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

Moving to Australia or New Zealand

Moving to AU/NZ

If you're a doctor looking to live and work in New Zealand, the first step is to confirm eligibility for registration as a doctor. Everything to do with registration and examination is administered by the Medical Council of New Zealand and you must show them that you are qualified, competent, and fit for registration.

Renowned for its[ working conditions](https://medrecruit.medworld.com/articles/dr-esther-o-sullivan-it-s-been-a-real-rejuvenating-change-moving-here-and-a-fantastic-adventure-so-far) and [health care](https://medrecruit.medworld.com/articles/how-public-health-care-works-in-australia-and-new-zealand-medrecruit) system, New Zealand is a popular destination for international doctors. MCNZ registers more than 1500 new doctors each year and there are over 17,000 registered doctors living and practising in New Zealand.

Our specialist International Team will give insights into all aspects of work, day-to-day living, and [relocating](https://medrecruit.medworld.com/articles/7-tips-for-a-successful-relocation). We can help with the paperwork and our immigration advisor can assist with visas. For foreign doctors looking to work in New Zealand, the process can take six months to a year.

In New Zealand, doctors who received their qualifications overseas are often known as International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and this is a term you’ll see a lot, both here and on official government documentation.

If you are a doctor looking to immigrate to New Zealand your[ pathway to medical registration](https://medrecruit.medworld.com/articles/can-img-s-work-in-australia-and-new-zealand) will depend on your individual circumstances, such as where you completed your primary medical degree, the countries in which you have clinical experience, and if you’re a specialist or junior doctor.

If you are not yet a specialist and you completed your primary medical degree and internship in the [UK](https://medrecruit.medworld.com/articles/what-is-it-like-moving-to-new-zealand-to-work-as-a-doctor) or Ireland then you may be eligible for the[ Competent Authority Pathway.](https://medrecruit.medworld.com/articles/can-uk-doctors-work-in-new-zealand) This is the most common pathway for non-specialist doctors to gain registration in New Zealand. After six months of provisional general supervision, you can apply for full general registration.

If you are not yet a specialist and you completed your medical training in a country outside the UK or Ireland and you are looking to work as a doctor in New Zealand, there are multiple pathways available to you. Please get in touch and one of our dedicated International Solution Specialists will let you know the next steps

To work as a specialist in New Zealand, you’ll need to have an appropriate specialist qualification. MCNZ will compare your training, qualifications, and experience to those of a New Zealand-trained and vocationally registered doctor in the same area of medicine. These assessments aren’t cheap and don’t guarantee you a job offer, but they’re an essential step. VOC3 Vocational (specialist) pathway is the most common route to medical registration and is a merit-based system. If you have the right credentials, the Special Purpose – Locum Tenens pathway is a great option if you’re interested in a fixed-term position of up to 12 months. In some cases, you can apply for both pathways. Your Solutions Specialist can help you navigate your options.

To find out more, register with Medrecruit. Once registered, you’ll be able to see and search for job opportunities and if it’s the right time for you, we’ll put you in contact with a Solutions Specialist and our in-house doctor immigration specialist. 

Together, you’ll be able to discuss your options and take your first steps toward medical registration in New Zealand.

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Can foreign doctors work in New Zealand? 
Find out everything you need to know about immigrating to New Zealand as a doctor. 

New Zealand doctor immigration

Overseas-based doctors who secure employment and arrive in New Zealand prior to 31 July 2022 now have an exciting opportunity to take advantage of this one-time residence offering. Keep reading to understand how you could gain a visa to allow you to live in New Zealand permanently.

Medrecruit’s in-house Immigration Adviser, Sarah Robertson, gives an update on the new resident category

Last month, the Minister for Immigration announced the 2021 Resident Visa which is intended to not only acknowledge the contributions of those that have been in New Zealand through Covid-19, but also to recognise the important role played by healthcare workers both up to this point and going forwards.  

This is an exciting development for overseas trained doctors who might be considering the move to New Zealand as it provides an opportunity to be granted a permanent visa within a short timeframe of arriving in the country. 

Typically, this sort of visa has been challenging to get, recently taking up to 2 years to process and requiring extensive supporting documentation.

