As an Oncologist with the Department of National Defence, you will provide specialized medical care to Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and eligible civilian patients. You will diagnose and treat cancer patients using evidence-based medical practices, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted treatments. Your work will be essential to maintaining the health and readiness of the military population while contributing to Canada's healthcare system.
In this role, you will conduct patient consultations, develop individualized treatment plans, and collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams including surgeons, radiologists, nurses, and social workers. You will also participate in case conferences, maintain detailed medical records, and stay current with advances in oncology practice. Your work environment will primarily be in military medical facilities and hospitals, where you will work with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment.
Oncologists in the Department of National Defence work in a structured healthcare setting with established protocols and access to specialized resources. You will have the opportunity to contribute to military medicine research, mentor junior healthcare professionals, and make a direct impact on the lives of service members and veterans dealing with serious health challenges.
Key Responsibilities
Provide radiology 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
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
You must hold a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited medical school. Following your medical degree, you are required to complete a residency program in clinical oncology, typically lasting 3-5 years, accredited by the Royal College of Physicians of Canada or equivalent. You must obtain certification as a specialist in medical oncology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or equivalent provincial college.
Additional certifications may include membership in the Canadian Society of Oncology or other professional oncology associations. A provincial medical license to practice in Canada is mandatory. The Department of National Defence supports ongoing professional development through attendance at conferences, specialized training courses, and participation in continuing medical education (CME) programs. You may have opportunities to pursue additional fellowships or subspecialties such as hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, or precision medicine.
Entry Plans
Oncologists typically enter the DND civilian workforce through advertised positions posted on the Public Service Commission (PSC) website and through the Government of Canada Jobs portal. These positions are advertised as open competitions and may be available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and in some cases, those with work authorization.
You may also enter through lateral moves if you are already employed in the federal Public Service in a related healthcare position. Some opportunities may be available through internal priority hiring programs for veterans or military-connected personnel. The DND Medical Services may occasionally participate in recruitment campaigns targeting healthcare professionals to fill critical specialist positions. Interested candidates should monitor the PSC website regularly, as positions for specialized physicians may be posted intermittently based on organizational needs. Your provincial medical license and RCPSC certification must be current and valid at the time of application.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements may be available depending on operational requirements and departmental needs. While oncology requires continuity of patient care and presence in specialized clinical settings, some positions may offer compressed work weeks, flexible scheduling, or phased retirement options for experienced practitioners. Remote work is limited in this role due to the clinical nature of oncology practice, which requires direct patient contact, physical examination, and hands-on involvement with treatment administration and monitoring.
The Department of National Defence prioritizes work-life balance and may accommodate requests for flexible arrangements on a case-by-case basis, subject to operational requirements and patient care needs. Professionals interested in part-time or flexible options are encouraged to discuss possibilities during the recruitment and onboarding process with the hiring department. Shift work or on-call responsibilities may be required depending on the specific military medical facility and patient population served.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
