Royal Canadian Medical Service Association

Royal Canadian Medical Service Association website.

Welcome to the Royal Canadian Medical Service Association (RCMSA) Website

The RCMSA is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Canada’s military medical services and members – past, present and future.

Although all information on this website is unclassified, some details concerning current Canadian Forces operations, procedures, and equipment capabilities will not be illustrated.

CFHS Appointments 2026

The RCMSA is pleased to share highlights from CANFORGEN 054/26, announcing key Canadian Forces Health Services appointments for the Active Posting Season 2026. Congratulations to all members assuming new appointments 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 / 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝...

Ottawa Cohort Brunch

R𝐂𝐌𝐒𝐀 𝐎𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐰𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 – 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 You are invited to join fellow members of the Royal Canadian Medical Service Association for a casual brunch gathering in Ottawa. Date/Time: Thursday 16 April 2026 10:00 AM Location: Pur & Simple 970...

AGM 2026 AGA

Canadian Nurses in Military Service 1895 – Present

A tribute to the thousands of Canadian nurses who have carried out official duties with the military during the Northwest Rebellion, the South African War, the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, the Afghanistan Conflict, and numerous...

Renew / Renouveler

𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 https://www.royalcdnmedicalsvc.ca/membership-renewal/ 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐳 𝐝𝐞̀𝐬 𝐚𝐮𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐝’𝐡𝐮𝐢 𝐞𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐳 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞́𝐬...

The RCMSA is proud to announce the three recipients of the 2025 Educational Bursary. These outstanding individuals demonstrated exceptional academic commitment, community involvement, and dedication to their personal and professional growth: 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐚...

𝐑𝐂𝐌𝐒𝐀 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 – 𝐖𝐢𝐧 $𝟏𝟎𝟎! / 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐞̂𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐞 𝐥’𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐑𝐂 – 𝐆𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐳 𝟏𝟎𝟎 $! The RCMSA invites members and their families to participate in our 2025 Holiday Card Contest! Create your own holiday card design — authentic,...

Order of Canada

The RCMSA Board of Directors extends its most heartfelt congratulations to two distinguished members of the RCMS family who have been appointed to the Order of Canada for their outstanding contributions LCol (Ret) Vivian McAlister, O.C. Awarded on:...

Canadian Armed Forces announces the creation of the Paramedic and Combat Medic Occupations

In 2020, Med Tech and Med A entered an occupational analysis to address various employment structure problems. These included inefficient training, misalignment between paramedic competencies and job requirements, total force misalignment, and an...

RCMSA Educational Bursary Bourse d’études de l’ASSRC

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧! Deadline: July 18, 2025 Up to three (3) bursaries of $1,000 each Are you a member of the RCMSA or have a child or grandchild pursuing post-secondary education? The Royal Canadian Medical Service Association is proud to...

RCMS/ASSRC Facebook

Royal Canadian Medical Service Association

5 days ago

📢 𝐑𝐂𝐌𝐒𝐀 – 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 (𝐀𝐏𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔)The RCMSA is pleased to share highlights from CANFORGEN 054/26, announcing key Canadian Forces Health Services appointments for the Active Posting Season 2026.👏Congratulations to all members assuming new appointments:𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 / 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬• LCol E.A.M. Arbour – CF Health Services Centre Ottawa• LCol J.D. Bernier – 2 Field Ambulance• LCol A.P. Carrière – CFHSTC• Cdr I.G. Dupuis – CF Health Services Group HQ• Maj W.F. Bellamy – 21 CF Health Services Centre• Maj S.D. Wiedeman – 23 CF Health Services Centre• Maj J.S. Baltus – 24 CF Health Services Centre• LCdr K.C. Kettenacker – 31 CF Health Services Centre• Maj G. Painchaud – 41 CF Health Services Centre• Maj V.M.C.K.V. Villeneuve – 42 CF Health Services Centre𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬• CWO D.M.G. Finamore – 4 Health Services Group HQ (Group CWO)• CWO A.M.C. Randell – 1 Dental Unit (Unit CWO)• CWO E.M. Kennedy – 1 Canadian Field Hospital (RSM)• CPO1 P.V. Michaud – CF Health Services Centre Ottawa (Clinic CWO)• CPO2 C.L. Rutherford – CF Health Services Centre Atlantic (on promotion)• MWO A.M.K. Marshall – 5 Field Ambulance (on promotion)• WO J.D.M. Lapalme-Laviolette – 24 CF Health Services Centre (on promotion)Best wishes to all members in their new roles during APS 2026.-------------------------------------------------------------------------📢 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐑𝐂 – 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚̀ 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍 (𝐏𝐀𝐀 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔)L’ASSRC est heureuse de partager les points saillants du CANFORGEN 054/26, annonçant plusieurs nominations importantes au sein des Services de santé des FAC pour la période active des affectations 2026.👏Félicitations à tous les membres nommés :𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭• LCol E.A.M. Arbour – Centre des services de santé Ottawa• LCol J.D. Bernier – 2 Ambulance de campagne• LCol A.P. Carrière – CISSFC• Capf I.G. Dupuis – QG Groupe des services de santé• Maj W.F. Bellamy – 21 Centre des services de santé• Maj S.D. Wiedeman – 23 Centre des services de santé• Maj J.S. Baltus – 24 Centre des services de santé• Capc K.C. Kettenacker – 31 Centre des services de santé• Maj G. Painchaud – 41 Centre des services de santé• Maj V.M.C.K.V. Villeneuve – 42 Centre des services de santé𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐞́𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬• Adjuc D.M.G. Finamore – QG 4 Groupe des services de santé• Adjuc A.M.C. Randell – 1re Unité dentaire• Adjuc E.M. Kennedy – 1 Hôpital de campagne du Canada• PM 1 P.V. Michaud – Centre des services de santé Ottawa• PM 2 C.L. Rutherford – Centre des services de santé Atlantique (promotion)• Adjum A.M.K. Marshall – 5 Ambulance de campagne (promotion)• Adj J.D.M. Lapalme-Laviolette – 24 Centre des services de santé (promotion)Nous souhaitons à tous beaucoup de succès dans leurs nouvelles fonctions pour la PAA 2026. ... See MoreSee Less