 

## What does Residence mean?

The New Zealand immigration system has two classes of visas; temporary and residence. While a temporary class of visa will typically have more restrictions such as requiring you to work for a specific employer or needing to leave New Zealand by a certain date, a residence visa does not.  
A residence visa enables the holder to live in New Zealand permanently, work for any employer, vote, buy property, and access the NZ healthcare system.  Crucially for doctors, this enables them to take advantage of the excellent opportunities to locum throughout the country as their visa will not limit them to one employer.

 

## Who is eligible for the 2021 Resident Visa?

Broadly speaking, any practicing doctor who is already in New Zealand holding a work visa is eligible to apply for this visa when the category opens to applications on 1 March 2022. In addition, any doctor who enters New Zealand prior to 31 July 2022 (and applies prior to this date) on a contract of 6 months or more is eligible to apply for residence. Unlike most other pathways to a residence, there is not an age cap on this application meaning even those over the age of 55 can be granted the visa.

 

## What else do I need to know?

The cost of the 2021 Resident Visa is $2160 and partners and family members who meet requirements can be included in the application.  Immigration is anticipating that these applications will be processed within 12 months or less.

 

## How do I know which visa is right for me?

As part of our service here at Medrecruit, we organise an Initial Consultation with a Licensed Immigration Adviser/Migration Adviser for you, free of charge, once you have secured a role. 
During this consult, the adviser will detail for you the current processes to arrive in the country and what visas are available to you once you are here and how you might best achieve a resident visa if that is your goal. You will also find out what visas your family members can apply for as well as what supporting documents (such as police checks and medicals) you might need to provide with your application.

 

## When do I need to start planning my move?

As soon as possible! When making the move, we’ve found that junior doctors require a minimum of 3 months to make the move and senior doctors require around 4-6 months. This is after securing a role and signing a contract. This means that if you are keen to get into New Zealand in enough time to take advantage of this one-off opportunity then the best thing you can do is to work with us now to assist you in securing a role. Speak with one of our International Solutions Specialists today to understand your options for making the move.

 This information was provided by Medrecruit's in-house immigration adviser Sarah Robertson

LIA: 201800620

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Overseas-based doctors who arrive in New Zealand prior to 31 July 2022 have an opportunity to take advantage of a residence offering. 

Overseas doctors can gain residency in NZ

Move to NZ now to secure your chance at residence

Moving to a new country to live and work in can be exciting but it is also daunting. 
Once the initial exhilaration of relocating begins to fade, anxiety over the actual work involved in your move can set in. 
International moves can be stressful, but at Medrecruit we are here to guide you through the process every step of the way. 
We have compiled seven approaches to relocating that will set you up for a successful move and help you keep an optimistic mindset. 

## Get to know your new country

Spend some time online getting to know your new country and more specifically your new region. A great way to do this is to browse tourism sites (most regions have a dedicated tourism website) or join Facebook community groups. 
If you are making the move through Medrecruit our International Solution Specialists can provide you with all the information you will need to get to know your new location. 

## Have the right mentality 

Stay connected to your ‘why’ and the reason you chose to make the move in the first place. One of the greatest things about moving internationally is that you get to experience a whole new adventure. When you research your new location research with the eyes of a traveler and when you arrive remember to remain a tourist. Have adventures and experience as much as possible of your new culture.

## Stay organised

Nothing helps you feel more mentally calm than knowing you have done everything to prepare for your move. Don’t put off organising things because it will make the move worse in the long run. Medrecruit can help you organise your Visa, Medical Registration, and temporary accommodation on arrival, as well as many other organisational factors. 

## Build a support network and socialise 

Don’t disvalue the advantages of building a support network. Social connection can lower anxiety and depression, which can be really helpful when you are in an unfamiliar country. 
Making friends with the locals will accelerate your path to calling your new country home.

## Accept that you may feel homesick

The first step to dealing with homesickness is accepting it. Acknowledging that you are feeling homesick can encourage you to do something positive like exercise, or phone a friend to overcome it. Prepare for homesickness and make sure you bring something familiar along as a reminder of home. 

## Get out and explore!

Make the most of your new home. Get outdoors or visit museums and galleries. Immerse yourself in the foreign culture and cuisine. The more you explore a new place, the more familiar it becomes. 

