Inspiration and information about moving to Australia or New Zealand as a doctor 

Moving to Australia or New Zealand

Moving to AU/NZ

It was a cold and dark winters evening when Dr Esther O’Sullivan decided she was tired of the short days and long winters in Ireland, and she needed a new lifestyle.

Now, she has a new life in Rotorua; the geothermal and adventure capital of New Zealand.
 
*This is her story.*

## **Early Life: **

Esther O'Sullivan is from the West of Ireland, loving science at school she decided that medicine was her calling. 
“I have enjoyed working as a doctor. I did most of my training in Ireland” O’Sullivan explained. 
 
Looking back she remembers the job of a junior doctor was not always easy

> “We used to do long shifts on call as junior doctors – a whole weekend sometimes, and often about 33 hours. I remember struggling to stay awake at the end of these.” 

## **Coming to New Zealand to work as a doctor:**
 
O’Sullivan had never been to New Zealand before, but something about the country with its towering mountains and lush hiking trails appealed to her. “I’ve always liked traveling, and in particular to places with beautiful landscapes and opportunities to explore on foot – hiking or running. So New Zealand seemed an obvious choice when I decided to relocate.”
 
Looking online at New Zealand, O’Sullivan was drawn to the diverse natural landscapes; untamed forests and misty fiords,  golden beaches, and waters of turquoise. 
 
>  “I decided to take action and look for a job here one cold and dark winters evening – when I was tired of the short days and long winters at home.”
 
When she registered her interest with Medrecruit she was put in touch with Jess Pearson, a Medrecruit Solution Specialist who specialises in working with international doctors and made the move from the UK herself many years ago. 
 
“She was immediately very helpful – she set up a phone call to get an idea of what I was looking for and made the process very straightforward.” 
 
From this point onwards, Jess guided her through the rest of the process. 
 
“There was a lot of paperwork but Jess helped make it as streamlined as possible, with regard to what the hospital required, the medical council in New Zealand, and also pointing me toward assistance with my visa application.” 
 
Packing everything up her house and deciding on what to ship to New Zealand wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be, “it was really refreshing to declutter.”
 
Although saying goodbye to her friends and family was tough, a brand new job and lifestyle awaited her in Rotorua.
 
> “On arriving in Rotorua it took a while to settle in, and I found it lonely at first, but as it’s a small town, and the hospital is also quite small it wasn’t long before I’d met a lot of people and settled in. I had accommodation provided for a month and everyone was very welcoming. Jess and others at Medrecruit continued to provide support right to the end of the process of moving.”

## **A new life in Rotorua, New Zealand**
 
“All the upheaval and initial stress have definitely been worth it – life here is great, there is a fantastic trail running and loads of events to take part in – this is a great way to see some of this beautiful country. I’ve already explored quite a bit and done some tramps on a few of the great walks.” 
 
Rotorua is a small and close-knit community, but its stunning geothermal landscapes, and beautiful forests make it a popular tourist attraction and holiday destination for New Zealanders.
 
> “My favourite thing to do on days off in Rotorua is to go to the forest for a run – it’s so peaceful there.” 
 
Rotorua is famous for its thermal hot pools, which people have been coming to bathe in since the mid-19th-century. The geothermally heated water is said to have healing properties and be able to cure ailments such as arthritis and rheumatism.
 
“The hot pools are also a good option, very relaxing, especially on a cool evening.” 
 
The Bay of Plenty region also holds many of New Zealand’s other wonders including Mount Maunganui, The Coromandel, and even Hobbiton. 
 
“The Bay of Plenty is a lovely area, with diverse landscape and lots of hiking trails. It’s also easy to explore further afield from here – the airport in Rotorua is very handy for this. Also, there are ski fields less than 2 hours away.” 

Since moving to New Zealand Esther has left the long dark winters of Ireland behind and spends most of her free time enjoying the outdoors. 
 
“My favourite thing about living in New Zealand is the appreciation people have for getting out in nature, and making the most of what’s right on our doorstep. It’s been a real rejuvenating change moving here, and a fantastic adventure so far.” 



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Find out why she chose to make the move from Ireland to live and work in New Zealand. 

Moving to New Zealand

Dr Esther O'Sullivan: "It’s been a real rejuvenating change moving here, and a fantastic adventure so far.” 

Dr Frances DeKock was out exercising in South Africa one afternoon when she was assaulted. It was this event that made her realise that she had become scared to live in her homeland. Crime was escalating and the homeless lined the streets. She had always dreamed of moving to New Zealand; the snow-capped mountain ranges and rugged scenery had touched her heart on a trip many years ago. 
She thought the chances of that dream coming true were slim when she reached out to Medrecruit. 
 
This is the story of how she achieved her lifelong dream and moved to the beautiful Coromandel region. 


## **Early Life: **

Dr Frances DeKock was born and raised in South Africa. Her father was South African and her mother was Scottish. At first, she majored in Piano at university. 
“I wanted to be a concert pianist but realised in my 2nd year of BMus degree that I was just not good enough!”
After deciding music wasn’t for her, she fell into medicine. It was in her blood and came to her naturally. 
“My mother and three of my grandparents are medical doctors so it may have been a profession I had some idea about before starting.”

## **Working as a doctor in South Africa:  **

Initially, she found working as a medical doctor in South Africa very fulfilling, but this began to change over the years. “I have been exposed to a wide diversity of pathologies and communities, having worked across the full range of socio-economic classes” explained DeKock. 
 
Several reasons lead Dr DeKock to reach out to Medrecruit. She felt her generation was paying for the horrors of apartheid. This made her unable to secure work in the public sector which she felt she could have best served.  
“I was stuck in the private sector and becoming professionally frustrated and bored.
My generation and race group are not wanted or welcome in South Africa at this stage in South African history - I absolutely believe in the bigger picture this is inevitable and best for the new South Africa. A difficult transmission period for many of which I am one.”
 
The second reason was the ever-increasing rates of crime. 
“I was assaulted while exercising one afternoon which had a massive impact on my attitude. I realised that I was single and now scared of my homeland so thought I would reach out for my dream and see if there was any, (although I thought slim) chance of finding work and a new life in New Zealand”  


## **The New Zealand Dream: **

Dr DeKock’s dream of coming to New Zealand was born about 20 years ago. She came on a trip here all alone and fell in love with the country. She climbed as many mountains as she could and lost herself in the rugged beauty - she didn’t want to leave. “I have had a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors. I rode horses for many years and love hiking and tramping.”
 
The idea of uprooting her whole life was daunting, but there was something about New Zealand that called to her “I am an opportunist and follow my heart!” 
 
