Why New Zealand?
There are many similarities between the UK and New Zealand healthcare systems. There exists a wide choice of healthcare services funded both privately and through government subsidies. There are currently shortages of doctors in some areas of practice however there is also oversupply in others so check your area of interest.
The Medical Training System in New Zealand
Basic medical training involves the completion of a medical degree followed by two years working as a house surgeon. Doctors must do six months of medicine and six months of surgery in order to get registration. Following this they must work as a senior house officer for one to two years before beginning to work as a registrar. Registrar training programmes include specialist examinations which must be passed before applications can be made to senior registrar posts. Specialist training lasts for five to six years leading to eligibility to apply for consultant posts.
International Medical Graduates Practicing Medicine
The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) registers doctors to practice medicine in New Zealand. Unlike the UK and Australia, there are no registration categories. Doctors are instead registered within a ‘scope of practice’ which determines the level of professional service they are allowed to perform. This is dependent on qualifications and experience.
International medical graduates are usually registered within a provisional general scope of practice. These are supervised roles for up to two years. To be eligible to apply you must hold a recognised medical degree and have one year general medical experience and full registration with the GMC.
There is a really easy to use self assessment tool on the MCNZ website which allows you to check your eligibility for registration within a scope of practice. You can also make an application for registration online.
All new registrants work under supervision for at least their first 12 months during which time their performance is assessed by a senior consultant.
Registration with the MCNZ within a scope of practice is only granted when you have a confirmed job offer under supervision in an approved hospital.
Finding a job
Most District Health Boards advertise their positions on their website so it is possible to apply directly to them.
Posts are often advertised in UK medical journals such as the BMJ or the careers section of the New Zealand Medical Journal.
Recruitment agencies are also worth considering as they do much of the organising for you. You will find a list on the MCNZ website.
Other useful links
www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/Workingabroadguide – A really useful guide to overseas work.
www.immigration.govt.nz – Immigration New Zealand.
www.kiwicareers.govt.nz – Information on labour market trends and working conditions.
Filed under: Working overseas | Tagged: medicine overseas, new zealand, working and studying in new zealand
