Discover the Perfect Balance of Career and Lifestyle in Palmerston North
Head Medical is seeking post-foundation doctors (RMO/SHO/CT level) for General Surgery roles in Palmerston North, a dynamic university city nestled at the base of New Zealand’s Tararua mountain range. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your surgical career while enjoying a lifestyle many only dream of.
- Work in a high-volume surgical and trauma setting in a supportive hospital environment
- Gain valuable international experience to strengthen your CV
- Enjoy access to mountains, beaches, hiking trails and vineyards – all within a short drive
- Let Head Medical guide you every step of the way – job search, medical registration, guidance and advice on your relocation
The Role
Palmerston North Hospital is a 380-bed secondary hospital, servicing a regional population of approximately 200,000. The General Surgery department offers a modern environment with close proximity to ICU, theatres, and radiology. Due to the rural location, the hospital sees a diverse mix of trauma cases – providing an excellent learning environment.
- 12-month fixed-term contract commencing in 2025
- Salary: $105,672 – $140,082 NZD (based on experience)
- Opportunity to work alongside a dedicated trauma team in collaboration with Anaesthetics and Emergency Medicine
The Location
Located in the heart of the North Island, Palmerston North is a lively university city with a population of around 80,000. It offers all the amenities of city living - great cafes, cultural events, and shopping - paired with short commutes, affordable housing, and a relaxed pace of life.
Just 15 minutes away is Feilding, a picturesque, award-winning town known for its heritage charm and strong sense of community -ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Highlights of the region include:
- Massey University and excellent local schools
- Outdoor lifestyle: skiing, hiking, cycling, and kayaking all nearby
- Easy weekend access to Hawke’s Bay vineyards, Rotorua lakes, and Wellington (2 hrs south)
- West Coast beaches and national parks within easy reach
The Manawatū offers the perfect blend of career opportunity and lifestyle!
Find out more about the region here Palmerston North and the Manawatu region here
What Head Medical can do for you
Arranging a position overseas is very exciting, but we understand that it can also be daunting and time consuming. We’re the UK’s specialist in international medical recruitment and we’ve helped many Doctors relocate since we first started out in 2008 (you can read what people have said about working with us on our testimonials page). We know it’s important to balance career opportunities with lifestyle and we’ll talk through your plans and will get to know you to make sure we find the right role in the right location. Once we have secured a job for you, we’ll manage the Medical Registration and Visa application process, and support you (and your family) with the relocation itself.