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Mt Hutt Canterbury Graeme Murray

Resident Medical Officers (RMOs)

Are you ready for the opportunity of a lifetime? We’re looking for Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) to join our teams in New Zealand - Aotearoa.

Also known as: Junior Doctor.

Photo location: Mount Hutt, Canterbury - Credit: Miles Holden

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Find your passion - join our world-class teams!

Being an RMO in New Zealand provides an opportunity to work, train, and live in a beautiful location where you can explore the country and do what you love.

Our RMO opportunities provide:

Diverse Clinical Exposure: Unique exposure to clinical and cultural settings, with the opportunity to gain experience working in different departments and with a diverse patient base and population. A variety of clinical presentations and pathologies will build valuable clinical skills, crucial for career progression and specialisation. 

Hands-on Learning and Development:  Protected teaching time and the opportunity to work under supervision and learn from experienced senior clinicians while actively participating in patient care, surgeries, and medical procedures.

Career Progression: The opportunity to work in accredited training sites, with the role an essential stepping stone for doctors aiming to specialize. The diverse clinical experience and training help RMOs meet the requirements for advanced training programmes and specialties.

Job Stability and Competitive Salary: RMOs receive a salary, benefits, and structured working hours, providing a good balance between income and work experience. 

Professional Support and Mentorship: RMOs have access to senior doctors and healthcare professionals for guidance and mentorship, which is key to career development and mastering clinical skills. 

Opportunities for Further Education and Training: RMOs have access and support to attend continuing medical education (CME), conferences, and professional development linked with their training pathway, helping them stay updated with the latest in medical science. 

Work-Life Balance: RMO roles offer manageable shift patterns, which ensure that you will be safe, rested and able to enjoy all that New Zealand - Aotearoa has to offer.  Rosters and intensity of shifts can  vary across locations and clinical services 

Patient Impact: RMOs play a crucial role in patient care, often being the first point of contact in our hospitals, with a direct impact on patients' lives and healthcare outcomes early in their careers. 

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About the role

Benefits and salary range

 

In New Zealand, Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) benefit from competitive salaries, good work-life balance, and numerous professional growth opportunities. 

Salary: 

The salary for RMOs in New Zealand depends on the number of years of experience and the specific roster they are employed into. RMOs are also compensated for any additional shifts worked which can increase their income. 

For detailed salary and benefit information please see the RMO collective agreement via Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website.

Benefits: 

  • Professional Development and Education: RMOs are supported with Continuing Medical Education (CME) leave, and access to various training programs to develop their skills and specialisation. 

  • Work-Life Balance: RMOs in New Zealand work in a system that values work-life balance, providing regular leave (up to six weeks of paid annual leave per year), alongside sick leave and parental leave options. 

  • Relocation Assistance: RMOs from overseas may receive relocation support packages, including assistance with visa applications and accommodation. 

  • Union Representation: RMOs have the option of being represented by one of two Unions the New Zealand Resident Doctors' Association (NZRDA) or Speciality Trainees of New Zealand (STONZ)ensuring protection and advocacy for fair working conditions. 

  • Additional Allowances: RMOs have the option to work additional shifts and receive meals as part of their role when on duty 

          These conditions make the RMO role in New Zealand attractive, providing a solid foundation for further career advancement in the healthcare sector. 

           

          Required qualifications and experience

          To work as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO) in New Zealand, certain qualifications and experience are required. These requirements ensure that doctors are well-prepared for their roles in New Zealand’s healthcare system. 

          Required Qualifications: 

          Medical Degree: You must hold a recognised medical degree from an accredited medical school, either from New Zealand or overseas. 

          • Medical degrees from the UK, Australia, Canada, and Ireland are typically recognised. 

          General or Provisional Registration: You must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). There are several pathways for registration depending on where you obtained your medical qualifications: 

            • General Scope of Practice: For those who have completed an internship (equivalent to PGY1) and meet MCNZ’s competency requirements. 
            • Provisional General Registration: For those who have completed their medical degree but are required to undergo a year of supervised practice in New Zealand. 

            English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers may need to demonstrate English proficiency by achieving specific scores in English language tests such as the IELTS or OET. 

              Internship Completion (PGY1): If applying for an RMO position as a House Officer (PGY2 or above), completion of an internship (or its equivalent) is essential. This ensures competency in basic clinical skills and experience in multiple specialties. 

              Required Experience: 

              • Clinical Experience: RMOs, especially those applying for positions as Registrars, are expected to have prior clinical experience in a hospital setting. At least 1-2 years of post-graduation clinical experience is often necessary. 

              • Specialty Experience (Registrars): For those applying for Registrar roles, experience in the relevant specialty is required. This often includes having worked as a Senior House Officer or having completed rotations in that specialty. 

              • Professional Development and Training: RMOs are encouraged to engage in continuous professional development and training. Many RMOs may also be in the process of completing or preparing for advanced postgraduate qualifications, such as a Fellowship or Specialist College exams. 

              These qualifications and experiences ensure that RMOs are equipped to provide quality care and are prepared for the demands of New Zealand’s health system. For specific registration pathways and requirements, you can consult the Medical Council of New Zealand or by using the Registration Self Assesment Tool (MCNZ)

               

               

              Information for internationally-qualified candidates

              Pathways for Registration to Practise Medicine in New Zealand

              If you are an overseas-trained doctor, you will need to check your eligibility for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) to practise medicine here.

