Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine

Strong job outlook

Overview

Specialists in clinical and laboratory 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 clinical medicine usually work in private practice or in a hospital while those in laboratory medicine usually work in hospitals. Residents in training to become specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine are included in this unit group.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Anesthesiologists

  • Administer anesthetics prior to, during, or after surgery or other medical procedures.

Internists, general

  • Diagnose and provide non-surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Provide care mainly for adults who have a wide range of problems associated with the internal organs.

Pediatricians, general

  • Diagnose, treat, and help prevent children's diseases and injuries.

Psychiatrists

  • Diagnose, treat, and help prevent disorders of the mind.

Allergists and immunologists

  • Diagnose, treat, and help prevent allergic diseases and disease processes affecting the immune system.

Hospitalists

  • Provide inpatient care predominantly in settings such as medical wards, intensive care units, rehabilitation centers, or emergency rooms. Manage and coordinate patient care throughout treatment.

Neurologists

  • Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and disorders of the nervous system involving the brain and spinal cord and other nerve and muscular conditions.

Nuclear medicine physicians

  • Diagnose and treat diseases using radioactive materials. May monitor radionuclide preparation, administration, and disposition.

Dermatologists

  • Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases or other conditions of the skin.

Physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians

  • Diagnose and treat disorders requiring physiotherapy to provide physical, mental, and occupational rehabilitation.

Preventive medicine physicians

  • Apply knowledge of general preventive medicine and public health issues to promote health care to groups or individuals, and aid in the prevention or reduction of risk of disease, injury, disability, or death. May diagnose and treat patients in the context of clinical health promotion and disease prevention.

Radiologists

  • Examine and diagnose disorders and diseases using x-rays and radioactive materials. May treat patients.

Other specialists in clinical medicine

  • 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, including pathologists

  • Diagnose presence and stage of diseases using laboratory techniques and patient specimens. Study the nature, cause and development of diseases in humans and the structural and functional changes caused by diseases. Act as consultants to other physicians. May perform autopsies.

Job titles

  • acute care specialist
  • allergist
  • allergologist
  • anatomical pathologist
  • anesthesiologist
  • anesthesiologist - Canadian Armed Forces

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

-

Median

$289,998

High

-

Job openings

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Strong job outlook

British Columbia

1,427

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine

  • A bachelor's degree is usually required.

  • 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

Additional information

  • Progression to management positions, such as director of laboratory medicine is possible with experience.

Certification requirements

Mandatory: You need the following certifications to practice as Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine in B.C.

  • Registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia - Specialists
  • Completion of the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada - Specialists

Registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia - Specialists

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as a clinical specialist in B.C., you must register with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. Eligibility is achieved by graduating from an accredited medical school, writing the Medical Council of Canada qualifying exams, and completing a residency program.

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Completion of the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada - Specialists

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as a specialist in clinical and laboratory medicine, you must complete the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Eligibility is achieved through successful completion of a recognized program and the certifying examinations.

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Work Experience

Work experience required

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

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