Overview

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 peace‑keeping 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.

Responsibilities

- Provide orthopedic consultation/care for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Members in Canada.
- Lead a surgical or emergent care team in the management of injured and ill patients in Canada and in deployed settings, internationally.
- Educate and advise multidisciplinary teams on trauma and orthopedic care.
- Maintain a high level of clinical currency by holding a position within a civilian health care facility.
- Contribute to the development and application of health care policies within the CAF.

Work Environment

Orthopedic Surgeons maintain 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 in Canada. Participation in education and training tasks, as well as research opportunities, occur nationally and internationally. They belong to one Canadian Field Hospital and maintain operational readiness by participating in annual military skills training and field exercises. When required, they will be called upon to deploy to unique and challenging clinical environments as part of a Health Services team on domestic and international operations.

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 Orthopedic Surgery in a Canadian province or territory, you may be eligible for enrolment and to commence basic training.

Training

At the first available chance, you will complete Basic Military Officer Qualification training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. This includes two weeks of distance learning and four weeks of in‑house training covering general military knowledge, leadership, regulations, weapons handling, first aid, and field training.

All physicians, including Orthopedic Surgeons, attend the Basic Medical Officer Course (BMOC) at the Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre in Borden, Ontario. The six‑week programme includes blended online and residential components and is offered twice yearly.

Environmental training, an operational requirement, includes field exercises that may take place anywhere in the world.

Orthopedic Surgeons may be eligible to specialise further and, when applicable, receive subsidies in exchange for additional years of service. Supported training may include a sub‑specialty fellowship at a Canadian university or other postgraduate degrees or courses.

Advanced training opportunities include

- Mobile Surgical Resuscitation Team
- Forward Acute Care Resuscitation Team Training
- War Surgery Courses
- Definitive Surgical Trauma Care Course
- Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma
- Medical Education and Simulation
- Military and health care leadership

Part‑Time Options

Primary Reserve Orthopedic Surgeons maintain civilian employment and participate in annual military skills training and field exercises. They can volunteer for deployment on a military mission within or outside Canada. Members are paid 92.8% of Regular Force rates and may qualify for a pension plan.

Part‑time opportunities exist for a range of medical careers including Orthopedic Surgery.

Related Careers

- General Surgeon (Medical Specialist)
- Anesthesiologist (Medical Specialist)
- Internal Medicine Specialist (Medical Specialist)

📌 Orthopedic Surgeon (Medical Specialist) (Waterloo)
🏢 Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes
📍 Waterloo