Physician: Specialist
from: http://www.communityhealthcareers.com/careers_physician_specialist.htm
People with injuries and disorders that cannot be treated by family physicians are referred to specialized physicians. These physicians are doctors who have taken their medical training one step further by focusing on one of 50 different specialization areas recognized in Canada. They might identify or treat diseases, study diseases in laboratories, or perform or supervise operations. Whatever their area of expertise, specialist physicians use their advanced knowledge of medicine to help people become well.
- Diagnose and treat physical or mental health problems by examining medical history and interpreting tests, x-rays or exams as required
- Prescribe medicines or other treatments, or referring people for surgery
- Study the origins and root causes of diseases and their affects on the human body
- Teach medical students and other healthcare professionals
Specialist physicians work in a variety of areas and settings, such as medical offices, laboratories or operating rooms. Many specialists, such as cardiologists, surgeons, pediatricians, psychiatrists, and anaesthesiologists work in hospitals. Other specialists work in private or group clinics and serve in hospitals on an on-call basis. Their schedules are irregular and demand many extra hours. Because each day involves treating many different people with their own unique problems, specialist physicians must have a great deal of mental concentration, emotional strength, and physical strength. Many risk constant exposure to disease and sickness.
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There will be a 33% decrease of physicians per 1,000 people in Canada by 2021.
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- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Private or Group Practices
- Genuine interest in helping people
- Proficient knowledge of medicine and the ability to stay current in the trends and breakthroughs associated with their area of specialty
- Patience, empathy, emotional strength
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to instill confidence
- Strong ethical standards
- Passion and energy for their work
Bachelor’s Degree and Doctor of Medicine certificate followed by 2-5 years of training in a given specialty and a 2-3 year residency program
Length of Study/Training : 8-16 years post-secondary depending on specialization
Certification (s):
National: licensing by Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)
Ontario : licensing by College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
- Math
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- English
Canada’s aging population requires an ever-increasing supply of medical services and the number of recent graduates will not likely meet the demand created. Rural and low-income areas and group practices/clinics provide the greatest opportunities for employment.
Average annual salary: $100,000 to $200,000 depending on place and region of practice.
Canadian Medical Association
http://www.cma.ca
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
http://www.cpso.on.ca
Association of Canadian Medical Colleges
http://www.afmc.ca
Canadian Federation of Medical Students
http://www.cfms.org
Canadian Medical Association Journal
http://www.cmaj.ca
Canadian Association of Interns and Residents
http://www.cair.ca
Job Futures:
Specialist Physicians
http://jobfutures.ca/noc/3111.shtml