After reaching out to Medrecruit, her dedicated Solution Specialist; Sarah found her a role at a Hospital in the Coromandel region. “Sarah was amazing - I feel that Medrecruit really changed my life by assisting me to realise my dream. They guided me step by step through the process of finding employment” 
 
She knew the move would be stressful on a whole new level, but Sarah and the team at Medrecruit made her feel supported enough to take the plunge, and when she made it she felt liberated.  “This feeling of following my heart and dreams is now something I am proud of and feel enriched by. Sometimes it feels surreal as well.” 

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## **A new life: **

 
Dr Frances DeKock was placed in the Coromandel, a region renowned for its natural beauty. Here pristine beaches meet waters of turquoise, you can explore caves, or get lost in nature walks through lush valleys and misty rainforests. 
‘It was worth the move a million times! I am happier than I imagined. It is taking a while to get used to living in paradise!’
 
Dr DeKock was happy in her new role from day one. “Sarah matched me perfectly for this position. I am doing work that I feel is appreciated. The patients are wonderful people and I feel honoured to be part of this community, who have accepted me with such warmth.”
 
The Coromandal is a holiday destination for many New Zealanders, and there is so much for DeKock to see and do on her days off from work.“The coromandel is really beautiful. Difficult to compare - South Africa is very dry by comparison. The lushness of the New Zealand countryside is something I love, coming from bone dry and dusty! I have tramped most of the tracks in the coromandel forest park- always out there on weekends.” 
 
Abundant in nature walks and hiking tracks, the Coromandel was the perfect place for Dr DeKock to start a new life. “I am really lucky to be out of South Africa now- really sad to see the conflict, compounding the devastation from Covid and the poverty caused by stringent lockdowns last year.” 
 
Back home in South Africa the crime is escalating and homeless are lining the streets, but DeKock is now far away and glad she made the move. 
“I feel safe here - I can walk in the forests and mountains alone and at any time of day without feeling scared of being attacked or robbed.” 
 
Everyday living and working in this beautiful country Dr DeKock feels lucky. Her family was all so supportive of the move, and her mum plans on visiting her in New Zealand soon. 
 
“I love exploring the wonderful mountains and forest parks to tramp in. The people are great. I feel accepted despite being a “foreigner” and everyone has been so kind and willing to help me in so many ways. I respect and admire the way the country is governed. It is an honour to have found work here and be able to live in such a fantastic country.”                  
 
 
**Dr Frances DeKock was placed by Medrecruit Solution Specialist Sarah Robertson. **



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How Dr Frances DeKock achieved her life-long dream of becoming a doctor in New Zealand. 

Becoming a doctor in New Zealand  | Medrecruit 

Dr Frances DeKock: “It was worth the move a million times! I am happier than I imagined”

British general medicine RMO Gabriella Paoloni wanted to move to New Zealand to work as a doctor, but the Covid-19 pandemic put a spanner in the works. 

Here, she talks about what it’s like moving to New Zealand to work as a doctor during the Coronavirus pandemic, and what it was like working during the UK’s second wave. 

## Planning to move during Covid-19
After months of planning to move to New Zealand, Dr Gabriella finished her FY2 paediatrics rotation in Torbay Hospital, Devon. But the coronavirus pandemic was in full swing in the UK, so she chose to stay at Torbay for longer. 

“Paediatrics wasn’t much affected, but we changed our shifts to make sure everything would still work if one of the team went off sick. The whole hospital changed. Recovery rooms became an extension of ICU. There were Covid and non-Covid teams… it was like we were prepping to go to war.” 

Though she was hoping to move to New Zealand for work in September 2020, New Zealand had closed its borders and it took a little longer than usual to obtain a special visa and the right job offer. She moved to an A&E department in Portsmouth during the interim, just as the second wave of Covid-19 hit the UK. 

“That was horrendous. I remember a day where there were eighteen ambulances waiting outside, all with Covid patients on oxygen… they were getting triaged to come in based on who was going to run out of oxygen first. It was so surreal.” 

## Moving to New Zealand 
Dr Gabriella worked with Medrecruit to complete the paperwork required to move to New Zealand as a doctor. This included completing EPIC (an electronic verification of qualifications), organising referees and applying for the right visa. 

“I had applied in December 2019 and got the ball rolling in 2020. I wanted to be prepared because I am infamously unprepared. I got the ball rolling with Jess Pearson at Medrecuit. She told me to do the EPIC and get my referees sorted.”

“[…] Jess was really supportive. The good thing about using Medrecruit is that you just had to do the paperwork once, then Jess would send it to different hospitals… You can use the same references and CV and cover letter, but you’d have to re-send it to all the different HR departments of each hospital and they want slightly different things. Jess did that for me, so I only had to do it once (apart from for Wellington and Auckland who have separate application forms).”

## Working as a doctor in Thames
Dr Gabriella was offered a 12-month contract in Thames, a small New Zealand town located on the Coromandel Peninsula, 1.5 hours’ drive from Auckland. A bit more paperwork and two weeks of quarantine were required before Dr Gabriella could travel to her new home. 

“It’s a small hospital and community, so everyone helps each other. The consultants are always approachable. As it is a rural hospital, they have to be very knowledgeable about everything. I’ve learned a lot. I feel like my knowledge and experience is now very diverse from being out here.”

She’s now settled in Thames with three other doctors (coincidentally all from the North of England), enjoying the learning experience and better work/life balance New Zealand offers. 

“There’s part of me that might want to try a different specialty or hospital or area one day. But at the moment I’m enjoying things and learning lots.” 


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Dr Gabriella Paoloni talks about her experience moving from the UK to New Zealand during the Coronavirus pandemic

Moving to NZ as a doctor after Covid-19 | Medrecruit

Moving to NZ as a doctor after Covid-19

Coming from a cardiothoracic ITU and organ transplant centre in London, to practising medicine in rural New Zealand is quite a change. 

In late 2020, Dr Abdullah Khalid made the move from London, UK to work as a doctor in laid-back Taranaki. He’s noticed differences in the lifestyle, ways of working and approaches to medicine – particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Medrecruit gave him a call to find how things were going at his new placement in New Zealand. 

## What differences have you noticed, from a doctor’s perspective, between the UK and New Zealand?  

There are certain differences. The NZRDA (New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association) are stronger here and they protect doctors’ rights and that’s nice. You’re provided meals at work which is a nice change! 

But that said, working in New Zealand, in a more rural location, is a struggle with some things. For example, you have to call across different hospitals to get things done. You have to call Auckland for some things, Waikato for some things then Christchurch for other things. It can get confusing and there’s a bit to get around in your head. 

