Your Pathway to Practicing Medicine in New Zealand
Expert guidance for doctors seeking a smooth transition to practice in New Zealand
Meet NZ Do
My Background
I’m Josh, a board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician who moved to New Zealand with my family in 2022, after the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic. Having practiced in the U.S., I sought a new chapter that balanced professional fulfillment and personal well-being.
My experience transitioning to New Zealand’s healthcare system came with challenges and valuable insights, which I’m now passionate about sharing. I created this platform to guide and support fellow physicians looking to make a similar move, offering practical advice and resources to help make the journey smoother and more rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at NZDO2024@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
• To be recognized as a “consultant” (equivalent to a US attending physician), you will almost certainly need to be board-certified in your specialty. The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) will evaluate your credentials against New Zealand/Australian standards, usually seeking advice from the relevant specialty college (Australasian College for Emergency Medicine, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, You can see a list or relevant Medial Colleges here: .https://www.cmc.org.nz/who-we-are.
• Yes, you will need a job offer to secure a work visa, or be eligible for a Residence Visa.. Jobs are available at kiwihealthjobs.com. You will be looking for Consultant or Senior Medical Officer (SMO) positions. Avoid recruitment agencies as they may take a large portion of your salary and restrict you from pursuing long-term contracts. Contact the Senior Medical Officer (SMO) recruiter or head of department directly. Job listings are not always conclusive. If you're interested in a particular region/hospital, it's always worth an ask.
You will need to apply for registration through MCNZ. This involves submitting documentation to verify your qualifications and professional experience. MCNZ will likely require advice from the relevant specialty college to ensure your credentials meet the local standards. You can find detailed information on the registration pathways on the MCNZ website:https://www.mcnz.org.nz/registration/. Once you have secured a position, your registration with the NZ medical council will be provisional which can transition to vocational after about 6-12 months. This will then allow you to practice independently in your relevant specialty within NZ. This is not the same as fellowship in your relevant college which is essentially equivalent to US board-certification.
Depending on your qualifications, you will likely be required to work under some supervision initially to ensure you meet the New Zealand standard of care. However, you will almost certainly be practising independently, as a consultant. They just want to ensure you're a competent physician, and sometimes, believe it or not, people slip through the cracks. Their supervision period is very reasonable for someone entering an entirely new health system.
Job offer to feet on the ground in NZ takes around eight months to a year. A lot depends on the immigration process. You will be eligible for a work visa sponsored through your job. However, if you take a permanent contract, you are also eligible for a Straight to Residence Visa.
While New Zealand has well-resourced cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, some specialties, such as pediatric intensive care, are concentrated in fewer centers (e.g., there is only one PICU in the entire country, located in Auckland). Be prepared for resource constraints in certain regions or specialties.
Compensation is competitive, though lower than in the US for many consultants. However, New Zealand has a strong doctors' union, and the salary scale is structured based on years of experience as a consultant. (i.e if you've been an attending 5 years, you will be step 5). You can see the salary scale here: https://asms.org.nz/meca/12-salaries/. Physicians typically work 40 hours per week, which includes administrative support shifts, i.e. office days. There are extra compensated for additional shifts (e.g., weekends, on-call, holidays). Locum rates for extra shifts can be quite lucrative. NZ has a strong doctors union: https://asms.org.nz/. They will review any contract free of charge. Take advantage of this.
• Doctors receive a generous benefits package:
◦ 6 weeks of annual leave
◦ 12 days (3 weeks) of lieu leave (for additional shifts worked) – for shift workers
◦ 2 weeks of Continuing Medical Education (CME) leave
◦ As an emergency department consultant, you won’t work nights, though you will take on-call shifts, generally about once a week.
Physicians in New Zealand often report an improved work-life balance compared to the US. The absence of medical malpractice concerns allows for more sensible decision-making, and patients tend to be more appreciative. You will generally not face the same levels of stress associated with metrics, futile resuscitations, or drug-seeking behaviour.
A reciprocal tax agreement between the US and New Zealand means you do not pay double taxes. You will also likely be eligible to claim a Foreign Tax Credit or Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. This reduces your US taxable income, but you must still file a US tax return. Many expats hire a tax expert to navigate the complexities of filing in both countries.
Life in New Zealand is often described as safer, with less political polarisation compared to the US. It’s a family-friendly environment where children enjoy greater freedom, including outdoor activities, attending school without security measures like locks or school shooter drills, and exploring the abundant natural beauty. Public spaces like parks are generally well-maintained, abundant and safe.
Like any healthcare system, New Zealand has its own set of challenges, including resource limitations, bed blockages, and frustrating administrators. However, many physicians find the overall work environment less stressful and more collegial than in the US. Expect some adjustment to different practices and fewer resources in smaller centers.
◦ No medical malpractice system: This reduces litigation fears and allows for more practical decision-making.
• Better work-life balance: More leave, less bureaucracy, and more reasonable working hours.
• Generous salary and benefits: Strong union support ensures fair compensation and leave entitlements.
• Excellent lifestyle: Safe, family-friendly environment with abundant outdoor activities.
Avoid recruitment agencies, as they may take a significant cut of your salary and may limit your long-term career options. It's better to contact the Senior Medical Officer (SMO) or the head of the department directly. Be cautious of contracts offering non-consultant roles with low pay, especially if they are designed to fill night shifts. Take advantage of ASMS; they will review any contract free of charge at:. https://asms.org.nz/
If you have any other questions about practising as a physician in New Zealand, feel free to reach out! It’s essential to fully research job opportunities, immigration procedures, and medical registration requirements to ensure a smooth transition.
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