For more inspiration, read about the different specialities, find the right groups to contact, see if the income levels suit you and what specialists think about their chosen career.
For information on non-clinical careers and international medical graduates (IMGs) click here.
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) looks after:
Apply to the college EARLY (in PGY2 years) to become a basic trainee. You need to have been registered to the college for 24 months in order to sit your Basic/Divisional.
Apply for your medical registrar position at the local hospital or recruitment agency where you want to work.
Once you are registered to the college, and you have a med reg job, you are a basic trainee:
Once you pass the Divisional Exams you have two choices:
Subspecialties require further competitive application and they all have further requirements.
Usually, having done additional conferences/courses relevant to the program, publication of research or case studies, and sometimes further degrees will make you a stronger applicant.
Some subspecialty programs also have ‘exit’ exams or Fellowship exams that you must pass before you finish training.
You can find the criteria and requirements for each of these subspecialties on their own society webpage - make sure to look at their CV scoring guidelines so you can start to build your experience towards the specialty accordingly.
Most medical specialties need 3 years to finish after you complete your Divisional exams.
Cardiology is the branch of internal medicine concerned with diseases of the cardiovascular system. Work in the specialty involves aspects of prevention, investigation, treatment and research. Subspecialty interests include congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, ischaemic heart disease, electrophysiology, clinical cardiology, interventional cardiology, transplantation, nuclear cardiology, echocardiology, epidemiology and cardiovascular research.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
The Cardiac Society of Australia And New Zealand
PO Box 10601, Wellington
Tel: 04 460 8121
Fax: 04 472 6718
Website: csanz.edu.au
Dr Tony Scott - Cardiologist
Chairman Regional Advanced Training in Cardiology Committee
North Shore Hospital
Auckland
Email: tony.scott@waitematadhb.govt.nz
Dr Peter Ruygrok - Cardiologist
Green Lane Cardiovascular Service
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92024, Auckland
Email:pruygrok@adhb.govt.nz
Find out more about cardiology
Health Workforce New Zealand
In 2014, there were over 100 cardiologists active in New Zealand. Cardiologists make up the single largest medical subspecialty group after general internal medicine.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement
Consultant in the private sector: $250,000-$500,000.
Individual salaries within these ranges are affected by call rosters, seniority, procedural skills and areas of interest.
New Zealand cardiology specialists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Clinical genetics involves diagnosis, investigation, management, counselling and education of people with (or at risk of) genetic or inherited disorders. The specialty covers a wide range of areas including cancer genetics, neurogenetics, pre-symptomatic diagnosis of adult-onset conditions, clinical cytogenetic problems, prenatal diagnosis, and diagnosis and management of inborn errors of metabolism and syndromes.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Dr Ian Hayes Service Clinical Director
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949, ext 25870
Free phone: 0800 476 123
Email: gensec@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Callum Wilson
c/o National Testing Centre
Auckland City Hospital
Private bag 92024
Email: callumw@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Kate Neas
Central Regional Genetic Service
Wellington Hospital
Private Bag 7902 Wellington South
Tel: 0508 364 436
Email: Katherine.neas@ccdhb.org.nz
Dr Kate Gibson
Clinical Director
South Island Genetic Service
Christchurch Hospital
Tel: 0508 364 436
Email: kate.gibson2@cdhb.health.nz
Read more about clinical genetics.
No specialist workforce projections are available, but there were fewer than four active clinical geneticists in New Zealand in 2000 (The health workforce: A training programme analysis, CTA, 2001,63).
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement
Individual salaries within these ranges are affected by call rosters, seniority, procedural skills and areas of interest.
Clinical genetics is less lucrative than many interventional specialties and offers only limited scope for private practice.
New Zealand clinical geneticists talk about the reality of working within this field
Clinical pharmacology is the scientific discipline that involves the relationship between drugs and humans. Drugs are the main therapeutic tools of physicians and hence clinical pharmacology is a core skill for all physicians. Formal training in clinical pharmacology encompasses all aspects of safe, effective and rational use of medicines applied at individual, group and population levels.
Clinical pharmacologists work toward rational, evidence-based, cost-effective use of drugs in four domains:
Advanced training in clinical pharmacology is well suited to dual training and most clinical pharmacologists in Australasia have trained in a second specialty. Research is integral to the discipline and a research degree is encouraged as part of Advanced training in clinical pharmacology. Training is not confined to hospitals for example, it may include time in universities, pathology laboratories, regulatory bodies or the pharmaceutical industry.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Prof Matt Doogue
Department of Clinical Pharmacology
Christchurch Hospital
PO Box 4710 Christchurch
Tel: 03 364 1055
Fax: 03 364 1003
Email: matt.doogue@cdhb.health.nz
There are currently 7 clinical pharmacologists active in New Zealand. The long term rate of new positions is approximately four per decade.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement
There is some scope for private consultancy work within the pharmaceutical industry.
New Zealand clinical pharmacologists talk about the reality of working within this field
Dermatology is the study and treatment of diseases of the skin. Dermatologists provide services mainly in an outpatient setting and treat patients of all ages.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Greenlane Clinical Centre
Private Bag 92 189 Auckland
Tel: 09 630 9943, ext 26531
Email: glderm@adhb.govt.nz
Read more about dermatology
Health workforce New Zealand.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
There is considerable scope for private work in this specialty.
New Zealand dermatologists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Endocrinology deals with disorders of the endocrine system and involves consultation, testing, diagnosis and treatment. Conditions include:
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Auckland appointments are via a competitive interview process conducted by the ARCET committee annually.
The College Specialist Advisory Committee encourages trainees to train in more than one site if possible, and prefers trainees to do their core endocrine training early.
Read more about endocrinology at Health workforce New Zealand.
In 2020 there were approximately 111 endocrinologists in New Zealand.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement. For a consultant in private practice might gross $380-$420 per hour.
New Zealand endocrinologists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Gastroenterology deals with all organs of the digestive system, from entry to exit. It covers diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and includes the associated fields of pancreatobiliary disease and hepatology. Gastroenterology involves inpatient care, outpatient clinics and diagnostic procedures including upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy. Hepatology deals with diseases of the liver including management of patients with acute and chronic liver failure. You may be involved in the assessment and management of patients with end-stage liver disease who are candidates for, or have, received liver transplants.
Many hospitals employ gastroenterologists in the role of a combined gastroenterologist and general physician.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Specialty Societies Executive Officer
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians
4th Floor, 99 The Terrace, Wellington 6011
P.O. Box 10 601 Wellington 6143
Tel: +64 4 460 8121
Fax: +64 4 472 6718
Email: societies@racp.org.nz
Read more about gastroenterology and hepatology
Health workforce New Zealand.
In 2020, there were 115 specialists in gastroenterology and hepatology active in New Zealand.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
There is scope for private sector work in this speciality.
A general medicine doctor diagnoses and manages the complex medical problems of adolescent and adult patients. General medicine doctors may carry out various technical procedures to assist in the diagnosis or treatment of illness and may develop an interest in a particular field of general medicine. Advanced training is available in several subspecialty areas including general medicine itself.
General physicians have a wide range of knowledge and experience, making them well-suited to providing high-quality specialist services across a spectrum of health and illness that is not limited by the boundaries of medical subspecialties. They deal with colleagues in many disciplines including general practice, surgery and psychiatry.