Then, obviously, the guidelines are a little bit different and the drugs that are funded are a little bit different as well. Some of the drugs I’d use in the UK aren’t funded here, so I can’t prescribe that, and the antibiotic guideline is also stricter. So, that’s difficult to get your head around in the beginning. 

## How have you found the lifestyle change – from the UK to New Zealand? 
The lifestyle change is… much more outdoorsy, a sort of nature-orientated lifestyle where everyone is a lot more active. That’s quite nice. It’s not as multi-cultural as London, but it’s definitely more outdoorsy. 

## Have you been getting out into nature in New Zealand? 
Yeah, I have. I’ve been to Hawke’s Bay […] I haven't been to enough places to recommend anywhere but I think Hawke’s Bay is very nice. There’s great wine there!

## How did you find applying to work as a doctor in New Zealand?  
I found the process was quite easy because I worked with Medrecruit. They help you figure out what you can do and what you want and they help you look. Or, they look for you and send you a position and you can just tell them, “yes, I do think that position will be suitable for me”… then they send your CV, and help organise paperwork and interviews for you. 

Once they’ve got an offer for you, they help with your MCNZ application and they stick with you, that’s quite nice. Medrecruit can handle all of that and that makes it that bit easier. 

## How is your current placement going? 
I like the city. It’s more rural NZ medicine than I am used to and it took a while to get used to that. But I like the lifestyle outside of work. It’s up and down. It took a couple of weeks to get there, to adjust. 

Every hospital has different computer systems, so you expect that but it’s more about what services are available in that hospital and where to send them to, that’s the thing that takes the longest to learn. 

## Do you have any tips for doctors thinking about moving to New Zealand? 	
You have to be willing to be flexible with the you way work. I think it’s the same in any country – you have to be flexible in the work that you’re doing. 

I’d recommend, if you’re coming here to New Zealand, to have an open mind and to realise that if you’re coming from a different country, things are not going to be the same. 

## What was behind your decision to move to New Zealand? 
I just wanted to explore the country and the different culture. 
During these Covid-times, it’s been quite nice being here with the lesser restrictions here, compared to the UK. And I do think it is a beautiful country. 

Looking back, Medrecruit really does make the whole application process really easy for you. I was working with Sarah and Rachel and they do a good part of the work for you and that really helped.


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Dr Abdullah Khalid shares his experience of what it is like moving from London to small-town New Zealand as a doctor. 

Moving to New Zealand as a doctor - Dr Khalid | Medrecruit

What is it like moving to New Zealand to work as a doctor?  

As August of 2020 approached, and I realised I only had 6 months left of my core training in the Anaesthesia programme left, it dawned upon me that this was probably the time to start getting the ball rolling if I was really serious about moving to the other side of the world.

New Zealand has always fascinated me as a country, despite not having visited before (well not until I made the move here!). A combination of reasons including the great outdoors lifestyle, amazing natural scenery and unique history drew me here. In addition to this, if I am honest, New Zealand’s world-leading response to the Covid pandemic also helped convince me that this was a good place in the world to aim for.

So August 2020, I sent out a few emails to different hospitals around New Zealand. I either received replies saying that I had just missed the recruitment window, or that it would be a while until the next window. Therefore, I decided to approach Medrecruit after having read superb reviews about them online. I filled in the online form via their website and all that was left was to wait for the reply.

Wow! A day later Jess had emailed me to ask when a good time would be to call so we could have a chat to discuss exactly what sort of job I was looking for. My broad criteria were for a registrar post in Anaesthetics and at a hospital near some great ski fields!

Within a couple of weeks, Jess got in touch with me to say that Southland Hospital had read through my cover letter and CV and was keen to contact me for a telephone interview. The interview was very different to anything I have experienced back in the UK – my interviewer was very quick to say how impressed they were with my CV, and a big part of the interview was chatting about all the reasons I wanted to move to New Zealand… a keen interest in exploring the outdoors is vital I was told!

A week later… I was told I had the job! Despite the fact I was not able to start the job for another few months… Medrecruit negotiated on my behalf and ensured that I would be able to start the job after my UK training programme had finished. From this point on, Medrecruit truly were exceptional. There is a fair amount of paperwork to do, but Medrecruit guides you through the process and ensures that the hospital has all the information they need. Also, Medrecruit even put me in touch with an immigration advisor for a free consultation – this advice proved invaluable as I have spoken to countless doctors since being here who have ended up on a suboptimal visa!

The beginning of February 2021 arrived… and it was time for me to now get on the plane. Next stop, 2 weeks in an Auckland Managed Isolation Facility! 2 weeks in isolation was a small price to pay for the freedom that would follow! All the isolation staff were so helpful, and the food at the place I was staying was top notch. Fridays were the best – chips, burger and a complimentary beer!

The 2 weeks flew by and before I knew it, it was my first day at Southland Hospital, in Invercargill. It was not until I arrived here, that I really appreciated how fortunate I had been to have secured a job here. It is perfectly situated to many of the gems of New Zealand – Queenstown and the amazing ski fields (2 hours North), The Catlins (1 hour 15 mins East) and Fiordland (2 hours North West) just to name a few! Invercargill itself is cool too, with plenty of places to eat out and a really friendly community.

The job itself has been superb. Having worked here for 2 and a half months now, I was very quickly made to feel at home in the department, with very supportive consultant colleagues. Moreover, the whole hospital is a relatively small and close-knit community. At Southland Hospital, there are great relations between departments, and it is a lovely and very friendly place to work.

I would highly recommend Medrecruit to anyone who is looking to make the big move to the Southern Hemisphere! They helped me throughout the entire process and secured me the perfect job in New Zealand. Even since arriving here, Medrecruit has been in touch with me to check in with me and hear about how the job and life, in general, is going! Medrecruit gives a 5-star service and I would recommend them highly!


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Written by Dr Will Beech, Anaesthetic Registrar at Southland Hospital, New Zealand since February 2021

Moving Down Under – Why did I choose MedRecruit?

Moving Down Under – Why did I choose Medrecruit?

Stories and inspiration from exceptional doctors

Our Doctors

Before coming to New Zealand, Dr Canada Cherry couldn’t imagine living and working in a small town.  
 
Originally from near Manchester (UK) Dr Canada went to medical school in Birmingham and worked in the NHS. She was used to large hospitals in big cities, but had always wanted to try living and working as a doctor in Australia or New Zealand.  
 
“I’d heard of a lot of other doctors who’d done it and I’d hear the life out here is nice, and I wanted to experience life in another country,” she says.  
 
