Overview

General Surgeons in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are Medical Specialists who provide trauma and general surgical care to CAF members. They may work in Canadian Forces Health Services Clinics, operating theatres, or overseas in support of peacekeeping or humanitarian missions. The role offers opportunities for leadership within CAF Health Services and mentorship of other Health Services personnel including Medical Officers, Nursing Officers, Physician Assistants, and medical technicians.

Responsibilities

• Provide surgical consultation for CAF members in Canada and deployed internationally.


• Lead a surgical or emergency care team for injured and ill patients in Canada and in deployed settings.


• Educate and advise multidisciplinary teams on trauma and general surgery care.


• Maintain a high level of surgical skill 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

General Surgeons are embedded as staff in tertiary care civilian hospitals across Canada, working alongside civilian colleagues. They also provide consultative services to primary care clinicians at Canadian Forces Health Services Clinics. Participation in education, training, and research is available nationally and internationally. Surgeons belong to a Canadian Field Hospital and support operational readiness through annual military skills training and field exercises. Deployments to unique and challenging clinical environments may occur as part of domestic and international operations.

Entry Plans

Direct Entry Options are available for members of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada who hold an unrestricted licence to practice General Surgery in a Canadian province or territory. Eligible candidates may commence basic training.

Clinicians who practice in the following sub‑specialties are supported: Trauma Surgery, Critical Care Medicine, and Vascular Surgery.

Training

All candidates complete Basic Military Officer Qualification training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School. They also attend the Basic Medical Officer Course (BMOC) at the Canadian Health Services Training Centre. Additional advanced training opportunities include:

• Forward Acute Care Resuscitation Team Training


• Mobile Surgical Resuscitation Team Training


• War Surgery Courses


• Definitive Surgical Trauma Care Courses


• Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma Courses


• Medical Education and Simulation


• Military and health care leadership

Part‑time Options

Primary Reserve Medical Specialists may serve part‑time, working one night per week or some weekends, with the possibility of full‑time employment. They maintain civilian positions and may contribute to clinical teaching, training, and deployment on domestic and international operations. Reserve members receive up to 92.8% of regular force rates, a advantages package, and pension contributions.

Specialties available for part‑time service include:

• Anesthesiology


• Emergency Medicine


• General Surgery


• Internal Medicine (General, Infectious Diseases, Critical Care)


• Orthopedic Surgery


• Radiology


• Neurosurgery


• Plastic Surgery


• Thoracic Surgery


• Obstetrics and Gynecology


• Pediatrics


• Otolaryngology


• Urology


• Ophthalmology


• Cardiology


• Gastroenterology


• Pathology


• Dermatology

Related Careers

• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Medical Specialist)


• Anesthesiologist (Medical Specialist)


• Psychiatrist (Medical Specialist)