              Under General Scope of Practise there are 3 eligible pathways:

              1. The New Zealand and Australian Graduates' Pathways
              2. The Competent Pathway, applicable to countries such as the UK and Ireland 
              3. The Comparable Health System Pathway 

               

              The registration process is unique to every applicant so we encourage you to visit the MCNZ website to learn about the registration pathways available to you.

              For more information, please visit Registration Pathways.

               

              Requirements for International Doctors wanting to work in New Zealand:

              International doctors wanting to work in New Zealand must pass the NZREX Clinical exam which is administered by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ)

              The NZREX Clinical exam tests both clinical skills and medical knowledge and covers communication, professionalism, cultural safety, history taking, physical examination, investigations/clinical reasoning, and management.

              Begin your career

              To become a Resident Medical Officer, you need to:

              • complete the Health Sciences First Year programme at University of Otago, or the first year of either the Bachelor of Health Sciences or Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at Auckland University
              • complete a five-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree at Otago or Auckland.

              Resident Medical Officer Positions

              Zaffer, SMO - Health New Zealand (433x303)

              House Officer

              Suitable for Foundation Year 2 (FY2) or Post Graduate Year 2 (PGY2) or above. House Officers have the most significant exposure to various services, rotating every 3 months.

              Krishna - RMO - Health New Zealand (arms crossed)

              Senior House Officers & Registrars

              Aligned to a single service and suitable for RMOs in their Post Graduate Year 3 (PGY3) or above - rotating every 4 or 6 months.

              Lupe, Senior Medical Officer - Health New Zealand

              Fellows

              Suitable for sub-specialty trainees that are nearing the completion of their specialist training and are working toward independent practice as a Senior Medical Officer.

              Our Application Process

              Submit Icon
              Step 1: Submit

              Complete the registration form as your expression of interest in a Resident Medical Officer role

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              Step 2: Review

              Our Candidate Management Team will review your application and check your suitability

              Contact Icon
              Step 3: Contact

              You will be contacted by our Candidate Management Team to discuss career and location options

              Referral Icon
              Step 4: Referral

              We will refer you to a Recruitment Team in your preferred location(s) for further assessment

              Progress Icon
              Step 5: Progress

              Your chosen Recruitment Team(s) will be in touch with you to continue the recruitment process

              Working at Health New Zealand

              'Te Whatu Ora' translates from our indigenous Māori language to 'the weaving of wellness'; which is what we are all about in our holistic delivery of world-class care for the health and wellbeing of the 5 million Kiwis in our communities.

              Health New Zealand has an open and non-hierarchical approach to improving outcomes for our patients. Our multi-disciplinary collaborative way of working fosters a positive work environment where all members of our team feel supported and empowered.

              Our commitment to you

              We are dedicated to building a team that is representative of the communities that we are serving. We are committed to supporting health equity in our communities. Our kaimahi (staff) thrives on the diversity and inclusion of all perspectives and cultures, and we welcome individuals from all backgrounds and lived experiences.

              Health New Zealand has programmes and facilities available to both protect and improve our teams’ physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing. We know that you do your best work when you’re feeling your best, so it’s important to us that this is a priority.

              Hannah, Critical Care Nurse - Health New Zealand
              A Health New Zealand ESC nurse standing outside the hospital smiling A House Officer in red scrubs having a discussion with a nurse in the patients' ward

              Looking to move to New Zealand to work as a Junior Doctor?

              Great news! RMOs are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List which means you are eligible for a fast-tracked Straight to Residence Visa. 

              This means you can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer, like us! 

              Register now

              Explore Aotearoa

              New Zealand - Aotearoa has been in the top 5 countries in the Global Peace Index every year since it launched in 2009, and has a broad range of places to call home, from the bustling metropolis of our main centres, to the easy-going vibe of our coastal or rural communities.

              Find out more information about what part of our beautiful country is the best fit for you.

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              Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty

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              Tairāwhiti Gisborne

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              Explore Gisborne

              Lakes

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              Explore the Lakes District

              Taranaki

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              Whanganui has something for everyone. Our centrally located region offers access to outdoor activities such as kayaking, skiing, surfing, tramping, cycling, fishing and hunting. Nestled between two snow-capped mountains, on the banks of Whanganui River there is always plenty to do and explore.

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              Capital Coast and Hutt Valley

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              Explore MidCentral

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              Southern

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              Well known for its beautiful natural scenery, which includes towering mountains, stunning fjords, majestic glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. The region is also famous for its friendly communities, charming towns, and vibrant cities such as Dunedin and Invercargill. 

              Explore the Southern District

              Hot Water Beach RMO Midpage Stacked

               

               

               

               

               

              Photo location: Coromandel - Credit: Miles Holden

               

              Webinar: Resident Medical Officers - Emigrating to New Zealand

              Learn about the four steps to emigration for Resident Medical Officers from the Medical Council of New Zealand, Kiwi Health Jobs, Immigration New Zealand and Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora's Health Immigration Service. 

              Listen to Elizabeth - a Registrar who moved here from Germany, talks about what she loves the most about living and working in New Zealand.

               

              We'd love to help, reach out to us!

              Moving to New Zealand - Aotearoa is a fantastic opportunity and a big step, we're here for you! Our dedicated team is here to provide guidance and support throughout your journey, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

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