Physician Training - 2019 Auckland region RMO Careers Fair
Physician training Programme. A presentation by Dr Peter Storey, Chair of the Adult Medicine Vocational Training Committee talks about physician training, Dr Cheryl Johnson, Director Physician Education and Dr Matthew Broom, a registrar in the physician training programme.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand (IMSANZ)
145 Macquarie Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Tel: 00 61 2 9256 5471
Fax: 00 61 2 9252 3310
Email: imsanz@racp.edu.au
Auckland Region Hospitals’ Directors of Basic Physician Training
Dr Peter Storey (Auckland DHB) Adult Medicine Vocational Training Committee Chair
Dr Liz Curry (Auckland DHB) Director of Physician Education
Dr Cheryl Johnson (WDHB) Director of Physician Education
Dr Paul Dawkins (CMDHB) Director of Physician Training
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand general medicine specialists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Geriatric medicine deals with the clinical, social, preventative, remedial and rehabilitative aspects of health and illness in older people. The specialty is broad-based and places particular emphasis on the provision of community-based care and services, and on the treatment of frail, elderly people with multiple problems. Geriatricians assess disabilities in older people and devise appropriate case management plans. The specialty typically adopts a multidisciplinary approach and offers considerable scope for research activities.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Dr Tracey McMillan – Geriatrician
Auckland City Hospital
Tel: 09 307 4949, ext 22980
Email: TMcMillan@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Joe Singh – Geriatrician
North Shore Hospital
Tel: 09 486 1491 ext 2816
Email: Jose.Singh@waitematadhb.govt.nz
Dr Hla San Tha – Geriatrician
Middlemore Hospital
Tel: 09 276 0044
Email: HlaSan.Tha@middlemore.co.nz
Read more about geriatric medicine
Health workforce New Zealand
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
There is scope in this specialty for private practice.
New Zealand geriatricians talk about the reality of working within this field.
Haematology is an integrated discipline that incorporates clinical and laboratory aspects of diseases of the blood. It deals with:
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
Durham Hall 207 Albion Street Surrey Hills
NSW 2010 Australia
Tel: 00 61 2 8356 5858
Fax: 00 61 2 8356 5828
Email: boc@rcpa.edu.au
Website: rcpa.edu.au
Dr Richard Doocey – Clinical Director
Haematology Auckland Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 379 7440
Email: RDoocey@adhb.govt.nz
Read more about haematology
Health workforce New Zealand.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand haematologist talk about the reality of working within this field.
Clinical immunology and allergy is concerned with diagnosing and treating patients with disorders that affect the immune system. Allergy concerns the diagnosis and management of patients with allergic disorders. Immunopathology is an extension component of the specialty and requires training in laboratory medicine.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
Durham Hall 207 Albion Street Surrey Hills
NSW 2010 Australia
Tel: 00 61 2 8356 5858
Fax: 00 61 2 8356 5828
Email: boc@rcpa.edu.au
Website: rcpa.edu.au
Dr Jan Sinclair – JSAC Chair
Paediatric Immunologist
Starship Hospital
Email: JanS@adhb.govt.nz
Assoc Prof Rohan Ameratunga –
Immunology and Allergy Specialist
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949, ext 6113
Email: rohana@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Penny Fitzharris –
Clinical Director, Immunology
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949, ext 22970
Email: pennyf@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Richard Steele
E-mail: Richard.Steele@ccdhb.org.nz
Dr John O'Donnell
E-mail: John.ODonnell@cdhb.health.nz
Read more about immunology and allergy
Health workforce New Zealand.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
There is considerable scope for private practice.
New Zealand immunologists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Infectious disease doctors care for adult patients who have infectious diseases sufficiently severe or rare as to require expert knowledge. The specialty incorporates clinical, laboratory and public health aspects of infectious disease medicine and microbiology.
Areas of training include:
Other relevant areas include infection in pregnancy, antibiotic resistance, virology, mycology and parasitology.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Most ID physicians also belong to the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases
asid.net.au
Dr Rupert Handy – Clinical Director
Infectious Diseases
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949, ext 22973
Email: rupert@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Nigel Raymond – Infectious Diseases & General Physician
Clinical Leader, Infectious Diseases Department
Level 6, GNB, Wellington Hospital
Tel: 04 385 5999
Email: Nigel.Raymond@ccdhb.org.nz
Read more about infectious diseases
Health workforce New Zealand.
In 2014, there were approximately 30 infectious disease physicians active in New Zealand.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
Work is almost exclusively undertaken in the public sector and there is very little scope for private practice.
New Zealand infectious disease specialists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Medical oncologists are physicians with specialised skills in the medical management of patients with malignant disease. The role of the medical oncologist is to improve and extend as far as possible the quality and length of their patients’ lives. This is usually best achieved through a multidisciplinary approach – medical oncologists therefore work closely with other specialists, particularly surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and radiation oncologists
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Dr David Porter – Medical Oncologist
Auckland Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949, ext 5457
Email: dporter@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Vernon Harvey – Medical Oncologist
Auckland Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949, ext 6265
Email: vernonh@adhb.govt.nz
Read more about medical oncology
Health workforce New Zealand.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand medical oncologists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Nephrology deals with the diagnosis and management of patients with kidney disease and related disorders including:
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology
145 Macquarie Street Sydney
NSW 2000 Australia
Tel: +61 2 9256 5461
Fax: +61 2 9241 4083
Email: anzsn@racp.edu.au
Website: nephrology.edu.au
Dr Ian Dittmer – Clinical Director Renal Medicine
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 379 7740
Fax: 09 307 4987
Email: ian.dittmer@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Joanna Dunlop – Chair, Nephrology Specialist Advisory committee, RACP
Tel: 09 276 0000
Email: Joanna.Dunlop@middlemore.co.nz
Dr Murray Leikis – Clinical Leader Renal Service
Wellington Hospital
PO Box 7343
Wellington
Tel: 04 806 0634
Email: murray.leikis@ccdhb.org.nz
Read more about nephrology
Health workforce New Zealand.
In 2014, there were approximately 60 nephrologists active in New Zealand in full or part-time practice.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
Most renal specialists are full time hospital employees. Private practice is limited to consultation at present and accounts for 1-2/10 per physician at most.
New Zealand nephrologists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Neurology includes the science, investigation and treatment of all inherited and acquired diseases affecting the nervous and neuromuscular systems. This means that there is tremendous variety in the work of a general neurologist. Common conditions treated include headache, epilepsy and stroke but there are an enormous number of rare diseases that make neurology a challenging but fascinating specialty.
More recently, developments in neuroscience have led to an increasing ability to treat and manage neurology conditions.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
The Secretariat – Australian Association of Neurologists
145 Macquarie Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9256 5443
Fax: 02 9241 4083
Email: anzan@anzan.org.au
Website: anzan.org.au
Dr David Hutchinson – Clinical Director of Neurology
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Email: dhutch@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Alan Barber – Chair, SAC in Neurology Department of Neurology
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92024
Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142
Email: a.barber@adhb.govt.nz
Read more about Health Workforce New Zealand information on neurology
Workforce
In 2014, there were about 40 active neurologists in New Zealand. This number is expected to continue to increase with increasing management opportunities and the development of stroke units.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
The level of remuneration for private practice consultation is comparable with that in other medical subspecialties.