## Looking for work as a doctor in Australia and New Zealand  
Dr Canada started to research what it might be like to move to Australia or New Zealand. She talked to doctor friends who’d done it, contacted lots of recruitment agencies and emailed some hospitals to get an idea of how it all worked.  
  
She discovered Medrecruit and got chatting to Jess, a recruitment specialist in our International team. Dr Canada says it’s the rapport she had with Jess and the team that helped her choose Medrecruit.  
 
“I found Jess really, really lovely. She’s so helpful. And [Medrecruit] were the ones that got me a job in paediatrics. That’s what I wanted – but ideally somewhere that isn’t too small.  
 
“So now I have a job in paediatrics in Whangarei – which is small, compared to UK cities, but it’s not too small, it’s relatively big for New Zealand. It’s turned out really well and Jess was really helpful.  
 
“I’m glad I went through an agency in the end, I think it would have been a lot more difficult to go direct.”  
 
## Getting help with the paperwork  
Moving to another country to work as a doctor comes with a lot of paperwork requirements. Dr Canada says there was more paperwork than she expected, and arriving in August 2020 meant restrictions brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic added another layer of complexity.  
 
“Medrecruit helped me with the paperwork. Rachel helped me with medical council registration and then they put me in contact with their immigration advisor, which was really useful – especially during Covid-19!”  
 
## Life and work in New Zealand 
Whangarei is the northernmost city in New Zealand and the regional capital of Northland. It’s famed for its friendly, laid-back and beach-loving lifestyle and mild ‘winterless’ climate.  
 
“Everyone is SO friendly here, I can’t get over it!” Says Dr Canada. “It’s hard to get around without a car here, but on my second day my registrar offered me his car to use for as long as I needed it. That was so nice. Everyone at the hospital is so friendly, but also generally across New Zealand.”  
 
Dr Canada has spent her days off hiking, travelling the South Island or relaxing at her local beach that’s just minutes down the road.  
 
“I’ve been to the beach every day. I see dolphins and whales most days, just casually, I’ve not booked a tour to see them, they’re just there. It’s incredible! The wildlife is amazing.”  
 
## Comparing working as a doctor in the UK to New Zealand 
Dr Canada says her roster is still “pretty full on”. She sometimes works 10 or 12 days in a row, but the atmosphere is “a lot more chilled” than the big NHS hospitals she’s used to.  
 
“I feel like it is a lot nicer working here because everyone is so helpful. It’s just a nicer environment to work in and it doesn’t feel like as much strain as the NHS.”  
 
Junior doctors in New Zealand get a free meal while working and, though it’s a small gesture, Dr Canada (and other British doctors we’ve worked with) say it makes a big difference; “I tell my friends back home in the UK and they get really jealous. Just having a free meal whenever you’re on shift is so helpful. It also means that all the House Officers have lunch together, it’s so sociable.  
 
“You feel so much more appreciated because of things like the free lunches. On Christmas Day, the hospital gave free Christmas lunch to all the staff at the hospital, which I thought was so nice. You wouldn’t get that at home.” 
 
## Tips for doctors considering moving to New Zealand   
Dr Canada says one of the challenges of moving to New Zealand was the paperwork; there was more than she’d expected (and Covid-19 restrictions added to the list). But she says the effort was worth it; “I’m so grateful I’m here now, where there’s no Covid. I talk to my friends at home and they’re all in tier 4 lockdown…”  
 
Her other tips for doctors are to not worry about meeting people (New Zealand really is a friendly country) and to be open-minded about the location:  
 
“Don’t be afraid to move to smaller towns, especially in New Zealand. This is the smallest town and the smallest hospital I’ve ever worked in. But I’ve found it far more friendly than other hospitals I have worked in back home. You’ll have equally as good time working in a small town than if you went to Auckland or Wellington.  
 
“And here, you can go to the beach all the time! Which would be harder in Auckland. There’s better weather and less traffic here.   
 
“I feel like people miss out Northland because it’s that bit further, but they’re missing out. It’s so beautiful here and there’s so much to do. I was at the beach yesterday and I thought: I can’t believe that I’m living here!” 
 
 
 
 
 
  

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From Manchester to Whangarei; discovering life and work as a doctor, in small town New Zealand

Discovering life and work as a doctor in small town New Zealand | Medrecruit

Discovering life and work as a doctor in small town New Zealand 

Medrecruit news, events, and other important things happening in the medical world 

News and Events

> A single truly national public health service

*– Hon Andrew Little, Minister of Health*


Hon Andrew Little has announced the widest sweeping changes I’ve ever seen proposed in our health system. This is a bold move with the intention of [streamlining the national health service](/articles/how-public-health-care-works-in-australia-and-new-zealand-medrecruit) to provide better care for New Zealanders.

In theory, a centralised organisation, Health New Zealand, to run hospitals and primary/community care is a good idea. It seems logical that everyone can benefit from the best ideas and superior buying power. 

In addition, changing the way we prioritise Māori health and workforce wellbeing are also incredibly worthwhile ideals.

However, the goal of having this live by July 2022 might be too ambitious. A change of this magnitude would be hard in any organisation, and the national health service isn’t just any organisation. 

The public service moves slowly. Systemic change in the medical industry moves slowly. This is as slow as it gets. 

75% of change initiatives fail due to a failure to engage the front line staff. In [my 18 years](/about-us) in the health industry I have never seen a large change initiative where the front-line was adequately engaged; hence most fail to live up to their goals. If we want this to be a success then this is where we must start. 

Personally, I don’t believe enough time has been allowed to do this engagement effectively. This goal of this change is worthy of giving this the time it needs. It feels like it’s being rushed through, perhaps as a governmental show of strength that ‘we can do this.’ 

I’d like to see this change work. However, my experience with large-scale industry change is that most fails. Failure is a terrible option because it is the people of New Zealand, and the [medical staff,](/articles/hospitals-and-clinics-why-work-with-a-recruitment-agency) who will pay the price.

I think it’s time to pump the brakes and engage the stakeholders.



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On April 21, Health Minister Andrew Little announced the biggest change to our health system in history. Dr Sam Hazledine highlights why doctors and stakeholders are key to the plan’s success.

New Zealand’s health system reform: will it work? | Medrecruit 

New Zealand’s health system reform: will it work?

Sarah Robertson is a licensed immigration adviser for New Zealand and part of Medrecruit’s [international placement team](/doctors/international[text](link)). It’s her job to help doctors trained overseas (in countries like the UK, Ireland and US) find jobs in New Zealand and Australia. 
  
As a licensed immigration adviser in New Zealand, she has a unique perspective on [opportunities for doctors ‘down under’](/articles/can-i-work-as-a-doctor-in-australia-and-new-zealand-medrecruit) in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
  
We asked her some commonly asked questions about working overseas, with recent events in mind. 
  