## Be patient and resilient 

One of the most important things to remember is patience. If you ever start to feel overwhelmed or anxious just remember that it will take you more than a couple of weeks to really start to warm up to your new home. 
Everybody’s adjustment time can be different, just take it day by day, and slowly with time, your new location will begin to feel more and more like home. 
Try not to see the challenges that come with relocating as negatives, everything you experience on your journey is helping you grow and change as a person, and the likelihood is you will come out the other side stronger and better off. 


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Moving to a new country to live and work in can be daunting - that's why we've compiled 7 steps to assist you in having a stress-free relocation. 

Tips for a successful relocation 

7 Tips for a successful relocation

## Medrecruit’s in-house Immigration Adviser gives an update on the new resident category

## One-off pathway to residence 
The 2021 Resident Visa is a one-off pathway that will open for some applications from December 2021, and the remainder will be able to apply from March 2022.  

To be eligible for this residence visa, the applicant needs to have been in New Zealand on 29th of September 2021, holding a work visa, and either be in an occupation on one of the scarce lists, be paid more than $27 per hour, or have lived in New Zealand for more than three years. 

## Healthcare workers in need
For healthcare workers who are already in the country, they are eligible on the basis of roles such as Medical Practitioner appearing on the scarce list for those needing occupational registration to work in the health or education sector.


 While the majority of applicants would have needed to be in New Zealand at the time of the announcement, healthcare workers are being given greater flexibility to still be able to apply even if they don’t arrive until 31st July 2022. Those who are entering the country on a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa who have a role of 6 months or longer will be able to submit for a resident visa which Immigration is predicting will be processed in 12 months or less.

 A resident visa allows the holder to remain in New Zealand indefinitely, work for any employer, and to be able to purchase property. A resident can apply for New Zealand citizenship once they have held their visa for five years and meet the required amount of time spent in the country.

 This morning’s announcements comes off the back of some sustained criticism of Immigration New Zealand for not giving migrants and employers the certainty they need to plan for the future.  Since the closure of the New Zealand border in March 2020 there have been many changes to both the temporary and residence visa space which has impacted migrants already here as well as those hoping to return to New Zealand or move in the future. 
In particular, we have seen lots of publicity around highly skilled healthcare workers who have, without the certainty of a visa allowing them to stay long term made the choice to return to their home country. 

## Now’s the time to make the move
This news will provide reassurance to the hospitals and clinics in New Zealand that are desperately in need of medical practitioners.

 If you are an overseas doctor who is considering the move to New Zealand, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you to take advantage of this new pathway to residence.  Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can assist you in securing your ideal role in New Zealand.

This information was provided by Medrecruit's in-house immigration adviser Sarah Robertson

LIA: 201800620
 

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Immigration New Zealand has today announced a brand new Resident Category which is designed to address the backlog of residence applications in the system.

New Immigration Laws 

Healthcare workers prioritised in new immigration rules

Yesterday Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern released her plan to start reopening the borders. 
The plan starts this year, with the vaccination program ramping up, Ardern has promised that everyone in New Zealand will have been offered the vaccine by the end of the year. This will be in conjunction with a trial of shorter MIQ stays, or home isolation for selected travellers. 

The new quarantine system will be based on three levels of risk: low, medium, high. 

## **This means for vaccinated travellers from low-risk countries, there may be no isolation required.**

For vaccinated travelers from medium-risk countries, some isolation would be required, but with the new plan, it could be a shorter stay in MIQ or even home isolation.

Unvaccinated travelers and all travellers from high-risk countries would still have to do 14 days in a MIQ facility.

## **What does it mean for doctors? **

These changes are great news for overseas doctors, as it is now possible that you will not have to quarantine. 

We anticipate remaining house officer, senior house officer, and registrar roles to be advertised by mid-late September for January/February. 

The coming weeks mark the end of the National Recruitment Cycle, it is then hospitals turn their attention to internationally trained doctors, so it’s important to be prepared so as not to miss out.

The market remains highly competitive at that time of year, and it is important to ensure your applications stand out.  

At Medrecruit we not only prepare stand-out applications for you, but we get them in front of the right people.  We are renowned for our expertise in the medical registration and visa processes, providing your prospective employer complete confidence that you’ll be arriving in New Zealand in a timely manner and be able to start work within just a few short months.

