Opportunities for doctors in New Zealand's National Recruitment Cycle

Every year, New Zealand's healthcare system undertakes a National Recruitment Cycle, a period that determines the placement of medical professionals across various specialties and regions. This structured recruitment process is important for the healthcare system and medical professionals aspiring to commence or progress in their careers.

Understanding the National Recruitment Cycle

The National Recruitment Cycle is a coordinated effort by New Zealand's District Health Boards (DHBs) to fill medical positions ranging from house officers to senior registrars. This cycle provides a transparent, equitable process ensuring that positions across New Zealand are filled by the most suitable candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and preferences.

The cycle typically involves several phases, starting with the application process, followed by interviews, offers of placements, and final acceptances. These phases are tightly scheduled over a few months each year and usually culminate in the commencement of new positions at the beginning of the clinical year.

Key dates calendar:

• March 2024 - soft launch of advertising
• Friday May 10th - applications open NZ/International
• Monday June 10th - Closing dates House Officer/SHO

Offers made:

• Monday August 19th - Offers made Registrar and designated SHO
• Monday September 2nd - Offers made to House Officers (*ACE PGY1 and PGY2+)
• Letters will be sent via email by 19th August from the respective RMO unit.

Acceptance by:

• Monday August 26th - Registrar and designated SHO
• Monday September 9th - House Officers (*ACE PGY1 and PGY2+)

You must accept by the above dates or your offer will be withdrawn. The above information was sourced from Lakes DHB.

Challenges within the cycle

Despite its structured approach, not every candidate secures their desired position. The reasons vary from high competition for certain roles and locations, to mismatched expectations between medical professionals and hiring panels, or a change of heart/direction from the applicant.

Sometimes, new openings in preferred locations might emerge after the primary recruitment phase has concluded, which aren't captured in the initial cycle, or there is always locum work available across both Australia and New Zealand.

That's where we come in.

Alternative opportunities through medical recruitment agencies

For those who find themselves without a suitable offer or those looking to explore different avenues, medical recruitment agencies, like Medrecruit can help.

"Starting from the moment that I answered my phone, the whole team has been so amazing. They work hard for me to get whatever shifts I want," Dr Nay Lwin Htet, RMO.

We offer New Zealand doctors:

• Access to a broader spectrum of opportunities: Medical recruitment agencies often have the inside track on both locum and permanent positions within the DHBs and in private practices, rural clinics, and specialty hospitals. This wider network can be invaluable for doctors seeking specific roles or geographic locations.

• Personalised placement services: Unlike the national cycle, which can sometimes feel impersonal due to its scale and scope, recruitment agencies offer personalised services. They work closely with candidates to understand their career goals, lifestyle preferences, and desired locations, tailoring job searches to fit individual needs.

• Support beyond placement: Agencies provide ongoing support throughout the job search process, including CV preparation, interview coaching, and negotiation of employment terms. They also handle the administrative burden of credential verification and contract details, making transitions smoother for the doctors.

• Rapid response to market changes: Recruitment agencies are agile, able to quickly adapt to changes in the job market. For doctors who need to find positions outside the standard recruitment timelines, agencies can act swiftly to secure roles that arise at short notice.

"Great way to locum. The staff were very engaging and prepared for every little element of the locum placement. Attention to detail and professionalism was second to none," Dr Andrew Thelander.

"Working as a locum with Medrecruit allows you to choose where and when you work, enabling me to live the life I want. Be that tending to patients, travelling around NZ, being outdoors, or seeing friends. Plus, you get paid well," Dr Sina Karimian.

Opportunities for international medical graduates (IMGS)

Typically, the roles advertised during the National Recruitment cycle are taken up by Kiwi doctors or those already in the country. The majority of overseas doctors secure their roles after the National Recruitment cycle has been completed. So, from September onwards, the hospitals will share with us the remaining vacancies that they are looking to fill for January. Find out more about opportunities for IMGS.

While the National Recruitment Cycle serves as a pathway for medical careers in New Zealand, not securing a preferred position isn't the end of the road. Medical recruitment agencies, like Medrecruit, step in to bridge the gap, offering extensive support and access to many opportunities beyond the traditional cycle. Whether you’re looking for the flexibility of locum work or the stability of a permanent position, partnering with a specialised agency ensures you find a role that fits your professional and personal aspirations. Dr Penzy Dinsdale, Registrar, said:

“I started as a full-time locum just over a year ago and immediately the lifestyle was kind of amazing."

If the National Recruitment Cycle hasn't met your expectations or you've decided to embark down a new career path, don't hesitate to reach out. We can present you with tailored opportunities designed to meet your unique needs.