New Zealand neurologists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Nuclear medicine uses unsealed sources of radioactivity for diagnosis and treatment. Approximately 90% of the work involves diagnostic imaging. The images provide information that indicates organ function rather than structure. Studies cover patients from many different specialties – e.g. a bone scan may be requested by the departments of oncology, orthopaedics, general medicine, surgery or paediatrics. The range of available scans is expanding with the introduction of new equipment and new chemical tracers.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists
New Zealand branch office
PO Box 10 424 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6470
Fax: 04 472 6474
Email: nzbranch@ranzcr.org.nz
Website: ranzcr.edu.au
Dr Mike Rutland – Nuclear Medicine Specialist
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949, ext 7609
Email: mrutland@adhb.govt.nz
Read more about nuclear medicine
Health workforce New Zealand.
In 2000 there were five specialists in nuclear medicine active in New Zealand, representing a specialist to population ratio of 1:766,200 (The health workforce: A training programme analysis, CTA, 2001, 63).
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
Public sector salaries are usually those of the basic contract with small amounts of on-call and overtime. The private sector currently supports one nuclear medicine specialist and provides "top-up" work and some income for half of the specialists in the public sector (plus a few radiologists).
New Zealand nuclear medicine specialists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Occupational medicine is concerned with the relationship between health and work and has preventive, clinical and population-based aspects. The role of the occupational physician is to ensure effective prevention of illness and injury arising in the workplace or as a result of work duties. Where prevention has not been successful, occupational physicians manage the appropriate rehabilitation of patients and facilitate their return to work. Occupational physicians also assist people who have illness or disability unrelated to work but whose workplace or work duties may require appropriate adjustment.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Dr Tony Chew – Consultant Occupational Physician
Ground Floor Building 11
Greenlane Clinical Centre
Tel: 09 307 4949 ext 7034
Email: tchew@adhb.govt.nz
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand occupational medicine specialists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Palliative medicine is the study and management of patients with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions who may have a limited prognosis and for whom the focus of care is often quality of life. Palliative medicine involves comprehensive symptom management and support of individuals with life-threatening illnesses along with support of their families, including through the bereavement period. The support involves the control of pain, other symptoms and psychological, social and spiritual support.
Palliative medicine requires excellent clinical skills as it involves the care of patients across all specialities, with increasing emphasis on those with non-malignant illness. It also requires advanced communication skills, with training in this area being provided through the training programme.
Entry to specialist training in palliative medicine is via FRACP Part 1 or through a GP fellowship (some other fellowships may also be considered as entry to training).
Specialist training takes three years (depending on exemptions). Six-month training posts are also available in the Auckland region for those training in other speciality areas but wishing to enhance their palliative care skills
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Dr Anne O'Callaghan – Clinical Director Auckland City Hospital Palliative Care Service,
Chair Northern Region Palliative Medicine subcommittee of the Medicine Vocational Training Committee,
Chair of the Palliative Medicine Training and Co-ordination Committee
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: (09) 307 4949
Email: anneo@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Simon Allan – Chair, Palliative Medicine Education Committee (PMEC)
Tel: (06) 356 9169
Email: Simon.Allan@midcentraldhb.govt.nz / simon.a@arohanuihospice.org.nz
Read more about palliative medicine
Health workforce New Zealand.
Palliative Medicine is the most at risk specialty in New Zealand (HWNZ) and therefore training and job prospects are good.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand palliative medicine specialists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Rehabilitation medicine is concerned with the assessment and ongoing management of activity limitations (disability) and participation restrictions (handicap) arising from illness and injury. The specialty includes all aspects of clinical medicine and covers a wide range of conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, orthopaedic trauma, amputation and many other conditions. The goal is to achieve the highest level of recovery and function possible for each patient, including physical compensatory mechanisms and psychological adjustment, educational as well as vocational and avocational (leisure) considerations.
Training in rehabilitation medicine includes (beside general medicine and surgical basic training):
Specialists usually work in rehabilitation centres or units that are either stand-alone centres or attached to hospitals, and collaborate in multidisciplinary teams that include medical colleagues and nursing and allied health staff.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
145 Macquarie Street
Sydney
NSW 2000 Australia
Tel: 00 61 2 8247 6216
Fax: 00 61 2 9251 7476
Email: afrm@racp.edu.au
Website: racp.edu.au
Dr Samir Anwar – Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine Rehab Plus
PO Box 44 037 Pt Chevalier
Auckland
Tel: 09 815 5600
Fax: 09 815 5601
Email: samira@adhb.govt.nz
Isabel Roos, Education Officer
Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
Tel: 00 61 2 8076 6304
Fax: 00 61 2 9256 9698
Email: Rehab@racp.edu.au
Read more about rehabilitation medicine
Health workforce New Zealand.
In 2014. there were approximately 16 active rehabilitation specialists in New Zealand, although this figure may not accurately reflect workforce numbers since doctors who are vocationally registered in other fields (such as internal medicine) may also include rehabilitation medicine in their work.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand rehabilitation medicine specialists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Rheumatology deals with the treatment of musculoskeletal disease and focuses on inflammatory arthropathies. It includes the management of patients with connective tissue diseases, spondyloarthropathies, vasculitis, crystal arthropathies and pain syndromes.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
New Zealand Rheumatology Association
c/o Dr Doug White, Honorary Secretary
Rheumatology Department - Waikato Hospital
Pembroke Street
Hamilton West 3204
Assoc Professor Nicola Dalbeth
Department of Rheumatology
Greenlane Clinical Centre
Private Bag 92189
Greenlane West
Epsom, Auckland
Tel: 09 3074949 ext 26670 (secretary)
Fax: 09 3754324
Email: ndalbeth@adhb.govt.nz
In 2014 there were around 68 rheumatologists practising in New Zealand.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand rheumatologists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Sexual health medicine is the specialist area of medical practice principally concerned with the prevention of infection and care of people affected by sexually transmissible infections. It focuses on the individual, cultural, interpersonal and microbial factors that contribute to these diseases. Sexual health medicine includes the clinical and psychological issues concerned with reproductive medicine, sexual assault and sexual dysfunction. Sexual health medicine is also concerned with the promotion of the sexual health of the community by identifying and minimising the impact of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, through education, behaviour change, advocacy, clinical service provision, surveillance and research.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine
145 Macquarie Street Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: +61 2 9256 9643
Fax: +61 2 9256 9693
Email: sexualhealthmed@racp.edu.au
Dr Sunita Azariah – Clinical Director and Sexual Health Physician
Auckland City Hospital
Tel: 09 630 9783
Email: SunitaA@adhb.govt.nz
Read more about sexual health
Health workforce New Zealand.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand sexual health specialists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Thoracic medicine is concerned with the respiratory system, which includes the upper airway, the lung, the chest wall and ventilatory control system. It uses diagnostic techniques, tests and procedures to assess and treat a wide range of conditions and diseases that affect the respiratory system. Sleep medicine is an integral part of thoracic medicine and is an ever-expanding field that includes:
An increasing number of thoracic physicians work in the field of sleep medicine.
For up-to-date information on adult medicine training, contact:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office, PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Dr Mark O'Carroll – Clinical Director Respiratory Services
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949 ext 25170
Email: MOCarroll@adhb.govt.nz
Read more about thoracic and sleep medicine
Health workforce New Zealand.
In 2000 there were 32 specialists in thoracic and sleep medicine active in New Zealand, representing a specialist to population ratio of 1:119,719 (The health workforce: A training programme analysis, CTA, 2001, 63).
