Psychiatrist (Medical Specialist)

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 chose 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.

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.

Incoming Medical Specialists in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will attend the Rank Qualification Medical Specialist Major (RQ-Med Spec-Maj) course delivered by the Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre (CFHSTC). Consisting of an online asynchronous distributed learning (approximately 20 hours) and a five-day residential training phase, this course prepares Medical Specialists to provide expert care within the CAF health system and across operational environments. You will gain an understanding of key common CAF and Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) policies, CAF-specific and specialty-specific operational medicine, and the unique aspects of military healthcare. Upon completion, you will be equipped to deliver specialist healthcare in support of CAF members while leading multidisciplinary healthcare teams in both civilian and deployed settings.

CAF Psychiatrists may be eligible to apply for the opportunity to specialize 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 program 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

Pay and Benefits

A competitive compensation and benefits package is available for this medical specialization.