## Can doctors trained overseas still work in Australia and New Zealand?   
  
In the current situation, Immigration New Zealand have determined that medical practitioners are essential health workers. They are very much in need in New Zealand at the moment. Hospitals are still recruiting and even if we’re looking months down the line, the potential to secure jobs in New Zealand are really good. I’d say the market in New Zealand is generally more accessible in Australia as some doctors are restricted by their medical registration and where they can work – it comes down to individual situations. 
  
There’s so much information out there and it can be so complex that determining what is relevant to you is difficult. We’ve got so many years’ experience in dealing with this, I’d contact us first and trust us to direct you to the resources that are relevant to you. 
  
As this situation is evolving on a daily basis, we’ll work with you, when you’re ready to move to see how to best navigate this changing landscape to get you into the country and ready to start work. 
  
## Are there any specialities or grades in high demand?  
  
In terms of specialities, those in need include [psychiatrists](/articles/is-psychiatry-a-dying-field), radiologists, O&G, consultants (general medicine), ophthalmology, respiratory, emergency medicine – those are all really good ones. 
  
Ones that are usually less easy to find jobs for include paediatrics, cardiology, general medicine, plastics and anaesthetics. 
  
## Can MedRecruit help a doctor’s family move too?  
  
Yes. We work with a lot of couples – especially couples who are a couple of doctors! We place a lot of them and hospitals really like those set ups. 
  
Generally, for more senior doctors with families, we help the doctor find a job and then the family are able to accompany them. We can’t help anyone find a job in something that’s non-medical, but we can help with almost everything else. 
  
## What is immigration and hiring like at the moment, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic?  
  
It’s a fast-changing situation. What we’re doing is staying on top of the new developments as they happen. There are routes for essential workers to secure visas and their family are allowed to accompany them (at this point). To be honest… there are a few bureaucratic hoops that didn’t exist before and that is making things a little bit more difficult. 
  
Other considerations, like being quarantined for two weeks on arrival, I think we can anticipate will stay around for a while. 
  
But what I can also say is: we’re here to do everything we can to help make that process is as smooth as possible. Honestly, this has changed every day for the past four weeks, but we’re keeping up with these changes all the time. 
  
## If a doctor is thinking about moving to New Zealand later this year, or early in 2021, what can they do now to prepare? Is it still worth talking to Medrecruit?  
  
Definitely! We’re always looking six-to-twelve months in advance. For junior doctors, that’s usually around six months, for senior it’s more towards twelve months. If you’re considering making the move in the next twelve months or so, I’d say get in touch now. We’re really keen to start working with you sooner than we need to, so we can get everything ready and in place. 
  
There is some paperwork that can be done now, but the more important thing is making that initial contact so that we can be on the lookout for the right job for you. 
  
## How does the process work?  
  
Just about always, to secure medical registration and a visa, you need a job first. So, we’ll find them a job (finding a great job is part of what takes time). In terms of processing time for registration and visas, even during ‘good days’ we allow a minimum of three months for that for juniors and six months for seniors. 
  
This is very much for people who are looking ahead and thinking about making the move at the end of this year or the beginning of next. I’d highly recommend they get in touch now. 
  
## What is the best time to get in touch?  
  
What I’m telling my doctors is that we talk today for the first time in the hope of securing a job and getting here in six-to-eight months. We don’t know what is going to happen with Covid, but all of the hospitals we are working with are working on the anticipation that they will still need doctors in six months’ time. So, we want to be on the front foot with that and we want to help them fill those needs when they need it… not six months retrospectively. 
  
## So… New Zealand will still need doctors?  
  
That’s it. We don’t see that changing at all. Certainly in the New Zealand and Australian markets because there are many international doctors who were working here who have now returned home. This has probably, in the long run, created a lot more jobs down the line. We might not be seeing them just yet, but I think we’re going to see more jobs coming out in the future. 
  
**Are you an internationally trained doctor looking for more information on making the move? Register today and one of our dedicated specialists, like Sarah, will be in touch. **
 

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Our immigration adviser and international recruitment specialist looks at opportunities for doctors in New Zealand post-Covid. 

Moving to New Zealand after Covid-19 | Medrecruit  

Moving to New Zealand after Covid-19

Are you looking for doctor jobs in New Zealand and Australia? Look no further. Medrecruit is a medical recruitment company based in Australia and New Zealand with more jobs than you can shake a visa at. 
 
But to narrow down your job search, you’ll first need to choose: Australia or New Zealand? Often lumped together on the world stage (including [this awkward moment](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/82275079/flag-foulup-fails-to-dampen-john-keys-testing-trip-to-europe-and-indonesia) when New Zealand’s then Prime Minister was put in front of the Aussie flag), the two countries are actually quite different in terms of lifestyle and the kind of doctor jobs you’ll come across.  
 
Choosing the best place to live depends on what sort of doctor job you’re after, what kind of lifestyle you want and how much you’d like to get paid. 
  
### So, where should you focus your doctor job search?  

## Doctor job opportunities 
Australia is bigger, a lot bigger, than New Zealand. Physically, it’s a whopping 7.6 million km2 with a population of 24.6 million, however, much of the population lives along the coastlines. This means Australia has a greater number and range of doctor job opportunities. From the major cities like Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to rural towns, the kind of doctor job you get could vary wildly, even within the same specialty.  
 
While the big city jobs may be comparable (and therefore more attractive) to doctor jobs in countries like the UK, quotas mean that you’ll probably have to work in a rural community or regional area first (this is known as a DWS area). 
 
New Zealand is far smaller, it’s roughly the same size as the UK, but with a population of just 4.6 million (compare that to 66 million in the UK). There’s fewer doctor jobs overall, but the range of opportunities is surprising: New Zealand has one of the highest proportions within the OECD of international medical graduates in its medical workforce (around 43%). New Zealand’s health system relies on overseas trained doctors, so while the training systems between NZ and Australia are relatively similar, it could be argued that getting a job in NZ is easier (and there’s no rural area quota). 
 
## Doctors’ Lifestyles  
Doctors looking for a better lifestyle is one of the most common reasons we see overseas trained doctors looking for jobs in Australia. There’s long sandy beaches, great surf, hot summer days and vibrant cities balanced with incredible wildlife and natural beauty… there’s a lot to like about Aussie! However, you’re more likely to get a doctor job in a rural or regional area first. This means that you might not get to spend weekends at Bondi and evenings at the Sydney Opera House at first. But there’s a lot on offer from these smaller communities. We’ve worked with loads of doctors who’ve loved travelling off the beaten path, working with rural communities and discovering a different side to Australia. Check out our interview with [Dr Kodali](/articles/pursuing-the-full-time-locuming-dream-dr-kiren-kodali-s-story), who uses quieter rural airports to fly small planes on his weekends. 
 
