New job. New lifestyle. New Zealand.
Embrace the relaxed Coro’ vibe and kiwi lifestyle New Zealand is famous for!
We are seeking a Consultant in General Medicine or Rural Hospital Medicine to work in a rural hospital in Thames (pronounced “Tems”), a small coastal community which is also the gateway to the spectacular Coromandel Peninsula in the North Island.
The township of Thames has a population of 7,500 and offers true work life balance and an opportunity to become part of the local community.
- Enjoy unspoilt coastline and some of NZ’s most popular holiday spots
- Explore the townships and beaches of Hahei, Whitianga, Cathedral Cove, Matarangi, New Chums, Whangamata, Tairua & Pauanui
- 90 mins easy driving to Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga cities
- Diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, fishing, sailing, hiking and cycling trails…
You will be a generalist physician who will join the team to make up four physicians. You will provide specialist general medical care to the busy inpatient and outpatient departments. The physicians lead a team of Resident Medical Officers (SHOs, registrars) and a registrar from the rural medicine training scheme.
The inpatient unit has 48 beds split between general medicine, low acuity surgery and rehabilitation. There is a busy day surgery service and outpatient clinic. The physicians provide treatment in addition to the specialist consultants who visit daily and deliver a range of specialist services (from Waikato Hospital, the tertiary referral centre). Virtual health continues to develop in Thames, with ward rounds, outpatients, and stroke thrombolysis all supported by telehealth.
- 1:4 on call roster for physician team
- The ED (15 bed unit) with 2 resus bays, 18,000 presentations per year
- Supported by 24/7 laboratory and radiology services, including CT
- Accredited training site for rural medicine registrars
- Interest in working in a rural setting and multidisciplinary teamworking
For this role, you will have recent broad specialist experience in general internal medicine (or rural hospital medicine) and a sound understanding of contemporary models of care, along with the ability to make informed decisions in a high risk and rural environment.
In addition, you will also have proven leadership skills and experience working effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment; an interest in medical education and teaching; and of course, a commitment to ongoing quality assurance initiatives within the department.
The Hospital
Thames Hospital is a fully modernised rural and secondary hospital, with a catchment population of 45,000. The tertiary referral centre is Waikato Hospital in Hamilton which is 90 mins drive away and offers a full range of specialist services for referral.
The Waikato District Health Board (DHB) is one of the largest of 20 DHBs in New Zealand, delivering services to a population of approx 400,000. There are five hospital sites within the district - a tertiary hospital in Hamilton, a secondary hospital in Thames (where this role is based), and three rural hospitals in Te Kuiti, Taumarunui, and Tokoroa.
What’s on offer?
- Total package ranges NZ$180,000 - $300,000 per annum, depending on experience
- This includes: Base salary from NZ$164,369 to $244,560 pa, depending on level of experience; On call calculated on top of your base; Continuing Medical Education Allowance NZ$16,000 + 10 days CME leave pa.
- Plus relocation assistance
The Location
The Coromandel Peninsula is a holiday destination of choice for Kiwis, many of whom maintain holiday homes here all year round. As a result the population significantly swells across the region to over 150,000 in summer (December to March) and the vibe is relaxed yet bustling with activity. The subtropical/ oceanic climate and stunning natural landscapes makes this an outdoor enthusiast’s haven. There are annual music concerts with world famous music acts playing at local vineyards - tickets sell superfast and it’s always the best gig of the year.
Enjoy weekend trips exploring the rest of the peninsula, with beautiful little towns such as Hahei, Tairua, Pauanui, Whitianga, all popular holiday spots.
The township of Thames overlooks the Firth and the Hauraki Gulf, it faces west so enjoys spectacular sunsets every night. It has a lively café culture and there is a real artistic vibe here. The rich gold mining history and historical buildings from NZ’s pioneering days makes it a drawcard for steam punk afficionados. There are also multiple sports clubs, a community library and good primary and secondary schools. There is also a regular farmers market showcasing fresh local produce and inspired by the region’s idyllic setting, many artists have made their home here - visitors to the area are welcome in their studios.
See a snapshot of the Coromandel lifestyle here
Auckland International Airport is an easy 90 minute drive away.
Requirements for this role
Ideally, you will hold FRACP (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians) or FDRHM (Fellow of the Division of Rural Hospital Medicine) and full Vocational registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).
If you are an overseas general physician, you will hold equivalent specialist qualifications from either Australia (FRACP), the UK (FRCP via CCT), Ireland (FRCPI via CCT), Canada (FRCPC) or USA (Board Certified) that will enable Provisional Vocational (long term) registration or Locum Tenens (short term up to 12 months) registration.
These are the specialist pathways for medical registration in NZ for physicians and we can assist with medical registration and facilitate the work visa, if successfully appointed.
** Primary Source Verification using EPIC **
From 1st November 2017, all relevant qualifications must now be verified by ECFMG using the EPIC system on behalf of the Medical Council of New Zealand.
If you are committed to working in New Zealand, we encourage doctors to start this process off as soon as possible if you hold qualifications from outside NZ. Delays in verifications can impact on start dates, if not completed timeously. Candidates are invited to log on to EPIC and complete this step online. EPIC verifies your identity and your qualifications directly with you.
Log on to EPIC here and read the FAQs section about how to get started.