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
Cardiothoracic surgery is the specialty that involves surgical management of conditions of the heart and thorax. About 60 per cent of adult cardiac surgery involves coronary artery bypass grafting, with most of the remainder comprising valve operations and aortic surgery. Thoracic surgery includes removal of lung cancers, mediastinal tumours, pleurodesis for pneumothorax and decortication for empyema. Some minimally invasive surgery is performed for example thoracoscopic procedures and endovascular aortic stenting. The specialty also encompasses heart and lung transplantation.
In paediatric patients, surgery largely involves repair of congenital heart defects, the majority of which are corrected in the first year of life. Acquired valve defects are also dealt with in older children and teenagers.
Cardiothoracic surgery is increasingly semi-elective (inpatients needing surgery) rather than elective (patients from home). There are also some emergency operations (eg, acute aortic dissection) when on-call. Surgeons also need to be available to re-operate after hours on their own patients (eg, bleeding after cardiac surgery). All these factors influence lifestyle.
The main difference compared with other surgical specialties is that cardiothoracic surgery usually involves more operating (two to three full days in theatre), longer operations (typically four?five hours), and a higher mortality and morbidity rate (about 1 in 25 patients die after cardiac surgery). The specialty requires a high degree of technical skill, mental stamina, and emotional strength.
For up-to-date information on training programmes
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Surgeons Gardens, Spring Street Melbourne,
Vic 3000 Australia
Tel: 00 61 3 9249 1200
Fax: 00 61 3 9249 1219
Website: surgeons.org
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
PO Box 7451 Wellington South
New Zealand
Tel: 04 385 8247
Fax: 04 385 8873
Email: college.NZ@surgeons.org
Mr Paget Milsom - Director Cardiothoracic Service
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 630 9951
Email: pmilsom@adhb.govt.nz
Mrs Kirsten Finucane ? Paediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Starship Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949
Email: kfinucane@adhb.govt.nz
Mr Nicholas Kang ? Supervisor of Training
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 630 9951
Email: nkang@adhb.govt.nz
Read more about Health Workforce New Zealand information on cardiothoracic surgery
Workforce
New Zealand cardiothoracic surgeons talk about the reality of working within this field.
This section deals with specialist surgical training (SET) and contains information about the specialist surgical training programme in general surgery.
The surgeon affects healing through operating. Surgeons examine patients, request investigations, decide whether an operation is necessary, operate and manage post-operative care.
Specialty areas of the discipline include:
Specialist surgical training is undertaken in one of these areas after acceptance into the Surgical Education and Training (SET) programme.
Surgical Training – 2018 Auckland RMO Careers Fair
Surgical Training Programme –Mr Richard Wong She, Chair of the Surgical Vocational Training Committee talks about surgical training and Dr Jessica Roberts, a registrar in the surgical training programme.
For up-to-date information on training programmes
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Surgeons Gardens Spring Street Melbourne,
Vic 3000 Australia
Tel: 00 61 3 9276 7452
Fax: 00 61 3 9249 1240
Email: clare.peterson@surgeons.org
Website: surgeons.org
New Zealand Basic Surgical Training Committee
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
PO Box 7451 Wellington
Tel: 04 385 8247
Fax: 04 385 8873
E-mail: college.nz@surgeons.org
Mr Richard Wong She - Surgery Vocational Training Committee Chair
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92024 Auckland
Read more about Health Workforce New Zealand information on general surgery
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
Consultant, private sector: $400,000-$800,000.
New Zealand general surgeons talk about the reality of working within this field.
Neurosurgery is concerned with the surgical and non-surgical management of conditions of the central and peripheral nervous system. The majority of cranial work relates to tumours, trauma and vascular problems but the specialty offers a considerable range that includes craniofacial, epilepsy, pain and hydrocephalus surgery. Spinal work is largely degenerative and tumour-related.
For up-to-date information on training programmes
College of Surgeons Gardens
240 Spring Street Melbourne
Victoria 3000 Australia
Tel: +61 3 9249 1294
Fax + 61 3 9249 1293
Email: neurosurgery.chairman@surgeons.org
New Zealand Office
PO Box 7451 Wellington
Tel: 04 385 8248
Fax: 04 385 8873
Email: College.NZ@surgeons.org
Mr. Andrew Law - Consultant Neurosurgeon
Auckland City Hospital
Park Rd Grafton
Auckland New Zealand
Tel: 09 307 4949, ext 25770
Email: alaw@adhb.govt.nz
Read more about neurosurgery Health workforce New Zealand.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand neurosurgeons talk about the reality of working within this field.
Watch the Ophthalmology - RMO Careers Fair 2018 video
An ophthalmologist diagnoses and manages disorders of the eye and related structures. The practice of ophthalmology comprises medical and surgical components and involves the prevention of blindness, the promotion of eye health and the rehabilitation of those with visual disability.
Subspecialty areas include: Corneal and external disease.
For up-to-date information on training programmes
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
9498 Chalmers Street Surrey Hills
NSW 2010 Australia
Tel: 00 61 2 9690 1001
Fax: 00 61 2 9690 1321
Email: ranzco@ranzco.edu
Website: ranzco.edu
Dr Stuart Carroll - Ophthalmology vocational training committee chair
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 630 9943
Email: stuartc@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Jo Sims - Director of training
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 630 9943
Email: josims@adhb.co.nz
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand ophthalmologists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Orthopaedic surgery is the specialty of surgery concerned with diseases of and injuries to the musculoskeletal system, namely the spine, upper and lower extremities. In order to receive vocational registration as an orthopaedic surgeon, you must have gained comprehensive training in all aspects of the specialty. All surgeons, particularly those who work in provincial areas, must maintain the breadth of knowledge to enable them to deal with a wide range of conditions. Surgeons who are based in larger metropolitan will often specialise in one or more aspects of the discipline, for example:
For up-to-date information on training programmes
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
New Zealand Office
Mrs Trish McLean
Specialist Training Administrator
PO Box 7451 Wellington
Tel: 04 385 8248
Fax: 04 385 8873
Tom Geddes – Orthopaedic department
Middlemore Hospital
Private Bag 93311
Otahuhu, Auckland
Tel: 09 276 000
Email: tgeddes@middlemore.co.nz
Hamish Crawford – Ascot Hospital
Private Bag 28912
Remuera, Auckland
Tel: 09 520 9633
Email: hcrawford@abjs.co.nz
Read more about Health Workforce New Zealand information on orthopaedic surgery
Workforce
The New Zealand Orthopaedic Association and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons attempt to tailor workforce requirements to training numbers.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
Employment opportunities exist in the private sphere where rewards are generally higher but collegial activities and opportunities to teach are fewer. It is usual for specialists to divide their time between public and private practice.
New Zealand orthopaedic surgeons talk about the reality of working within this field.
This specialty is known by many names including otorhinolaryngology or otolaryngology (ORL for short) and ear, nose and throat surgery (or ENT). As a result of expertise gained in dealing with the upper aerodigestive tract, the specialty has evolved to include surgery for tumours of the head and neck region. The official title is now ‘Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery’ (ORL-HNS).
For up-to-date information on training programmes
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
College of Surgeons’ Gardens
Spring Street Melbourne
Vic 3000, Australia
Tel: 00 61 3 9249 1200
Fax: 00 61 3 9249 1219
Website: surgeons.org
The Australian Society of Otolaryngology
Head & Neck Surgery Ltd
Suite 403, Level 4
68 Alfred Street Milsons Point
NSW 2061 Australia
Tel: +61 2 9954 5856
Fax: +61 2 9957 6863
Website: asohns.org.au
New Zealand Office
PO Box 7451 Wellington
Tel: 04 385 8248
Fax: 04 385 8873
Email: college.nz@surgeons.org
Martyn Fields - Chairman NZ-TEAC for ORL-HSN
Dunedin Hospital
201 Great King St
Dunedin New Zealand
John Chaplin - Auckland ORL supervisor
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92024
Tel:09 307 4949
Read more about Health Workforce New Zealand information on otolaryngology
Workforce
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand otolaryngology surgeons talk about the reality of working within this field.
