As a Director General - Medicine in the Department of National Defence (DND), you will provide strategic health care leadership and medical expertise at the executive level. You will be responsible for overseeing medical operations, policies, and programs that support the health and readiness of Canadian Armed Forces members and defence personnel. This role involves managing significant budgets, leading multidisciplinary health care teams, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality medical services across DND facilities and operations. You will work collaboratively with senior military and civilian leaders to align medical services with defence priorities and national security objectives. The position requires balancing operational demands with evidence-based health care delivery and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Provide medicine services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To qualify for this role, you must hold a medical degree recognized by provincial regulatory bodies in Canada, along with a valid medical license in good standing. Board certification or eligibility in a relevant medical specialty is typically required. Beyond clinical qualifications, successful candidates demonstrate advanced knowledge in health care administration, strategic planning, and defence operations. Professional development opportunities include senior executive leadership programs through the Canada School of Public Service, specialized military medical training, and participation in defence policy forums. Many Director Generals - Medicine pursue additional qualifications in health care management, public health, or military medicine. Ongoing professional development is expected to maintain currency in both clinical practice and health care administration.
Entry Plans
Entry to this executive position typically occurs through advertised competitions open to Canadian citizens. Candidates usually progress through established DND medical and civilian career streams, gaining experience in progressively senior roles such as medical officer, base surgeon, or health care manager. Some positions may be filled through lateral recruitment from provincial health systems, academic medical centres, or other federal departments where candidates demonstrate equivalent executive health care leadership experience. Prior service in the Canadian Armed Forces, while valued, is not mandatory. Candidates are assessed on their demonstrated capacity for strategic health care leadership, knowledge of federal health care systems, and ability to manage complex organizational and operational challenges. The selection process includes a thorough application review and structured interview focused on executive competencies.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time executive roles due to the strategic nature of the position and the need for continuous leadership and availability. However, the Department of National Defence is committed to supporting work-life balance for all employees. Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options for administrative duties, may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on operational requirements and organizational needs. Senior leaders are expected to maintain presence for key meetings, strategic planning sessions, and operational oversight. Employees in this role have access to leave provisions, health and wellness programs, and family-friendly policies available to all federal public service employees. Discussion of specific accommodations should occur during the recruitment process and onboarding period.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