For New Zealand doctors looking to experience Australia; now is the perfect time. With quarantine-free travel available to Kiwis, Australia offers the opportunity to get a taste of an OE whilst earning some money and continuing to grow your clinical skills. Speak to our team today about how we can set you up with your ideal job.


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Prime Minister Jacinda Arden plans to start reopening borders: here’s what it means if you’re a doctor looking to travel 

New border updates NZ | Medrecruit 

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”

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

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?

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

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

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

News and Events

From July 2019, Australia’s new DPA  (Distribution Priority Areas) system will be implemented – meaning there will be changes to where [GPs can work in Australia](/articles/can-i-work-as-a-doctor-in-australia-and-new-zealand-medrecruit). 

This affects International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who specialise in General Practice and Bonded Doctors who have agreed to practice in a rural area in exchange for a place at an Australian medical school.   

## What is DPA? 

The District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) system, which assesses areas based on a GP-to-population ratio, will be replaced by the Distribution Priority Areas (DPA) system which takes into account current access to healthcare, the demographics of each area and the socio-economic status of patients living in a GP catchment area. It’s part of a push from the Australian government to get more GPs into rural areas and to better reflect the healthcare needs of an area. 

It’s based on a geographical classification system called the Modified Monash Model (MMM) which uses up-to-date population data to classify areas on a scale of MM 1 to MM 7. Regions classified MM 5 – 7 are automatically deemed to be a DPA – these typically have a population of less than 10,000 but as the MMM is linked to the latest census data, this is subject to change (the last census was 2016). Australia’s Northern Territory is also classed as a DPA under the new system and all inner metropolitan areas are deemed non-DPA. 

## What do the changes mean for doctors?  

The DWS system for specialists will continue to operate, but the eight specialist classification layers will be updated. 

Kirsten Hoger, Medrecruit’s Solutions Specialist for IMG GPs says the impact of the changes won’t be clear until the final DPA maps and further information is released. 

“What we do know is that locations are going to be more rural. This affects all [GPs considering moving to Australia](/articles/why-are-british-and-irish-g-ps-are-in-demand-in-australia-and-new-zealand) or who are currently still under moratorium in Australia and are looking for a new permanent role. At this stage, there may be no effect on doctors working locum roles shorter than six months.” 

## Be prepared to work in rural areas 

Most IMG GPs will still need to fulfil their 10-year moratorium before they can work in a non-DPA. Kirsten advises doctors to “be prepared to work in rural locations.” 

“Many of these DPAs are likely to have populations smaller than 1,000. Some doctors are unsure about working in rural areas, but there are some real benefits and opportunities there. You’ll experience different parts of Australia and the range of medical cases is usually more interesting. 

“Doctors we work with often say they like working rurally because they have more autonomy. There’s more opportunities to broaden their skills base and make extra income through on-call work at rural hospitals. Rural GPs also tend to have strong relationships within the community which can be very rewarding,” says Kirsten. 

Find out more: check out the Australian Government’s [DoctorConnect factsheet](https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/doctorconnect?utm_source=doctorconnect.gov.au&utm_medium=redirect&utm_campaign=digital_transformation) on DPA  

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The District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) system has changed to the Distribution Priority Areas system. What does this mean for Australian GPs?  

What does the new DWA system mean for GPs?

Thinking of working abroad? Australia and New Zealand have a lot to offer doctors. Modern medical systems and the great lifestyle are just some of the reasons doctors look for jobs in Australasia. 
 
We have a team dedicated to International Medical Graduates (IMGs), who can help you to determine the opportunities available to you. Typically, this depends on your individual circumstances, such as where you completed your primary medical degree, the countries in which you have clinical experience and if you’re a specialist or junior doctor. Your first port of call is to understand your eligibility for medical registration, as this dictates the type of role we will be looking for. 
 
## Am I eligible to work in New Zealand or Australia? 
 
### <u>Non-specialists  </u>
In order to practice in either [Australia or New Zealand](/articles/how-public-health-care-works-in-australia-and-new-zealand-medrecruit), you must be registered with either AHPRA (AU) or MCNZ (NZ). For IMGs, this is achievable via a number of pathways (or routes), your eligibility for which is determined by your clinical background. 
 