Paediatric surgery involves abdominal, thoracic and urological surgery for children under the age of 16 years. It also includes trauma, oncological and neonatal surgery, and surgery for children with a variety of congenital conditions.
For up-to-date information on training programmes
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Surgeons Gardens
Spring Street, Melbourne
Vic 3000, Australia
Tel: 00 61 3 9249 1200
Fax: 00 61 3 9249 1219
Email: rebecca.warnecke@surgeons.org
Website:surgeons.org
RACS New Zealand Office
PO Box 7451, Wellington
Tel: 04 385 8248
Fax: 04 385 8873
Email: racs@surgeons.co.nz
Professor Spencer Beasley - Paediatric Surgeon, Christchurch Hospital
PO Box 4710, Christchurch
Tel: 03 364 0432
Fax: 03 364 1584
Email: spencer.beasley@cdhb.govt.nz
Mr Philip Morreau – Paediatric surgeon
Starship Children’s Hospital
Private Bag 92 024, Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949, ext 6098
Email: pmorreau@adhb.govt.nz
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
There is some scope for private practice although remuneration levels depend on the number of hours that you work and are not as high as for other surgical specialities.
New Zealand paediatric surgeons talk about the reality of working within this field.
Plastic surgery involves repair and reconstruction due to trauma, or the correction of congenital defects. It aims to improve physical function as well as physical appearance. Cosmetic surgery is also a significant aspect of this specialty.
For up-to-date information on training programmes
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Surgeons Gardens
Spring Street, Melbourne
Vic 3000, Australia
Tel: 00 61 3 9249 1200
Fax: 00 61 3 9249 1219
Email: rebecca.warnecke@surgeons.org
Website: surgeons.org
Mr. Murray Beagley – Director of surgical training
Middlemore Hospital
Private Bag 93 311
Otahuhu, Auckland
Email: mbeagley@middlemore.co.nz
RACS New Zealand Office
PO Box 7451, Wellington
Tel: 04 385 8248
Fax: 04 385 8873
Email: racs@surgeons.co.nz
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand plastics and reconstructive surgeons talk about the reality of working within this field
Urology is the surgical specialty that deals with the urinary system in males and females and the reproductive system in males. It is a broad-based specialty that includes:
For up-to-date information on training programmes
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Surgeons Gardens
Spring Street, Melbourne
Vic 3000, Australia
Tel: 00 61 3 9249 1200
Fax: 00 61 3 9249 1219
Email: rebecca.warnecke@surgeons.org
Website: surgeons.org
RACS New Zealand Office
PO Box 7451, Wellington
Tel: 04 385 8248
Fax: 04 385 8873
Email: racs@surgeons.co.nz
Mr Michael Rice - Urologist
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 027 4 80 1906
Email: rice@xtra.co.nz
Chairman - Board of Urology
Suite 512, Eastpoint 180 Ocean Street
Edgecliff, NSW 2027 Australia
Tel: 00 61 2 9362 8644
Fax: 00 61 2 9362 1433
Email: secretary@urosoc.org.au
Urology factsheet
Read more Health Workforce New Zealand information about urology
Workforce
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand urologists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Vascular surgery is the subspecialty that deals with all blood vessels outside the brain and chest.
The training programme is run through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Doctors are eligible to apply in PGY2. The programme is five years and is bi-national. There are requirements in operative surgery, endovascular surgery, ultrasound, research and a final examination for FRACS (vascular). Usually trainees will be rotated through approved centres in Australia and New Zealand.
For up-to-date information on training programmes
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Surgical education and training
Email: college.nz@surgeons.org
Australia & New Zealand Society of Vascular Surgeons (ANZSVS)
Abby Richardson - Executive officer
- Board in Vascular Surgery
- Australian and New Zealand Society of Vascular Surgery
Website: anzsvs.org.au
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons - Australian Office
College of Surgeons' Gardens
Spring Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: +61 3 9249 1269
Fax: +61 3 9249 1240
Email: boardofvascular.surgery@surgeons.org
Mr Peter Vanniasingham - Supervisor, Vascular Surgery Training
Vascular Services
Vascular Surgery
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949, ext 23909
Fax: 09 375 4357
Email: peterv@adhb.govt.nz
Vascular surgery factsheet
Read more about Health Workforce New Zealand information on vascular surgery
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
Consultant, private sector: $200,000–$500,000.
New Zealand vascular surgeons talk about the reality of working within this field.
The role of the anaesthetist is to preserve and maintain the life of the patient during surgery and other procedures, and to supervise the patient during the recovery phase. Responsibilities include pre-anaesthetic assessment of the patient, constant supervision of the patient during anaesthesia and management of pain following surgery. The anaesthetist takes this role not only in relation to surgery in operating theatres but also for procedures in cardiac laboratories, endoscopy suites, imaging departments, labour wards and day surgery units. The role of the anaesthetist as a peri-operative physician is expanding. Anaesthetists work closely with surgeons, obstetricians, physicians and radiologists and are usually supported by anaesthetic technicians. Anaesthetics training involves a lot of supervision, particularly early on in the training scheme, and you should be prepared for frequent feedback in a constructive manner.
Anaesthesia training - 2019 Auckland region RMO Careers Fair. Anaesthesia training programme: A presentation by Dr Stacey Byers, Vocational Training Committee representative for the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists and Dr Elizabeth Dunn, Anaesthesia Fellow and Samuel Perrin, registrar in the anaesthetic training programme.
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
Vic 3004 Australia
Tel: 00 61 3 9510 6299
Fax: 00 61 3 9510 6786
Email: training@anzca.edu.au
Website: anzca.edu.au
New Zealand office
P O Box 25506
Featherston Street
Wellington 6146
Tel: 04 499 6013
Email: training@anzca.org.nz
Kim Jamieson (Auckland DHB) Chair Vocational Training Committee
Sarah Nicolson (Auckland DHB) Regional Education Officer
Sarah Allen (Auckland DHB) Supervisor of Training Anaesthesia - Cardio, Thoracic ICU
Tim Skinner (Auckland DHB) Supervisor of Training for Anaesthesia - National Women's
Nadia Forbes, Ivan Bergman and Amber Chisholm (Auckland DHB) Supervisor of Training for Anaesthesia - Level 8 Adult & ED Anaesthesia
Peggy Yip (v) Supervisor of Training for Anaesthesia - Starship Children's Hospital
Jennifer Taylor (CMDHB) Supervisor of Training
Clare Fisher (WDHB) Supervisor of Training
Read more about anaesthesia health workforce in New Zealand.
The income is relatively good, especially in private practice. Most anaesthetists combine public work with some proportion of private work.
Annual incomes:
Due to individual contracts DHBs apply conditions and pay may vary. Call allowances are variable, but may add another $150 per year.
New Zealand anaesthetists talk about the reality of working within this field
Urgent care is the study of urgent medical care from community urgent care clinics. Urgent care clinics are open seven days until at least 8pm, have x-ray services on site and manage urgent medical problems and accidents. Urgent care's ‘nearest neighbours’ are emergency medicine and general practice.
