New Year. New Job. New Lifestyle 2020
We are seeking a Consultant Geriatrician for a permanent position in Whangarei in the stunning subtropical Northland region of NZ.
The service is developing and expanding, so if you’re looking for a fresh, professional challenge and a chance to really help impact the local older community, this is the ideal role.
- Relaxed lifestyle just 2 hours from Auckland
- FRACP or equivalent specialist qualifications (e.g. FRCP with CCT)
- 0.8fte less than full time working
- Previous Acute Stroke experience advantageous
- Be one of five specialist physicians for older people
- Easy commute to and from work
- Sailing, scuba diving, paddleboarding, mountain biking, surfing…
- Beautiful natural surroundings – white sandy beaches, native forest & Gateway to the stunning Bay of Islands
This role is based at Whangarei Hospital which is a 250-bed district hospital with all major specialities. The hospital has a 24-bed Assessment and Rehabilitation ward, which includes a 6-8 bed Acute Stroke Unit.
The Health of Older People Service is developing and expanding to meet the needs of the rapidly growing older population of Northland which includes over 30,000 people aged 65 years or over.
The Service is well supported by community rehabilitation teams, a region-wide needs assessment service and gerontology nurse specialist programmes. They provide visiting outpatient clinics on five sites across Northland and residential care and home visiting services.
This role will be key to establishing the "front door" frailty component of the ACE (Acute Care of the Elderly) programme as well as improving the interface with, and delivery of, community services.
You will also work alongside an expanding acute stroke service (planned increase to 10 beds) as well as a growing Psychiatry for Older People service. There is a strong focus on patient and family centred care and integration with hospital and community based services.
For this role, you will have broad specialist experience in geriatric medicine and a sound understanding of contemporary models of care. Previous Acute Stroke experience would be advantageous.
You will also have proven leadership skills and experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment; an interest in medical education and teaching, including providing supervision and education to medical students, registrars and other clinical staff; and of course, a commitment to ongoing quality improvement programmes.
You will also enjoy working in a multicultural workforce, and being based in a friendly coastal community.
What’s on offer?
- Total package ranges NZ$190,000 - $300,000 per annum, depending on level of experience
- 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
Northland covers an area of 12,600 square kilometres and a population of 180,000, spanning from just north of Auckland right up to Cape Reinga at the very top of the North Island. Whangarei is the main urban centre and where this role is based.
With its high sunshine hours and fantastic natural environment, including white sandy beaches and native forests, Northland has the reputation of being one of the country’s premier tourist and lifestyle destinations, and is a popular holiday choice for both New Zealanders and international visitors.
It’s a region rich in Māori and European history, some of the oldest traces of Māori settlement can be found here. Today, 35% of the Northland population identify as Māori, so newcomers will experience a real connection with the culture and way of life here, which provides valuable exposure and rewarding experiences both professionally and socially.
Popular water recreation areas include the Bay of Islands and Poor Knights Islands Reserves for world class scuba diving, sailing and fishing. You can also enjoy al fresco dining, paddle boarding, golfing, hiking and mountain biking and so much more.
Whangarei has easy access transport links to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, which is only a two hour drive away. There is also a busy domestic airport, with numerous daily flights to Auckland (35 minutes) that connect to Auckland International Airport.
Find out more about Whangarei and the Northland region
Medical Registration
Ideally, you will hold FRACP and full Vocational registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).
If you are an overseas specialist physician, you will hold equivalent specialist qualifications from either Australia (FRACP), the UK (FRCP via CCT), Ireland (FRCPI via CCT), Canada (FRCPC) or USA (American Board Certification) 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 **
As of 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.