In New Zealand, there’s only a few major cities (think Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch…). While city [life in New Zealand](/articles/lifestyle-of-doctors-in-the-uk-vs-nz) is great, like Australia, you’d be wise to widen your doctor job search to rural areas. Medrecruit doctor Dr Dolores del Estal spent a year travelling New Zealand’s rural areas and tourist hotspots with her Great Dane dog while taking on locum work. Arguably, Australia has the edge when it comes to traditional arts and cultural offerings, but if you love the great outdoors, you’d be a fool not to consider New Zealand’s rugged beauty. Cruise Milford Sound, take up paragliding or tackle the Coast-to-Coast multisport race… game on! 
 
## Doctor salaries 
Remuneration in both New Zealand and Australia is relatively good. On average, pay is higher in Australia than New Zealand (and the cost of living is higher in New Zealand), but most doctors find the pay in both countries suitable. 
 
Compared to New Zealand, [Australia’s healthcare system](/articles/how-public-health-care-works-in-australia-and-new-zealand-medrecruit) operates more like a private healthcare system. Pay and career opportunities here are higher, but some doctors don’t like the fact that patient access to care has more financial barriers. 
 
Despite New Zealand’s health care system being more socially-driven, it has fewer operating pressures than the UK’s NHS (the smaller, healthier population helps too). 
 
## Should you work in New Zealand or Australia?  
Ultimately, the decision to move to New Zealand or Australia comes down to what kind of lifestyle you want; do you want good money and the luxuries of the city, or do you want to work fewer hours so you can spend more time mountain biking? If you’re still not sure, talk to a member of our team – we’ve got offices on the Gold Coast, Australia and Queenstown, New Zealand. 
 

Australia vs NZ which is better for doctors 

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Researching life as a doctor Down Under: is Australia or New Zealand better for you, your career and your family?

AU vs NZ : Which is better for doctor jobs? | Medrecruit

Australia vs New Zealand: Which is better for doctor jobs? 

Doctors and health professionals moving from the UK’s National Health System to Australia’s Medicare or New Zealand’s public health service will notice that the public health systems in each country work differently. This affects how you are paid and changes how your patients are likely to access the public health system. To help you understand the broader differences between the three systems, here’s an outline of how public health services work in [Australia and New Zealand](/articles/can-i-work-as-a-doctor-in-australia-and-new-zealand-medrecruit). 
 
## Medicare 
Australia’s [Medicare](https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/%20Parliamentary_Library/Publications_Archive/archive/medicare) system is split into two parts; the [Medicare Benefits Schedule](http://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Home) (MBS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits System (PBS). MBS provides full or partially covered medical services to anyone who holds a Medicare card. PBS reduces the cost of medication for the public. 
 
It is funded by Australian taxpayers and Australian citizens. Residents and those from a country with a reciprocal health agreement (like the UK) also have access to Medicare services. However, Medicare does not cover all medical services so many people take out private healthcare insurance. Patients are either bulk billed (cost is covered by Medicare) or privately billed (charged a fee, which is often higher than the Medicare rebate). Mixed billing is when the patient is charged the entire fee upfront but can claim a rebate from Medicare. 
 
Any service which is bulk billed or covered by Medicare will need to be billed with an item number, which will have a scheduled fee attached. However, doctors who are not working at a bulk billing practice are free to set their own fees. The patient will pay the difference between the scheduled fee and the fee you have charged. If a service does not have an item number, the patient will need to pay the full amount out of their own pocket. 
 
If you work as a [GP in Australia](/articles/gp-salary-australia-2020-update-medrecruit), this will affect how you are paid. GPs are not on a salary, instead, they receive a percentage of the billings (typically around 65%). After hours work often carries a higher fee, so GPs can significantly boost their income by undertaking extra after-hours work. 
  
## New Zealand Public Health System 
New Zealand’s [public health system](https://www.health.govt.nz/new-zealand-health-system) is funded by taxpayers, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and government agencies. Many people also take out private insurance and some services are paid for out of pocket. The [NHS and New Zealand’s health system](/articles/why-are-british-and-irish-g-ps-are-in-demand-in-australia-and-new-zealand) are broadly similar, but the New Zealand public system has more interaction with its private counterpart. 
 
Essential health care services are free for all New Zealanders and people in New Zealand on a work permit valid for two years or longer. Visitors from Australia and the UK can access some services under their respective reciprocal agreements. Alongside the public system, private healthcare offers access to private hospitals for the treatment of both urgent and non-urgent conditions (excluding Accident and Emergency Care). 
 
The public system works on a community-orientated model, with three key sectors; District Health Boards (DHBs), Primary Health Care and Primary Health Organisations (PHOs). DHBs are government funded and are responsible for providing and funding health and disability services in their district whereas PHOs co-ordinate local primary health services, bringing together doctors, nurses and other health professionals. Primary health care includes first level services such as general practice, mobile nursing and community health services – note that not all are publicly funded. 
 
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is another element of the system. ACC is the government’s personal injury scheme which helps pay for medical and treatment fees, rehabilitation costs and residential care caused by an accident or injury. 
 
The private healthcare system in New Zealand often compliments the public service by providing non-urgent and elective treatments. However, there are many private accident, emergency and medical clinics, which provide out-of-hours services outside of the public system. Specialists often work across both the private and public services and patients commonly switch between the two as well – those that can afford it often elect private care to avoid the long wait times for non-essential health services.   



Though there are differences between the UK, Australian and New Zealand healthcare systems, the broad similarities make it easier for doctors to move between them. Differences between hospital computer systems, different accents and different pharmaceutical brand names can be a challenge, but it's one many of the doctors we work with take in their stride.  
 

doctor working - public healthcare in AUS and NZ 

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Health professionals moving from the UK will notice that the public health systems of Australia and New Zealand work differently to the NHS. Here’s how they work.

How public health care works in Australia and NZ | Medrecruit

How public healthcare works in Australia and New Zealand

British and Irish trained GPs are in demand across both Australia and New Zealand – but what’s driving the trend? 
  
Working as a doctor overseas is a lifestyle many physicians never regret. The opportunity to live and work in another country broadens horizons and develops medical skills. For British and Irish doctors, Australia and [New Zealand](/articles/moving-to-new-zealand-after-covid-19) are popular choices – the lifestyle ‘down under’ regularly ranks among the [best in the OECD](http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/#/11111111111) and the health systems are comparative. Another reason many doctors consider working in Australia and New Zealand is that British and Irish doctors are in demand. 
  