#### Australia 
To gain registration to work in Australia, the most common pathway for non-specialist doctors is the [Competent Authority Pathway](https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/registration/international-medical-graduates/competent-authority-pathway.aspx). To be eligible for this pathway, you must have completed your primary medical degree in the UK or Ireland. Alternatively, you are eligible if you have passed the medical licencing exams in the UK, Canada, USA or NZ and have completed an internship equivalent in one of these countries. 
 
If you did not complete your primary medical degree in the countries listed above, but you do have a medical degree from a country listed in the WHO directory, you are eligible for registration via the [Standard Pathway](https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/registration/international-medical-graduates/standard-pathway.aspx). This route requires you to complete the AMC examinations, which involve an MCQ and clinical examination. After successfully completing these exams you will be eligible for provisional registration, however, you must secure an internship level role for the first 12 months.  
 
Finding work via a [recruitment consultancy](/articles/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-working-with-a-medical-recruitment-agency) is extremely challenging as most employers do not accept agency applications for entry-level supervised positions – in this instance, it’s best to apply directly once you have successfully completed the exams. 
 
#### New Zealand 
Similar to Australia, the most common pathway for non-specialist doctors to gain registration to work in New Zealand is the [Competent Authority Pathway](https://www.mcnz.org.nz/registration/getting-registered/registration-policy/competent-authority-criteria/). Again, to be eligible for this pathway, you must have completed your primary medical degree in the UK or Ireland. 
 
However, unlike Australia, there is an additional pathway in New Zealand for non-specialist doctors to gain registration. The [Comparable Health System Pathway](https://www.mcnz.org.nz/registration/getting-registered/registration-policy/comparable-health-system-criteria/) is open to doctors who meet the following criteria; 
 
- Have a medical degree from a country listed in the WHO directory 

- Have worked for 33 months (for at least 30 hours per week) in the 48 months prior to your application within a comparable health system in the same area of medicine and same level offered in New Zealand 

- Hold full (or general) registration in the comparable health system in which you meet the above active clinical practice requirements. 

If you are not eligible for registration via the pathways above but you have a medical degree from a country listed in the WHO directory, you do have the option of pursuing registration via the [NZREX Clinical Examination](https://www.mcnz.org.nz/registration/getting-registered/registration-exam-nzrex/). This route requires you to complete the NZ Registration examinations which are held three times a year in Auckland. After successfully completing these exams you will be eligible for provisional registration but, like Australia, you must secure an internship level role for the first 12 months. Again, finding work via a recruitment consultancy is extremely challenging, so we suggest that you apply directly after you have successfully completed the exams. 
 
Note that Medrecruit only works with qualified doctors – we cannot work with students, nurses or other healthcare professionals. 
 
### <u>Specialists </u>
If you hold a full specialist qualification you have a larger number of options to pursue registration in Australia and New Zealand. 
  
#### Australia 
As an internationally trained specialist, you are eligible to apply for registration via the [Specialist Pathway](https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/registration/international-medical-graduates/specialist-pathway.aspx). This pathway involves an assessment by the relevant specialist college of your qualifications and experience to see how it compares to that of an Australian-trained Specialist. The outcome of this assessment will determine your comparability and therefore what additional requirements you must adhere to before you can gain full specialist registration (typically supervision and/or further examinations). The outcome of this comparability assessment will dictate the type of job opportunities available to you to achieve this. 
 
For doctors who hold a specialist qualification from the [UK](/articles/why-are-british-and-irish-g-ps-are-in-demand-in-australia-and-new-zealand), Ireland, Canada, the USA or New Zealand we can assist you in securing a role prior to completion of your comparability assessment being completed. If you hold a specialist qualification from a different country, we are only able to assist once you have an assessment outcome. Please note that completing a comparability assessment does not guarantee that you will secure a role. 
  
#### New Zealand 
To work as a specialist in New Zealand, you must hold Vocational Registration. For overseas trained doctors, this can be achieved via the [VOC3 pathway](https://www.mcnz.org.nz/registration/getting-registered/registration-pathways/pathways-to-registration-in-a-vocational-scope/voc3-vocational-specialist-registration/). Like the Australian process, this involves a full assessment of your overseas qualifications, training and experience to see how it compares to a New Zealand doctor of the same level. Again, the outcome of this comparability assessment will determine what steps you need to complete to be eligible for full Vocational Registration and the type of job you require. 
 