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Royal Canadian Medical Service Association

5 days ago

🕊️ 𝐈𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐦 – 𝐂𝐏𝐎 (𝐑𝐞𝐭’𝐝) 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 “𝐁𝐨𝐛” 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐫The RCMSA is saddened to learn of the passing of Chief Petty Officer (Ret’d) Robert “Bob” Handspiker, who served 27 years in the Royal Canadian Navy Medical Branch.Bob was known as a dedicated Medical Assistant and Physician Assistant, remembered by many for his professionalism, mentorship, and commitment to those he served alongside. Following his military career, he continued to serve his community as a firefighter, municipal councillor, and healthcare leader in Digby, Nova Scotia.His life reflected a deep commitment to service, community, and camaraderie.Our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.🔗 Obituary and service details:👉 www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/digby-ns/robert-handspiker-12806862-----------------------------------------------------------------------🕊️ 𝐈𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐦 – 𝐏𝐌𝟏 (𝐫𝐞𝐭.) 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 « 𝐁𝐨𝐛 » 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐫L’ASSRC a appris avec tristesse le décès du premier maître de 1re classe (ret.) Robert « Bob » Handspiker, qui a servi pendant 27 ans au sein de la branche médicale de la Marine royale canadienne.Bob était reconnu comme un Adjoint médical et assistant au médecin dévoué, apprécié pour son professionnalisme, son rôle de mentor et son engagement envers ses collègues. Après sa carrière militaire, il a poursuivi son service envers la communauté comme pompier, conseiller municipal et gestionnaire dans le domaine de la santé à Digby, en Nouvelle-Écosse.Sa vie témoigne d’un profond engagement envers le service et la communauté.Nos plus sincères condoléances à sa famille, à ses proches et à tous ceux qui ont eu le privilège de le connaître.🔗 Avis de décès et détails :👉 www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/digby-ns/robert-handspiker-12806862 ... See MoreSee Less

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Royal Canadian Medical Service Association

2 weeks ago

🕊️ 𝐈𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐦 – 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐞 (𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟕–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔)The RCMSA is saddened to learn of the passing of Sgt Martin Lapierre, who served with 5 Field Ambulance from 2009 to 2012.During his time in uniform, Martin deployed to Afghanistan and later continued his career as a Preventive Medicine Technician, notably in Saint-Jean. He was known for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to those he served alongside.He leaves behind his wife, children, and loved ones, to whom we extend our sincere condolences.🔗 Obituary and service details:👉 complexefuneraire.ca/necro.../249661-martin-lapierre🕊️ 𝐈𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐦 – 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐞 (𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟕–𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔)L’ASSRC a appris avec tristesse le décès de Sgt Martin Lapierre, qui a servi au sein de la 5e Ambulance de campagne de 2009 à 2012.Au cours de sa carrière, Martin a été déployé en Afghanistan, avant de poursuivre son service comme technicien en médecine préventive, notamment à Saint-Jean. Il était reconnu pour son professionnalisme, son dévouement et son engagement envers ses collègues.Il laisse dans le deuil son épouse, ses enfants et ses proches, à qui nous adressons nos plus sincères condoléances.🔗 Avis de décès et détails :👉 complexefuneraire.ca/necro.../249661-martin-lapierre ... See MoreSee Less

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Royal Canadian Medical Service Association

2 weeks ago

🎖️ 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 – 𝐋𝐂𝐨𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐫After more than 26 years of dedicated service in the Canadian Armed Forces, LCol Christopher Mercer will retire on 15 April 2026.Throughout his career, LCol Mercer served in a wide range of roles across the Canadian Forces Health Services, including operational deployments, leadership positions, and key advisory roles. His contributions—from Afghanistan to CJOC, and most recently with the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group—reflect a career marked by professionalism, resilience, and commitment to service.LCol Mercer will continue to serve the military community in retirement through a Family Medicine practice supporting CAF and RCMP veterans in Ottawa.📅 A Depart with Dignity ceremony will be held on:9 April 2026 | 13:00Royal Ottawa Golf Club📩 RSVP / messages: dwdmercer@gmail.comThe RCMSA extends its sincere appreciation for his service and wishes him and his family all the best in this next chapter.-----------------------------------------------------------------------🎖️ 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐞 – 𝐋𝐂𝐨𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐫Après plus de 26 années de service dévoué au sein des Forces armées canadiennes, le LCol Christopher Mercer prendra sa retraite le 15 avril 2026.Au cours de sa carrière, le LCol Mercer a occupé divers postes au sein des Services de santé des Forces canadiennes, incluant des déploiements opérationnels, des postes de leadership et des rôles de conseiller. De l’Afghanistan au COIC, jusqu’à son rôle récent au sein du Groupe de transition des FAC, son parcours témoigne d’un engagement exemplaire, de résilience et de professionnalisme.À la retraite, il continuera de servir la communauté militaire en offrant des soins en médecine familiale aux vétérans des FAC et de la GRC à Ottawa.📅 Une cérémonie de Départ dans la dignité aura lieu :9 avril 2026 | 13 hClub de golf Royal d’Ottawa📩 RSVP / messages : dwdmercer@gmail.comL’ASSRC tient à souligner son service remarquable et lui souhaite, ainsi qu’à sa famille, le meilleur pour la suite. ... See MoreSee Less

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