## What’s driving the trend? 
Both countries currently have a shortage of doctors, particularly in rural areas. Shortages in a number of specialities fluctuate, but typically, qualified and experienced doctors from health systems like the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and Ireland’s Health Service Executive/Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte (HSE) can find good employment opportunities. This is because the health systems and qualifications between the four countries are broadly similar, so it is easier for governing bodies to ensure training requirements and other essential standards have been met (for a brief explanation of pathways, read this post). 
  
It’s general practitioners who are most in demand. In New Zealand, the Royal College of GPs conducted a general practice workforce study which highlighted that 34% of GPs (excluding registrars) intend to retire within five years and 57% within the next 10 years. More than half of GPs in New Zealand are more than 52 years old. International medical graduates are essential in filling this looming gap, particularly in New Zealand’s scenic rural towns and regions; currently, 46% of rural GPs in New Zealand trained overseas. 
  
In Australia, experts have suggested that general practice has been less popular with medical students and young doctors in recent years. The Australian Medical Association’s president, Dr Tony Bartone expressed concern in a July 2019 media release that GP training places were going unfilled: “Since 2015, we have seen a 20 per cent fall in the number of applications for GP training, and a six per cent drop in the number of first year GP training posts filled,” he said. Again, it’s [rural areas](/articles/dr-henry-kurtze-s-experience-as-a-locum-in-rural-australia) where the shortage is more obvious – some have suggested that outmoded stereotypes of rural GP work linger and that there’s not enough training programmes based in rural areas to help dispel the myths. However, a first-of-its-kind [national-scale study](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ajr.12577) published in October 2019 reported that rural junior doctors were significantly more satisfied with their work-life balance than their metropolitan counterparts. 
  
## Great general practitioners will always be in demand  
Both the Australian and New Zealand governments have announced initiatives to increase the number of locally trained doctors, as well as incentives to encourage new doctors to stay in general practice by improving remuneration and benefits. However, the issue isn’t new and Australia and New Zealand certainly aren’t the only countries to report shortages within their health systems. As population numbers grow and life expectancy increases around the world, good doctors will always be in demand. 
  
Medical recruitment agencies like Medrecruit exist to help match great doctors seeking new experiences with doctor job vacancies. [Better work-life balance](/articles/lifestyle-of-doctors-in-the-uk-vs-nz) and career advancement are just some of the reasons British and Irish doctors we’ve worked with have moved to Australia or New Zealand. 
 

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Find out what is driving the demand for British and Irish GPs in Australia and New Zealand

UK GP's are in demand in AU and NZ - here's why | Medrecruit   

Why are British and Irish GPs are in demand in Australia and New Zealand? 

Around two years ago, Dr Lynn Wong started looking for opportunities to live and work in New Zealand. 
  
Originally from Malaysia, Dr Lynn had trained in London (UK) for three years as well as in Malaysia. Her partner lives and works in Auckland (NZ) and Lynn had heard that New Zealand’s medical system was [somewhat similar to the UK’s system](/articles/how-public-health-care-works-in-australia-and-new-zealand-medrecruit). She knew that living in New Zealand would give her an opportunity to be closer to her partner and enable her to continue her career in a system she was familiar with. 
  
## The challenges of moving to New Zealand 
She says she realised quite quickly that [finding work as a doctor in New Zealand](/articles/can-i-work-as-a-doctor-in-australia-and-new-zealand-medrecruit) was “very difficult.” 
  
“I reached out to Medrecruit, but I’m very different from the kind of doctors they can help. Even though I got my degree in the UK, I was a student and so not registered with the medical council there.” 
  
Medical recruitment companies like Medrecruit can only work with doctors who meet strict conditions and qualifications outlined by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and other governing bodies. Dr Lynn spent time completing MCNZ’s requirements, which would make her eligible to work in New Zealand, but she found searching for jobs difficult.  
  
“I tried to find jobs on my own, but I got rejected a lot. I wanted to work near my partner in Auckland, but was turned down a few times.” 
  
She called Medrecruit again and told the team that she’d completed MCNZ’s processes, but was still struggling to find work. Sarah Robertson (from our International Medical Graduate team) found a great role for Lynn in Whangarei, a bustling and cultural city north of Auckland. 
  
## Working with a medical recruitment agency  
It’s often difficult for IMGs to find work in Auckland, because the city is popular with locally trained doctors. Sarah knew to look further afield when helping Lynn find her first role in New Zealand. Many IMGs don’t realise that New Zealand is a small country – getting around is easy and the regions often have a lot to offer in terms of lifestyle and job opportunities. 
  
“Sarah has been very helpful; she understands what I want to do and she sets realistic goals,” says Lynn. 
  
“I’ve been in Whangarei for one month so far. It was initially overwhelming and the accent is hard to understand! But everyone has been very supportive and open-minded. 
  
“I’m very grateful that I got this job here. It’s near Auckland, where my partner is. It’s not terribly busy, but it’s a good-sized hospital that covers most of Northland. Really, it’s the perfect place to start my career in New Zealand.” 
  
Lynn adds that having the support of Sarah and the Medrecruit team has helped her realise her dream of living and working in New Zealand. 
  
“I’m a very anxious and impatient person,” she laughs. 
  
“Everyone at Medrecruit has been so kind and understanding. They’ve guided me through every step and Sarah is very responsive – she replies to emails quickly!” 
  
## Tips for starting a new role 
Lynn has ICU and anaesthetics experience, so is currently working in that field, but she’s keen to grow and explore the different career opportunities available to her. 
  
She says the hospital she’s working in is a little “luxurious” compared to hospitals in Malaysia. 
  
“I would say it is very, very different. There’s a different mentality, modern equipment and lots of tests we can order. We’re very spoilt. People I work with are also more open – there’s no hierarchy and I call my bosses by their first name.” 
  
She says she was anxious when starting her new role. Her advice to others is to “be open minded.” 
  
“Don’t scare yourself. Things take time to settle so take things one step at a time.” 
  
She adds: “If you have a dream of moving to a different country – take that first step. I look back and am amazed that I’m here now. I’m really happy and grateful.” 
 

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Dr Lynn Wong discusses the challenges of moving to New Zealand for International Medical Graduates and how an agency can help 

Making the move to NZ – Dr Lynn Wong’s story | Medrecruit   

Making the move to New Zealand – Dr Lynn Wong’s experience

Johanna Coenen is an anaesthetics registrar from Germany. After completing her specialist qualifications, she decided to do a year working abroad. She’s now working through Medrecruit in beautiful New Zealand. 
 