Urgent care is the 13th largest of the 35 branches of medicine that the Medical Council of New Zealand recognises.
It is the second largest branch by face-to-face patient consultations, with more than 2 million consultations per annum.
Some urgent care physicians work in hospital emergency departments, but with a collegial relationship (as defined by the MCNZ) with an emergency medicine specialist. The advantages of urgent care as a career include:
The RNZCUC runs the urgent care training programme. It has about 300 members - 30% hospital based and 70% community based.
110 Lunn Ave
Remuera
Auckland
Tel: (09) 527 7966
Email: info@rnzcuc.org.nz
Dr Ainsley Goodman - Director of Clinical Training
Email: ainsley_goodman@hotmail.com
Vocational registration enquiries:
David Gollogly - Chairperson Convenor Board of Censors
Email: dag@xtra.co.nz
The RNZCUC training programme leads to a fellowship in urgent care. It is designed with the needs of part time trainees in mind. Fellowship criteria include four years and 3000 hours of experience. Up to 1500 hours of prior experience can be recognised.
The main parts of the programme are:
Doctors must be fully registered with the MCNZ or other RNZCUC-approved registration body and provide urgent care from a facility approved by RNZCUC for training. Trainees are accepted from the end of PGY1 onwards. PGY2 trainees must have a RNZCUC-approved study plan.
To join the college training programme, complete the online application form on the RNZCUC website.
New Zealand residents are generally eligible for Health Workforce New Zealand (HWNZ) funding which aims to cover all trainees' main out-of-pocket expenses (including those listed below).
For doctors who don't have HWNZ funding (general non-residents), as at February 2014, the main costs are about:
These costs are approximate, exclude GST, and are subject to change.
Holders of qualifications such as a fellowship in emergency medicine may be eligible for RNZCUC's accelerated pathway to fellowship.
Read more about urgent care
Northern Regional Alliance.
RNZCUC analysis indicates that only a quarter of urgent care consultations are provided by urgent care doctors. In RNZCUC’s view, urgent care fellow numbers need to at least double. RNZCUC expects that there will be strong demand for urgent care fellows for at least the next 10 years.
Trainees generally earn well from the outset of training. For information about income, contact RNZCUC.
Emergency medicine is a unique specialist field of medicine that deals with the care of patients requiring urgent medical attention.
The emergency medicine specialist has the responsibility for managing all patients in the emergency department, regardless of their underlying presentation, which can range from the mundane to the critically ill across all age ranges.
The mix of patients is one of the many aspects of emergency medicine that many junior doctors find attractive. Medical, surgical, paediatric, psychiatric and subspecialty patient presentations can all be seen during the same working day. Investigation, diagnosis and management of these patients is often done with limited information and may involve rapid life preserving decisions to be made despite a level of diagnostic uncertainty.
There is also the ability to sub-specialise within emergency medicine in many exciting fields such as:
Doctors who are well suited to emergency medicine tend to be good at multi-tasking, and decision-making and work well within teams. They have good communication skills and cope well with stressful environments and situations. They enjoy variety within their workload and enjoy a good puzzle as many emergency medicine patients are not clear-cut diagnostically. Finally, they must be able to cope with the demands of shift work as weekend and after-hours work is the norm for the emergency medicine specialist.
Australasian College of Emergency Medicine
Website: acem.org.au
The directors of emergency medicine training are always happy to be contacted by anyone interested in working in the emergency department or joining the training scheme:
Bernard Foley
Email: bernardf@adhb.govt.nz
Gina De Cleene
Email: ginadc@adhb.govt.nz
Terri Prest
Email: prestt@middlemore.co.nz
Matthew Clarke
Email: clarkem@middlemore.co.nz
Emma Batistich
Email: emma.batistich@waitematadhb.govt.nz
David Peak
Email: david.peak@waitematadhb.govt.nz
Read more about emergency medicine at Northern Regional Alliance
Workforce
This is a relatively new specialty that is undergoing rapid growth. Nationally, the workload of the emergency services continues to increase, inevitably requiring an increase in staffing numbers all hours of the clock. Because of this increase, emergency medicine has experienced a surge in SMO numbers over recent years.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand emergency medicine specialists talk about the reality of working within this field.
General practitioners are expert specialists in the overall physical and mental wellbeing of all New Zealanders.
As a GP you have the power to make a real difference in communities. You will constantly be challenged by complex medical presentations and experience a wide range of clinical, ethical, legal and socio-cultural diversity.
It is the medical specialty with great job satisfaction, variety, community involvement and flexibility. Every day is different and every day is inspiring.
GP Training Careers Fair 2021. A presentation by Matthew Buck, Dr Jason Tuhoe (RNZGP Clinical Lead North), Dr Sophie Ball (RNZGP Lead Medical Education South Auckland) and Dr Hazel Wilks (General Practice Education Programme Year 1 South Auckland)
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners website has more information.
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP)
National Office
PO Box 10 440
Wellington
Tel: 04 496 5972
Fax: 04 496 5997
Email: rnzcgp@rnzcgp.org.nz
Website: rnzcgp.org.nz
Dr Kim Bannister - GP VTC Chair
Email: kbannister@gmail.com
Dr Margaret Goodey - GPEP1 liaison
Email: m.goodey@vodafone.co.nz
Read more about general practice at Northern Regional Alliance
In 2009, there were more than 4000 GP members of the college. About 2800 are Fellows of the College and therefore may be registered by the Medical Council of New Zealand in the vocational scope of general practice.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
The pay is reasonable, although overheads can impact on earnings if you own a practice.
New Zealand GPs talk about the reality of working within this field.
Intensive care medicine includes the assessment, resuscitation and ongoing management of patients with life-threatening organ system failure. Work is not confined to the intensive care unit, since patients are usually admitted to the unit from the care of a primary team elsewhere within the hospital. Intensive care specialists are also frequently involved in transporting and assisting with the management of seriously ill patients who may not eventually end up in the intensive care unit.
Juliette Adlam - Administrative officer
College of Intensive Care Medicine
Tel: 04 499 1213
Email: cicm@cicm.org.nz
Website: cicm.org.au
Dr Janet Liang - Intensive care specialist
North Shore Hospital Auckland
Tel: 09 489 0523
Email: janet.liang@waitematadhb.govt.nz
Dr Les Galler - Intensive care specialist
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024
Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949, ext 7460
Email: lesg@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Peter Dzendrowskyj - Intensive care specialist
Middlemore Hospital
Private Bag 93 311
Otahuhu
Auckland
Tel: 09 276 0112
Email: peter.dzendrowskyj@middlemore.co.nz
Dr Fiona Miles - Intensive care specialist
Starship Children’s Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 3074903
Email: fionam@adhb.govt.nz
Applicants must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand and must have at least two years of postgraduate hospital experience, of which no more than six months can be in general practice or any combination of anaesthesia, intensive care or pain medicine.
Training lasts a minimum of six years. The programme is divided into three years of basic training and three years of advanced training: core intensive care training (two years), clinical anaesthesia (one year), clinical medicine (one year).
Application forms are available from the CICM website. Documentation of hospital rotations completed must be supplied. At the time of applying it would be worthwhile discussing your plans with an intensive care specialist (preferably a supervisor of training) who can advise on how best to plan your training programme. This is particularly important if dual training is being considered.
