Specialist Physician
Specialist physicians provide medical diagnosis and treatment services in a variety of specific areas including clinical medicine, laboratory medicine and surgery.
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Cardiologist, Doctor, Oncologist, Pathologist, Pediatrician, Psychiatrist, Specialist in Geriatric Medicine, Sport Medicine Physician, Surgeon
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating information about patients' conditions by ordering and interpreting laboratory tests, X-rays and other diagnostic procedures; may conduct medical research
Interest in mentoring patients by providing treatment for physiological and psychiatric disorders
Interest in precision working to prescribe drugs and treatments, and refer patients for surgery; and in acting as consultants to other physicians
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Interest in mentoring by conducting research to further medical knowledge about the structural and functional changes caused by diseases
Interest in precision working to conduct microscopic and chemical analyses of laboratory samples and specimens
Interest in co-ordinating the supervision of laboratory activities; and in acting as consultants to other physicians
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Interest in mentoring by assessing patients' diseases and disorders to determine appropriate surgical procedures
Interest in precision working to perform surgical procedures to correct physical abnormalities and deficiencies and repair injuries
Interest in co-ordinating information to supervise surgical procedures; and in acting as consultants to other physicians
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Specialist physicians diagnose and treat patients in a variety of specific medical areas related to both physical and mental health.
In general, specialist physicians may:
Specific duties and responsibilities vary depending on the type of position and specialty.
There are many areas physicians can specialize in. Some common specialties include anesthesia, cardiology, emergency medicine, geriatrics, gynecology and obstetrics, intensive care, internal medicine, neurology, pediatrics, psychiatry and surgery. For a current list of specialties in Alberta and Canada, see the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) websites.
For a more complete list of the different specialist physicians included under the National Occupation Classification code 3111, please visit the Employment and Social Development Canada website.
Specialist physicians' working conditions depend on the type of position they hold and their area of specialization. They are more likely than family physicians to work in hospitals or specialized clinics, though some may work in private practices, universities, laboratories and community settings. The work is rewarding, but can be challenging and emotionally demanding.
Specialist physicians often work very long hours. They may work rotating shifts or be on call or be required to travel in case of medical emergencies. They generally spend part of their time standing to examine, treat or perform and supervise surgical procedures. The remainder of their time is spent at a desk completing paperwork.
Specialist physicians need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy finding solutions to problems, dealing with people and coordinating the work of others.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 62 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 27, 2021 and Mar 14, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 29 |
---|---|
Personal Suitability: Accurate | 29 |
Personal Suitability: Team player | 29 |
Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 29 |
Personal Suitability: Excellent written communication | 29 |
Personal Suitability: Dependability | 29 |
Personal Suitability: Reliability | 29 |
Personal Suitability: Organized | 29 |
Personal Suitability: Judgement | 29 |
Personal Suitability: Initiative | 29 |
Specialist physicians must complete:
Because MD programs are quota programs, many applicants who fulfill the entrance requirements cannot be accepted. Successful applicants are selected on the basis of:
After successfully completing an MD program, candidates who want to be a specialist physician must train for an additional five to seven years to become licensed for independent practice.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Physicians and surgeons assess the physical, mental and psychosocial condition of individuals to establish a diagnosis; assist individuals to make informed choices about medical and surgical treatments; treat physical, mental and psychosocial conditions; promote wellness, injury avoidance, disease prevention and cure through research and education; and engage in research, education and administration with respect to health. Osteopaths use manual techniques to assess, diagnose and treat diseases, disorders and dysfunctions of the body's structure.
Under Alberta's Health Professions Act and Physicians, Surgeons and Osteopaths Profession Regulation, you must be a registered member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) to practice medicine in Alberta.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Physician, Surgeon and Osteopath.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most specialist physicians are self-employed. Many specialist physcians work in hospitals or are employed by regional health authorities. Others are employed in:
Experienced specialist physicians may advance to management positions. With additional training, they may specialize in other areas such as sports medicine. For a current list of recognized specializations, see the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) websites.
In Alberta, 91% of people employed as specialist physicians work in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry.
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 6,300 Albertans are employed in the Specialist physicians occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 3.6% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 227 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Specialist physicians in private practice are self-employed. Their incomes vary considerably depending on location, specialty, number of patient visits and the cost of running a medical office.
Specialist physicians are part of the larger 2016 National Occupational Classification 3111: Specialist physicians.
According to the 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Specialist physicians occupational group earned on average from $31.65 to $45.84 an hour. The overall average was $38.61 an hour. For more information, see the Specialist physicians wage profile.
Alberta Medical Association (AMA) website: www.albertadoctors.org
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) website: www.cpsa.ca
Medical Council of Canada (MCC) website: www.mcc.ca
Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) website: www.royalcollege.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 24, 2015. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.