We caught up with Johanna to ask about her experience [working in New Zealand](/articles/moving-to-new-zealand-after-covid-19) so far and how she’s found the transition from the German healthcare system to the New Zealand one. 
 
## Why did you decide to work as a doctor in New Zealand? 
I’d just finished my specialist qualifications and I’d done most of my training in one hospital so I wanted a new experience. I also wanted to get more fluent in medical English so I decided to spend a year abroad. 
 
I looked into what English-speaking countries I could work in. To work in the USA and Canada, you have to jump through so many hoops, you have to re-do exams and someone has to take on the responsibility of you being there – it’s too much. So, I looked at countries connected to Britain – like [Australia and New Zealand](/articles/australia-vs-new-zealand-which-is-better-for-doctor-jobs). 
 
## Once you’d decided to work in New Zealand, what was your first step? 
I Googled the differences between healthcare positions. I didn’t know what an RMO (Resident Medical Officer) was, as there’s no direct comparisons; then you have PGY1 and PGY2, HO, Fellow… it took me a while to get to know the system. 
 
I found the [Medrecruit website](/about-us) and I liked the way they positioned themselves – I liked that it’s not about money, but about the best fit between person and position. For me, this was a short-term change and it was important to me to get to know the culture and lifestyle – it wasn’t a career-focussed move. 
 
## How have you found working in the NZ healthcare system so far? 
The first couple of weeks were quite an adjustment. The language wasn’t hard but the different accents…! There’s so many here; Irish and Northern Irish, Scottish, Philippines, India… that was a bit unexpected. If people spoke proper English it would be so much easier, but I don’t think you realise how many abbreviations you use as a doctor until you’re working in a foreign country – you have to re-learn all those abbreviations! 
 
You don’t want to sound too dumb – you want to sound smart, but you have to Google or ask someone and appreciate that in the first few weeks you’re just trying to keep up and get used to it. I say that as someone with a good background in the language. 
 
## What differences have you noticed between the German and New Zealand healthcare systems? 
There’s a different hierarchy here and you have to learn to converse in that system without stepping on anyone’s toes. In your home system, you know when to contact someone to make the call, or when to make the call yourself. You don’t want to step on anyone’s toes and make the call yourself without realising that someone might want to know about it and make the call themselves. It’s easier if you are open and aware of that. 
 
The guidelines here aren’t so strict, there’s no ‘you must do it this way’. It’s good to see that there are different approaches that work and you can be more flexible in your approach. 
 
## Do you have any tips for other doctors considering moving to New Zealand? 
You should be aware that you’ll feel far less competent/smart for about four months – don’t sweat over it! Don’t be afraid or fret about position – ask a nurse or junior, don’t be afraid to approach them for help. 
 
The paperwork can take ages, start early! Especially the verification process through EPIC can take several months. You can start that process before you even apply for a job. It sometimes took up to 10 weeks for a letter to arrive. 
 
I came here to work for one year and I didn’t plan to start a career here, so I started at a more junior level. This turned out to be a really good idea. I could have been a Fellow, but I started as a [Registrar](/articles/how-to-ace-interview-questions-for-rmo-and-registrar-jobs) and took the time to find my feet before taking on more senior work. This gave me the freedom to navigate the system and time to care about myself. 
 
## What would you like to take back to Germany? 
Staffing is better here. I’m working in ICU here and it’s one to one… I’m not used to that quota. Staffing makes a huge difference in your daily work and for patients. You don’t have to sedate so heavily and there’s a different approach to therapy. 
 
## How have you found the lifestyle here? 
The roster is awesome. I work long, exhausting days still but there’s free time after that to recover. Plenty of free time to explore. 
 
Wherever you go there’s a walk – I enjoy the fresh air, nature, the peace. It’s going to be difficult to adjust to the noise when I go back. 

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Is life better in New Zealand? A German doctor shares her experience of living and working in NZ

Lifestyle of doctors in Germany vs New Zealand | Medrecruit 

Lifestyle of doctors in Germany vs New Zealand

## Five minutes with Consultant Mark Grant 
 
Consultant Mark Grant is originally from the UK but moved to New Zealand 18 years ago. He completed most of his [medical training in New Zealand](/articles/can-i-work-as-a-doctor-in-australia-and-new-zealand-medrecruit), eventually specialising in soft gastric/upper GI surgery (“I make big people skinny,” he says.)  

Between 2014 and 2016, Mark returned to the UK to work and has been back and forth a few times, giving him an insight into the differences between the two health care systems.  

We asked him what differences he has found between the UK and NZ working as a consultant general surgeon. 

## What was the attraction to New Zealand? 

I did the typical British thing. I came over on a Working Holiday Visa to play rugby. Then I met a local girl… then lost the girl and kept the dogs. 

## How does working as a medical professional in NZ compare to your experiences in the UK? 

It’s significantly better here than the UK. Registrars are more hands-on – similar to what the UK was like ten years ago. The NHS has more availability (gear and equipment), but New Zealand is catching up. 

The people are different too. Kiwis have a ‘yes’ approach. In the UK, it’s ‘no’ first and then you have to persuade them around to your point of view. 

## How did your job in New Zealand differ from the UK? 

Despite being a sub-specialist, I do some general surgery in New Zealand. I think as a doctor, you have to be more open do doing general work. There’s more people in the UK, so there was enough to just do upper GI surgery. 

Consultants also do a lot more hours in the UK – up to 60 or 70 hours per week. Here, I do six sessions a week and I’m finished by 5 pm most days. It means I can get outdoors and get away on days off. 

## How does the [lifestyle](/articles/what-are-the-highest-paying-doctor-jobs-in-new-zealand) compare? 

It’s more expensive to live here… though I’d say houses are cheaper in Auckland than in London. Food costs more, but dining out is similar… electricity is more expensive. 

The salary here is much better – from a surgeon’s point of view you get paid more for doing less hours. But I can see that New Zealand might go the same way as the UK in time. 

## What tips would you give a surgeon or doctor thinking about moving to the UK? 

They really need to decide what they want. Auckland and Wellington are a couple of the only major cities so they should consider smaller towns. 

It’s important to think about that fact that its miles away from home and it’s hard to get back when you need to. But I have friends who say it’s a great place to raise kids and there’s lots of fun things to do. It’s not Europe, but I ski here more than I would if I was in the UK and there’s also lots of outdoor activities like mountain biking and tramping/hiking. 

 

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Which country offers better work and life opportunities for surgeons: UK or NZ? This surgeon compares his experiences.  

Comparing work as a surgeon: UK vs NZ | Medrecruit   

Comparing work as a surgeon: UK vs NZ 

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