque quantification
techniques, we will study the effects of L-C, on the progression of atherosclerosis in patients with MetS. L-C
supplementation is known to ameliorate cardiovascular risk factors but its effects on atherosclerosis are unknown.
This project is being conducted in collaboration with Dr. Spence at the Robarts Research Institute in London, and
initiating a working relationship with CERU. Suitable for First or Second Year Students. Funding secured. Under
supervision of Dr. Amer Johri, Division of Cardiology. Email at cinq.research@gmail.com
Investigating the potential of introducing Hand-held Cardiac Ultrasound technology to physicians and medical
learners through a simulation based teaching intervention. CINQ has designed a novel and innovative Hand-held
Ultrasound Skills Certification Course by developing rich electronic modules in coordination with MEdTech
Central, and working with the SimLab to acquire and develop a state-of-the-art cardiac ultrasound simulation
program. We have an ongoing research program focussed on assessing innovative methodologies of teaching HHCU
skills and evaluating learners’ ability to acquire and maintain HHCU skills through a novel teaching intervention
and ongoing quality control program. The technological advancement of HHCU devices presents an opportunity for
improvement in the effectiveness of patient care by accelerating cardiac pathology diagnosis. Suitable for First or
Second Year Students. Project funding applied for, not yet obtained. Under supervision of Dr. Amer Johri, Division
of Cardiology. Email at cinq.research@gmail.com
The Three-Dimensional Carotid Ultrasound Combined with Stress Echocardiography (3D CSE) for the Assessment
of Cardiovascular Disease. The primary objective of this study is to assess the sensitivity and NPV of the 3D Carotid
Stress Echo (3D CSE) for ruling out significant CAD. The 3D CSE test is defined by combining 3D carotid
ultrasound plaque volume quantification with a dobutamine stress echocardiogram. The secondary objective is to
investigate 2D carotid ultrasound combined with stress echocardiography (2D CSE), because 3D carotid ultrasound
is a newly developed technique not available at all centers. We have previously shown that 2D carotid ultrasound
has a lower sensitivity and NPV than 3D. Suitable for First or Second Year Students. Funding secured. Under
supervision of Dr. Amer Johri, Division of Cardiology. Email at cinq.research@gmail.com