For the purposes of training the faculty recognises several categories of ICU, defined in terms of maximum number of months that would be recognised towards the ICM Fellowship (typically 24 months, 12 months and 6 months). The faculty requires that during fellowship training, half of the core ICU training period should be an unbroken 12 month period spent in one core training ICU. This definitely requires early discussion and planning with the ICU in question. Each of the New Zealand ICUs that offers 12‒24 months of recognised training has a limited number of registrar posts, many of which are filled by other specialty trainees (including those in anaesthesia, internal medicine, paediatrics and emergency medicine) who are gaining elective or compulsory ICU experience.
As at November 2014, the CICM accredits intensive care training undertaken at the following locations in New Zealand:
Read Health Workforce New Zealand information about intensive care medicine
Intensive care medicine is a very rewarding career. However, with the high number of intensive care trainees now completing ICU training and the limited number of specialist positions available worldwide, there is increasing demand for these limited specialist positions. For those undertaking dual training, the requirement to complete the demands of two specialties requires a high level of commitment and focus. It is important for any trainee considering this to discuss the expectations and requirements fully with a supervisor of training to ensure an appropriate program. In Auckland, the local CICM Vocational Training Committee also provides oversight, guidance and teaching to those seeking to undertake intensive care medicine as a career.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
Although there is very little private ICU work available in New Zealand yet, Australia does offer a significant amount. Locum work is available in public ICUs.
New Zealand intensive care specialists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Specialists in Musculoskeletal Medicine are trained in the assessment and non-operative treatment of all musculoskeletal conditions including pain management.
They are trained and experienced in motivating and helping patients to get physically active and having them take responsibility for their own rehabilitation.
Trained in particular interventions, such as manual therapy, therapeutic injections and interpretation of high tech imaging, they can additionally certify under the international Spine Intervention Society for administering spinal injections.
Speciality Contact admin@nzamm.org.nz or brenda.evitt@nzamm.org.nz
Membership of NZAMM is open to all medical practitioners and will give you access to:
Although obstetrics and gynaecology are separate branches of medicine, they are usually merged into one service, incorporating pregnancy and infertility care and other gynaecology services. The obstetrician provides medical care before, during and after childbirth. Gynaecologists diagnose, treat and aid in the prevention of disorders of the female reproductive system.
Obstetrics and Gynaecology - Careers Fair 2021. A presentation by Dr Ernest Mavuso, Dr Samuel Holford, Dr Kirsten McSweeney, Dr Wendy Burgess and Dr Grace Kennedy.
For up-to-date information on training programmes, see:
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)
College House
254–260 Albert Street East Melbourne,
Vic 3002 Australia
Tel: 00 61 3 9417 1699
Fax: 00 61 3 9419 0672
Email: ranzcog@ranzcog.edu.au
Website: ranzcog.edu.au
Sue Belgrave (WDHB) - O&G VTC Chair and Lead Training Supervisor
Dr Mahesh Harilall (Auckland DHB) - Lead Training Supervisor
Jenny McDougall (Auckland DHB) - Training Supervisor
Sarah Tout (CMDHB) - RANZCOG Northern Training Co-ordinator/Lead Training Supervisor
Jude Kaveney (RANZCOG Training co-ordinator)
Email: jkaveney@ranzcog.org.nz
Read more about obstetrics and gynaecology at Northern Regional Alliance
Workforce
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand obstetricians and gynaecologists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Paediatrics and child health is the specialty that deals with diseases and disorders of growth and development, from new-born to young adults. Most paediatricians in New Zealand are generalists but there are opportunities to sub-specialise (see training information).
The role of the paediatrician is complex, since the work involves treating patients who may not be able to make decisions regarding their own health and may not understand the necessity for treatment. For these reasons, paediatricians must establish the trust of patients as well as their caregivers. Paediatric and child health services are administered in hospitals, in outpatient clinics and in the community. Auckland has two specialist stand-alone paediatric hospitals: Starship Children’s Hospital in Grafton and Kidz First Children’s Hospital in Otahuhu. There is also the Rangitira Unit at Waitakere Hospital.
Advanced training is offered in:
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Applications for basic training should be sent to:
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
New Zealand Office
PO Box 10 601 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6713
Fax: 04 472 6718
Email: racp@racp.org.nz
Website: racp.edu.au
Dr Simon Rowley (Auckland DHB) Paediatrics VTC Chair and Director of Paediatric Training-Auckland DHB (National Women's)
Director of Paediatric Education
Email: srowley@adhb.govt.nz
Sharon Wong (WDHB) - Director of Paediatric Training-WDHB
Raewyn Gavin (Auckland DHB) - Director of Paediatric Training-Auckland DHB (Starship)
Ross Nicholson (CMDHB) - Director of Paediatric Training-CMDHB
University of Auckland – Diploma in paediatrics
The Administrator
Tel: 09 373 7599 x 891717
Email: dippeads@auckland.ac.nz
Website: auckland.ac.nz
University of Otago – Diploma in child health
Distance Learning Co-ordinator
Dunedin School of Medicine
P.O. Box 913, Dunedin
Tel: 64 3 474 7825
Email: medical-faculty@otago.ac.nz
Website: otago.ac.nz
Read more about Healthforce New Zealand information on paediatric and child health
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
There is not much private practice in this field, so pay rates tend to be fairly low in comparison with those in other specialties.
A New Zealand paediatrician talks about the reality of working within this field.
Pain medicine is a multidisciplinary field of specialist medical practice which has only recently come of age. Severe persistent pain is now recognised as one of the most prevalent and most costly health care problems worldwide - it has a major impact on (and significant financial consequences for) individuals, families and the community at large. The field spans the specialised management of severe problems in the three major areas of acute pain, chronic pain and pain related to cancer.
Faculty of Pain Medicine Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
630 St Kilda Road Melbourne,
Vic 3004 Australia
Tel: 00 61 3 9510 6299
Fax: 00 61 3 9510 6786
Email: painmed@anzca.edu.au
Website: anzca.edu.au
Dr Kieran Davis - Clinical Director
The Auckland Regional Pain Service
Auckland Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949
Email: kierand@adhb.govt.nz
Read Health Work New Zealand information on pain medicine
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
There is substantial demand for specialist opinion in the medico-legal field and this work tends to be well remunerated.
New Zealand pain specialists talk about the reality of working within this field
Pathology is the branch of medicine involved in understanding the causes and processes of disease. Pathology encompasses the following disciplines; anatomical pathology, chemical pathology, haematology, immunology, laboratory genetics, and microbiology/ virology. Investigations are made by performing tests on various tissues including the blood and other body fluids, and samples taken during surgery or as part of a medical examination. Pathologists interpret the results of these tests, which may show the cause or severity of illness or may be used to monitor treatment once a diagnosis has been made.
2017 Auckland region RMO Careers Fair
Pathology training programme: A presentation by Dr Mike Watson and Dr Simeon Barker
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
Durham Hall
207 Albion Street
Surry Hills, NSW 2010 Australia
Tel: 00 61 2 8356 5858
Fax: 00 61 2 8356 5828
Email: boc@rcpa.edu.au
Website: rcpa.edu.au
Dr Mike Watson - Chair, Vocational Training Committee
Training Programme
Private Bag 92024, Auckland
Tel: 09 367 0000
Email: mwatson@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Alan King - Chair, Vocational Training Committee
Department of Pathology Middlemore Hospital
Private Bag 93 311 Otahuhu Auckland
Tel: 09 276 0154
Email: aking@middlemore.co.nz
Dr George Chan - Haematology
3rd Floor, Auckland Hospital
Private Bag 92024, Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949
Fax: 09 375 4321
Email: georgec@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Mike Watson - Histopathology
Auckland DHB
Private Bag 92024, Auckland
Tel: 09 367 0000
Email: mwatson@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Sally Roberts - Microbiology, Immunology, Virology
Laboratory Services
Auckland DHB
Private Bag 92024, Auckland
Tel: 09 630 9785
Email: sallyrob@adhb.govt.nz
Dr Don Love - Laboratory Genetics
Auckland DHB
Private Bag 92024, Auckland
Tel: 09 367 0000
Email: donaldl@adhb.govt.nz
Read Health Workforce New Zealand information on pathology
Workforce
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
Pathology is not highly paid in comparison with some specialties but the hours are relatively good.
