Psychiatrist

Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes; Fredericton; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A national military organization is seeking Psychiatrists to provide clinical care and leadership in mental health services, working closely with primary health care providers. Responsibilities include diagnostic assessments, medication management, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Ideal candidates must hold a medical degree with a specialization in Psychiatry and possess an unrestricted practice license in Canada. This role offers competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for further training and specialization.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Career advancement opportunities

Training and development programs

Qualifications

• Must be a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
• Unrestricted license to practice in Psychiatry in Canada.
• Ability to perform diagnostic assessments and follow-up care.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical care for CAF members in Canada.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary mental health team.
• Support primary care clinicians regarding operational readiness.

Skills

Clinical care

Medication management

Team collaboration

Policy development

Education

Medical degree with specialization in Psychiatry

Job description

Overview

As a member of the military, Psychiatrists belong to the Medical Specialist occupation in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and provide care and clinical leadership in mental health services at Canadian Forces Health Services facilities across Canada. They work closely with primary health care providers and multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care for CAF members. Telepsychiatry is also an available option to assist in the care of members located in remote areas of Canada or on international operations. CAF psychiatrists may also participate in military operations and training within Canada and internationally. CAF psychiatrists can also be involved in research, policy development and implementation, mentorship and education of other health care professionals and military members.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide clinical care for CAF members in Canada. These activities include:
  • diagnostic assessments and follow‑up care with an emphasis on medication management
  • collaboration with the clinicians of the multidisciplinary mental health team
  • supporting primary care clinicians in determinations of the military members’ operational readiness, as well as identifying occupational‑related restrictions and limitations related to mental disorders
• Provide subject matter expert (SME) recommendations and advice to the local and regional Canadian Forces Health Services Clinic medical leadership as well as to the local military leadership; and
• Contribute to the development and application of mental health‑related policies within the CAF.

Work Environment

CAF psychiatrists work in mental health services clinics which are typically co‑located with Canadian Forces Health Services Clinics on army, air force and naval bases across Canada, providing out‑patient type of care for military members. CAF psychiatrists work closely with the referring primary care clinician and ensure a supportive, multidisciplinary, team approach to patient care. In addition to psychiatrists, these teams include mental health nurses, psychologists, addiction counsellors, social workers and administrative support. Telepsychiatry is used as a modality to reach members remotely located in Canada or deployed on international operations.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part‑time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full‑time employment.

Entry Plans

Direct Entry Options: If you are a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have an unrestricted licence to practise in Psychiatry in a Canadian province or territory, you may be eligible for enrolment and to commence basic training.

To find out more information or to apply to the CAF you can contact our recruiters at:
[e-mail]
Please indicate in the subject line of your e-mail: MEDICAL SPECIALIST.

Training

At the first available opportunity, you will complete Basic Military Officer Qualification training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. You will take the Condensed Health Services Basic Military Officer Qualification Training which consists of two weeks of Distance Learning and four weeks of in‑house training in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu. Topics covered include general military knowledge, the principles of leadership, regulations and customs of the Forces, basic weapons handling, and first aid. Opportunities will also be provided to apply such newly acquired military skills in training exercises involving force protection, field training, navigation and leadership. A rigorous physical fitness program is also a vital part of basic training. Basic Military Officer Qualification training is provided in English or French and successful completion is a prerequisite for further training.

All physicians, including Psychiatrists, attend the Basic Medical Officer Course (BMOC) at the Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre (CFHSTC) in Borden, Ontario. Here, they are introduced to the organizational structure and history of the Canadian Forces Medical Service and the unique circumstances of practising military medicine. This course incorporates blended delivery modalities with on‑line components and a residential component. In its entirety, the training lasts six weeks and is usually available twice per year, in one‑, two‑ or three‑week sessions.

CAF Psychiatrists may be eligible to apply for the opportunity to specialise their medical practice and, when applicable, can receive subsidy in exchange for additional years of service. Supported training will normally consist of a sub‑specialty fellowship programme at a Canadian University, but may include other Post‑graduate degrees and/or courses determined to be complimentary to military practice.

As they progress in their career, Psychiatrists who demonstrate the required qualifications, ability and potential may be offered advanced training in the area of aviation medicine. This will confer enhanced understanding of the unique considerations involved in managing the care of aircrew members and includes CAF‑delivered Basic Aviation and Flight Surgeon training.

Benefits

A competitive compensation and benefits package is available for this medical specialization. Contact a Health Services Specialist Recruiter to learn more:
[e-mail]