Specialist Physicians
(NOC 3111)
in All HealthSpecialists Physicians have an in-depth knowledge and highly specialized skills in a specific medical field. There are many specialties, which can be broadly grouped into clinical medicine, laboratory medicine, and surgery. This group includes residents training to become specialist physicians. Specialists in clinical medicine diagnose and treat diseases and physiological or psychiatric disorders and act as consultants to other physicians. Specialists in laboratory medicine study the nature, cause and development of diseases in humans. Specialists in surgery perform and supervise surgical procedures. Specialists in clinical medicine usually work in private practice or in a hospital while those in laboratory medicine and in surgery usually work in hospitals.
Job Outlook
Good
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Compared to: All Health
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia, with employment around 1,100. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Specialist Physicians most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. Also, a large percentage of the workforce is self-employed, which should be an important consideration for those thinking about employment in the occupation.
The median employment income for 47% of Specialist Physicians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $99,911. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.24
Minimum$30.05
Median$43.96
MaximumAnnual Pay
$11,387
Minimum$101,840
Median$234,378
MaximumCompared to: All Health
Hourly Pay
$16.38
Minimum$25.50
Median$41.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,740
Minimum$43,853
Median$88,944
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Specialists Physicians have an in-depth knowledge and highly specialized skills in a specific medical field. There are many specialties, which can be broadly grouped into clinical medicine, laboratory medicine, and surgery. This group includes residents training to become specialist physicians. Specialists in clinical medicine diagnose and treat diseases and physiological or psychiatric disorders and act as consultants to other physicians. Specialists in laboratory medicine study the nature, cause and development of diseases in humans. Specialists in surgery perform and supervise surgical procedures. Specialists in clinical medicine usually work in private practice or in a hospital while those in laboratory medicine and in surgery usually work in hospitals.
Job duties
Specialists in clinical medicine perform some or all of the following duties:
- Diagnose and treat diseases and physiological or psychiatric disorders.
- Order laboratory tests, X-rays and other diagnostic procedures.
- Prescribe medication and treatment and refer patients for surgery.
- Act as consultants to other physicians.
- May conduct medical research.
Specialists in laboratory medicine perform some or all of the following duties:
- Study the nature, cause and development of diseases in humans and the structural and functional changes caused by diseases.
- Conduct microscopic and chemical analyses of laboratory samples and specimens.
- Supervise laboratory activities.
- Act as consultants to other physicians.
Specialists in surgery perform some or all of the following duties:
- Assess patients' diseases or disorders to determine appropriate surgical procedures.
- Perform and supervise surgical procedures to correct physical abnormalities and deficiencies and repair injuries.
- Act as consultants to other physicians.
Sample job titles
- anesthesiologist
- cardiologist
- dermatologist
- emergency physician
- medical examiner
- neurologist
- obstetrician-gynecologist
- opthalmologist
- pediatrician
- plastic surgeon
- psychiatrist
- radiologist
- specialist physician
- surgeon
- urologist
Skills
Compassion, sensitivity, and a desire to help people are important. Physicians must take final responsibility for their decisions and the effects they have on patients' lives. Therefore, emotional stability, ethics, maturity, and good judgement are essential. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are important. You should be able to inspire confidence and put people at ease. You must be willing to continually update your knowledge and skills. Good health and stamina may be needed, as physicians often work long hours.
Job requirements
Specialist physicians:
- A Bachelor of Science degree.
- Graduation from an approved medical school and specific specialty training are required.
- Completion of the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and licensing by the provincial or territorial licensing authority are required.
Specialists in clinical medicine:
- Four to five years of specialty residency training are required.
- Two years of subspecialty training may also be required.
Specialists in laboratory medicine:
- Four to five years of specialty residency training are required.
Specialists in surgery:
- Five to six years of specialty residency training are required.
- Two years of subspecialty training may also be required.
Other considerations
Most physicians are self-employed and administer their services through private practices. Most physicians are paid by fee-for-service, so earnings depend upon the fees paid by the government for various services and the number of patients served. Some physicians are paid through alternative funding plans. Progression to management positions, such as director of laboratory medicine or chief of surgery, is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Health
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Northern
Cape Breton
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health Care and Social Assistance
Public Administration
Educational Services
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
25-34
45-54
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Health
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Master's degree
$94,104 median annual incomeDoctorate
$97,543 median annual incomeMedicine, dentistry, veterinary, optometry
$82,788 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$10,941 median annual incomeUniversity advanced certificate or diploma
N/ACompared to: All Health
College certificate or diploma
$36,693 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$57,186 median annual incomeMedicine, dentistry, veterinary, optometry
$83,000 median annual incomeHigh school
$24,119 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$87,808 median annual incomeEducation & training
Health/medical physics
This program is typically offered at the university level.This instructional program class comprises any program that focuses on the application of physics, nuclear science, and engineering physics to diagnostic, treatment, and therapeutic processes and public health protection. These programs include courses in radiation biophysics, biophysics, health effects of natural and artificially induced radiation, hazard evaluation, environmental radioactivity, nuclear physics, engineering physics, radiobiology, medical radiology, calibration and dosage theory, computer applications and medical informatics, and specific research problems.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
Medical scientist (MSc, PhD)
This program is typically offered at the university graduate level (Masters, PhD)This instructional program class comprises any undifferentiated clinical science program that prepares graduated physicians (M.D. or D.O.) as research scientists in various areas.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
Medicine (MD)
This program is typically offered by a university school of medicine.This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of medicine, involving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses, injuries, and other disorders of the human body. These programs include courses in the basic medical sciences, clinical medicine, examination and diagnosis, patient communications, medical ethics and laws, professional standards, and rotations in specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, neurology, ophthalmology, radiology, clinical pathology, anesthesiology, family medicine, and psychiatry.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated and the job title is protected in Nova Scotia (you may not use this job title without holding a provincial licence). A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to work in this job.