New Zealand pathologists talk about the reality of working within this field
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine specialising in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health in the community. By virtue of their specialist training psychiatrists bring a comprehensive and integrated bio-psychosocial approach to the diagnosis, assessment, treatment and prevention of psychiatric disorders and mental health problems.
Psychiatrists treat patients and work with the patient’s general practitioner and other primary health care providers, families and carers of patients and the general community. The work of psychiatrists includes the prevention, management, and relief of suffering caused by a range of developmental, emotional, behavioural and cognitive disorders.
Psychiatry - RMO Careers Fair 2018
Hear about psychiatry specialty training from the specialists and trainees themselves at the Auckland region RMO Careers Fair 2018
Auckland Regional Psychiatric Registrar Training Programme
Website: psychtraining.org.
Auckland
For enquiries about the Auckland programme:
Dr Felicity Plunkett
Auckland Regional Psychiatric Registrar training centre
Level 6, Building 14
Greenlane Clinical Centre
Private Bag 92189
Greenlane, Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949 Ext 26545
Fax: 09 638 0344
E-mail c/o Rosalynn Williams, Administrator: rosalynnw@adhb.govt.nz
Email: felicityp@adhb.govt.nz
Registrar training posts
aucklanddoctors.co.nz
The main intake is in December, with applications for interviews being received by NoRTH in June and July.
There is a much smaller intake in June of each year.
For details of the other training programmes around NZ, contact the RANZCP NZ National Office:
RANZCP
PO Box 10-669
Wellington
Tel: 04 472 7247
Fax: 04 472 7246
Email: nzoffice@ranzcp.co.nz
Website: ranzcp.org
Applications should be sent to:
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
National Office
PO Box 10-669 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 7247
Fax: 04 472 7246
Email: nzoffice@ranzcp.co.nz
Read more about psychiatry at Northern Regional Alliance
Workforce
Being a consultant psychiatrist is an important and necessary job, with secure career prospects.
Source: Clinical Training Agency Strategic Intentions document 2004 – 2013.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
New Zealand psychiatrists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Public health is commonly defined as ‘the organised efforts made by society to prevent disease, promote health and prolong the life of the population (R. Beaglehole: ‘Prospects for Public Health in New Zealand’, New Zealand Medical Journal, 105,1992, 29–31)
Public health medicine is defined as "that branch of medical practice which is primarily concerned with the health and care of populations. It is concerned with the promotion of health and the prevention of disease, with the assessment of a community’s health needs and with the provision of services to communities in general and to specific groups within them". ( Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine. Advanced Training Handbook. Sydney: AFPHM, 2004).
Public Health - Careers Fair 2021. A presentation by Dr Doone Winnard, Dr Nick Eichler and Dr Carrie Bryers,
For up-to-date information on training programmes:
New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine
Sarah Targett - Senior Executive Officer, New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine
PO Box 10 233 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 9183
Email: admin@nzcphm.og.nz
Website for training and working in New Zealand: nzcphm.org.nz
Mr Bruce R. Smith - Faculty Manager, Faculty of Medicine, University of Otago
Email: medical-faculty@otago.ac.nz
Website: www.otago.ac.nzl
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
Salaries are not very high in comparison with those in clinical medicine, especially if you are working in a university setting. During basic training, trainees are provided with a non-taxable study grant of $42,000. During advanced training, each trainee enters into an employment contract with the training site employer and there is no standardised salary level, although it would usually be similar to the RMO pay scale for a 40-hour week.
New Zealand public health specialists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Radiation oncologists care for cancer patients and provide treatment through radiation therapy. Radiation oncologists work in a multidisciplinary environment with many other health care professionals including surgeons, medical oncologists, palliative care physicians, radiation therapists and medical radiation physicists. It involves direct patient care and exciting technological developments.
For up-to-date information on training programmes:
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists
PO Box 10 424 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6470
Fax: 04 472 6474
Email: nzbranch@ranzcr.org.nz
Website: ranzcr.edu.au
Dr Hedley Krawitz - Director of Training Radiation Oncology
Auckland City Hospital
Private Bag 92 024 Auckland
Tel: 09 307 4949
Email: hedleyk@adhb.govt.nz
Read more about Health Workforce New Zealand information on radiation oncology
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
Remuneration rates are comparable with those in other medical specialties and there is scope to undertake some private practice in this field.
New Zealand radiation oncologists talk about the reality of working within this field.
The radiologist is an expert in diagnosis through reviewing images such as x-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerised tomography (CT). Radiologists advise doctors on the best examination for a patient, in some cases explaining the process to the patient and supervising the examination. They also interpret the results of the examination. In addition, radiologists may treat some diseases guided by imaging equipment. Using diagnostic radiology in therapeutic intervention is becoming more common as technology advances. Initiatives such as breast screening have increased the workload of radiologists in New Zealand in the past few years. (The Health Workforce: A Training Programme Analysis, CTA, 2001, 85).
Radiology - RMO Careers Fair 2018
Hear about radiology specialty training from the specialists and trainees themselves at the Auckland region RMO Careers Fair 2018
For up-to-date information on training programmes:
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists
PO Box 10 424 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6470
Fax: 04 472 6474
Email: nzbranch@ranzcr.org.nz
Website: ranzcr.edu.au
Sonja Bastin (Auckland DHB) - Radiology VTC Chair and Director/Supervisor of training at Auckland DHB
Graeme Anderson (CMDHB) - Supervisor/Director of Training
Penny Symes (WDHB) - Supervisor/Director of Training
Applications should be sent to:
Gail Le Claire – Executive officer
New Zealand branch office
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists
PO Box 10 424 Wellington
Tel: 04 472 6470
Fax: 04 472 6474
Email: nzbranch@ranzcr.org.nz
Website: ranzcr.edu.au
Read more about Health Workforce New Zealand information on diagnostic and interventional radiology
Read more about radiology at Northern Regional Alliance
The role of the radiologist is expanding and demand for services is increasing.
See the New Zealand DHB Senior Medical and Dental Officers Collective Agreement.
The income increases if you undertake private practice.
New Zealand radiologists talk about the reality of working within this field.
Sports medicine involves the practice of medicine as it is applied to all aspects of physical activity.
For up-to-date information on training programmes:
The Australasian College of Sports Physicians
Christine de Villeneuve
Suite 30, Level 6
193 Macquarie St Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: +61 2 9223-4055
Fax: +61 2 9223-4066
Email: office@acsp.org.au
Website: acsp.org.au/
Dr Chris Hanna - New Zealand Training Coordinator, ACSP
Tel: 09 521 9811
Email: c.hanna@sportsmed.net.nz
Contact the Australasian College of Sports Physicians.
New Zealand sports medicine specialists talk about the reality of working within this field.