Again, if you hold a specialist qualification from the UK, Ireland, Canada, the USA or Australia we are able to assist in securing you a role prior to completion of your comparability assessment being completed. 
 
New Zealand offers an additional route to registration called Locum Tenens. This represents a temporary form of specialist registration but does not preclude you from securing vocational registration to continue practising should you wish. Locum Tenens has strict eligibility criteria and is only applicable to select specialist qualifications, e.g. MRCGP with CCT (UK). [Read more about the qualifications eligible for registration via Locum Tenens](https://www.mcnz.org.nz/assets/Policies/1f8183e705/List-of-approved-qualifications-for-locum-tenens-specialist-appointments.pdf). 
 
All international doctors, specialist and non-specialist, are required to work under supervision for a minimum of six months when they arrive in AU/NZ, during which time you will be practising under either limited (AU) or provisional (NZ) registration. This is put in place to ensure that IMGs have the necessary support available to them to safely integrate into a new medical system. As a result, IMGs are not able to locum when they first arrive – they must secure a fixed term role which satisfies the medical council that supervision is available. 
  
## Supervision? But I’m a Consultant! 
The term ‘supervision’ can be misleading; it is simply a process whereby the hospitals in AU/NZ commit to the Medical Council that they have made adequate provision for your safe integration into the new system and continued development by ensuring a consultant is available to support you in the event of any differences in practice and guide you in accordance with this. It enables you to practice in full capacity with the support of an AU/NZ trained consultant in what could be more accurately described as a collegiate relationship. The location in which you secure a role will nominate a consultant and must provide feedback to the medical council regarding your practice in accordance with AU/NZ regulations. 
  
## What if I have not worked in a comparable health system? 
Doctors who have not completed their degree or worked for more than 33 months in a comparable health system must pursue the Standard Pathway. As a general rule, we can’t assist doctors on this pathway. There is a lot of competition for jobs from Australian and New Zealand medical graduates as well as IMGs from countries like the UK, which has a system that’s similar to that of NZ and Australia. 
 

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Australia and New Zealand have a lot to offer doctors. But first, you’ll need to find out if you’re eligible for medical registration

Can I work as a doctor in Australia and NZ?

Can I work as a doctor in Australia and New Zealand?

Stories and inspiration from exceptional doctors

Our Doctors

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

 On 18 March, 2018 the Temporary Work Skilled Visa (subclass 457) was replaced with the brand new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS – subclass 482) visa by the Department of Home Affairs. 
 
The new TSS visa has 3 streams; short, medium, long. Doctors fall into both the medium and short-term category, and therefore eligible to apply for two to four years. The majority of doctors will fall under the medium term category – leading to a four year visa and a route to permanent residency. However, Anaesthetists and Junior Medical officers fall into the short term category, offering just two years, as the skills shortage for these positions is less acute. 
 
## What changed? 
The most notable changes affecting doctors in regards to the TSS requirements, as stipulated by the [Department of Home Affairs](https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au//visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/repealed-visas/temporary-work-skilled-457), are: 
- Applicants must be working full time (at least 38 hours per week) 

- Tighter English language requirements

- Applicants must have at least two years’ work experience in their skilled occupation 
 
## Why did it change? 
The reason for this change was to help fill the gaps in the Australian job market. The Department of Home Affairs also believe this will speed up the processing times – which we think is great news! 
 
## What does this mean for locum doctors? 
Doctors on the TSS visa will still be able to work for more than one employer, so long as their registration is unrestricted, and their locum work does not interfere with their primary work. 
 
 
## How can Medrecruit help you?
- If you chose to stay with your current 457 visa sponsor, [Medrecruit can continue to assist you](/articles/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-working-with-a-medical-recruitment-agency) in finding locum opportunities until your visa expires 

- Speak to an immigration advisor about your options for permanent residency, and allow Medrecruit to find you your ideal locum or permanent job 

- Swap your surfboard for hiking boots and jump the ditch – [speak to one of our dedicated NZ Solutions Specialists today] (/contact-us) about making the move to New Zealand.
  
 

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In March 2018, Australia’s Temporary Work Skilled Visa (subclass 457) was replaced. Here’s what it means for doctors.

457 Visa Changes – what you need to know

Articles and tips to help you advance your medical career

Career

How to take care of your health and wellbeing, so that you can be a better doctor

#Visas