A different way to practice medicine in Ontario

Nearly half of physicians in Canada—46 per cent—report high levels of burnout. That number has improved slightly since the height of the pandemic, but it’s still significantly higher than it was just a few years ago—and more importantly, it reflects a reality many physicians feel every day: the system hasn’t fundamentally changed. 

Behind that statistic is something more tangible: 

• Long hours spent on administrative work, often extending well beyond clinic time 

• Increasing emotional exhaustion and moral distress 

• A growing sense that the demands of practice are outpacing the resources available to meet them 

A different kind of practice-without leaving your current one

The result? Many physicians aren’t actively looking for a way out—but they are quietly asking a different question: Is there a more sustainable way to practice medicine? 

What if you didn’t have to choose between staying where you are and feeling better about how you practice? Working as a civilian physician with the Canadian Armed Forces can provide the best of both worlds. 

At the Health Services Centre Meaford, located at the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre, civilian physicians are stepping into a model of care that looks and feels different from traditional community practice. And importantly, it doesn’t require them to walk away from their current work. 

Whether you’re early in your career, mid-career, or starting to think about scaling back, this is a way to diversify your practice—on a part-time or full-time contract basis—while maintaining the flexibility to shape your schedule around your life. 

What changes when the system supports you

One of the most immediate differences physicians notice is the shift in workload and expectations. This is a setting designed around: 

• Predictable hours 

• Manageable patient volumes 

• Significantly reduced administrative burden 

Instead of running a business, you’re able to focus on clinical care within a structured, well-supported environment. For many, it’s a reminder of what drew them to medicine in the first place. 

You’re not practicing alone anymore

In independent practice, even the most capable physicians can feel professionally isolated. At Meaford, care is delivered through a collaborative, multidisciplinary team that includes both civilian and military healthcare professionals. The clinic’s smaller size fosters strong working relationships, where communication is direct and teamwork is part of the daily rhythm. 

It’s an environment where: 

• You can easily consult colleagues 

• Shared expertise improves patient care 

• Continuous learning happens organically 

That sense of being part of a team—rather than carrying everything yourself—can be a meaningful shift. 

A lifestyle that works with you, not against you

Beyond the clinic, Meaford offers something many physicians are actively seeking but struggling to find: space. 

Located along Georgian Bay and near the Blue Mountains, the region provides year-round access to outdoor activities—from hiking and cycling to skiing and boating. Add in short commutes and a welcoming small-town atmosphere, and it becomes easier to create a routine that actually supports your well-being. 

A small change that can make a big difference

For many physicians, adding even a part-time commitment in a setting like Meaford creates a noticeable shift both professionally and personally. It’s a way to reduce pressure, regain balance and continue practicing high-quality medicine in a supportive environment. 

And for those who want more, full-time opportunities are also available. 

Curious to learn more or find out about other clinic locations across Canada? Contact Myriam DeRoo at [email protected] or email [email protected].