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The Canadian Armed Forces is seeking an Orthopedic Surgeon who will provide trauma-focused orthopedic surgical care for its members both domestically and overseas. Ideal candidates will possess leadership skills, a sense of adventure, and the motivation to make a difference in diverse clinical settings. This position offers competitive compensation and the unique opportunity to serve in various environments and contribute significantly to health services.
As a member of the military, Orthopedic Surgeons belong to the Medical Specialist occupation in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and provide trauma-focused orthopedic surgical care for CAF members, whether at Canadian Forces Health Services Clinics/operating theatres or overseas in support of peacekeeping or humanitarian missions.
They have the opportunity to be a leader within the CAF Health Services, as well as a mentor and educator to other Health Services personnel including Medical Officers, Nursing Officers, Physician Assistants, as well as Medical, Operating Room, and Diagnostic Technicians.
Their primary responsibilities are to:
Orthopedic Surgeons in the CAF maintain their clinical readiness by being embedded as staff in tertiary care civilian hospitals across Canada, working alongside civilian colleagues. Part of their time may be spent providing consultative services to support Primary Care Clinicians at Canadian Forces Health Services Clinics. Participation in education, training, and research occurs nationally and internationally.
They belong to 1 Canadian Field Hospital and maintain operational readiness through annual military skills training and field exercises. When required, they will deploy to unique and challenging clinical environments as part of a Health Services team on domestic and international operations.
If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completing all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility regarding postings, accommodations can’t always be guaranteed, and relocations are likely. If you join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit, working part-time outside of training, typically one night per week and some weekends, with possibilities for full-time employment.
Title: Orthopedic Surgeon (Medical Specialist)
I’m Lieutenant-Colonel John McPherson, an orthopedic surgeon practicing in Kentville, Nova Scotia.
I joined the CAF to work as an orthopedic surgeon in diverse environments and locations, gaining unique experiences not available in civilian practice.
My military service has enabled me to travel, work in different countries, and encounter various clinical settings, broadening my professional and personal horizons.
The skills I’ve acquired in the military are recognized on the civilian side, especially leadership, which is integral to military training and daily operations.
The most rewarding aspect of my job is helping members recover and return to their duties, which is fulfilling both in military and civilian contexts.
A defining moment was stepping off a transport aircraft in Africa, realizing the importance and uniqueness of the work we do there, with my small team.
Ideal candidates are those with a sense of adventure, teamwork, a desire for challenges, and a motivation to make a difference.
A competitive compensation and benefits package is available. Contact a Health Services Specialist Recruiter at HSRecruiting-RecrutementSS@forces.gc.ca for more information.
If you are a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada with an unrestricted license in Orthopedic Surgery, you may be eligible to enroll and begin training.
For more information or to apply, contact our recruiters and indicate "MEDICAL SPECIALIST" in the subject line of your email.