New research has been released about why do Doctors move to New Zealand and what kind of experience do they have when they arrive. We have taken a look at this research and compared it with our own experiences of working with Doctors who make the move to the land of the long white cloud.
Essential contributors to healthcare provision
Doctors trained in the United Kingdom play an essential part in healthcare provision in New Zealand. The health system could not function without them! Half of the international medical graduates working in NZ are from the UK. Research conducted by the University of Otago in 2014 sought to understand what was most important to UK Doctors in New Zealand.
Why do Doctors move to New Zealand?
Almost everyone who responded to the survey ranked Quality of Life as the most important factor in their decision to relocate to New Zealand. More attractive working conditions were also a major reason that people moved. Lower grade Doctors also included training and career opportunities among their reasons for relocating. We have found that quality of life and a good work life balance interest the Doctors we work with. Easy access to the great outdoors and a strong community attract many people as do the possibilities for learning and experience that the New Zealand healthcare system offers.
How do they find it once they are there?
Almost all the respondents said that they were satisfied with their workload, their work colleagues and community life. They agreed that the New Zealand health system is “easy to work in”. Here at Head Medical the feedback that we receive from our candidates who make the move to New Zealand supports this with many people commenting to us about the warm welcome that they receive and the community spirit and focus on quality of life. These factors often lead to the Doctor staying on beyond their intended contract duration and making a valuable long-term contribution to New Zealand healthcare.
If you’re interested in opportunities overseas, why not take a look at our Doctor's Guides. Alternatively, you can search all of the jobs we currently have available here.