Discover the Perfect Balance of Career and Lifestyle in Palmerston North
Head Medical is seeking PGY3+ doctors with an interest in Otolaryngology (ENT) to join a busy tertiary teaching hospital in Palmerston North. Benefit from excellent operative experience, structured teaching, and exposure to a broad range of general and complex ENT cases within a supportive multidisciplinary team.
- Bustling city with a youthful, energetic vibe – without the traffic or stress
- Surrounded by epic outdoor adventures – hike, bike, kayak or ski on your days off
- Explore nearby wine regions, lakes, beaches and New Zealand's capital, Wellington, just two hours away
- 12-month contract
- Salary $109,569–$131,553 NZD (commensurate with experience)
Whether you've recently completed Foundation Training or already have several years of postgraduate experience, this role offers excellent clinical exposure, structured support, and outstanding opportunities to further develop your surgical and clinical skills.
The Role
Palmerston North Regional Hospital is the major referral hospital for the MidCentral region and provides a wide range of secondary and tertiary services, including one of New Zealand's largest trauma centres, a Regional Cancer Treatment Service, Intensive Care and Coronary Care units. Affiliated with New Zealand's medical schools, the hospital combines high-quality patient care with teaching and research, offering an engaging environment in which to develop your career.
This role provides an outstanding training environment for doctors looking to develop their skills in Otolaryngology (ENT). As a tertiary cancer centre providing a comprehensive range of general ENT surgical services, the department offers excellent exposure to both routine and complex cases, with dedicated operating time, outpatient clinics, and hands-on procedural experience. You will benefit from a structured teaching programme, including weekly educational sessions, monthly regional CPD half-days, making this an excellent opportunity to broaden your clinical and surgical experience within a collaborative and well-supported team.
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.
- 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
Head Medical is a specialist international healthcare recruitment company and has been helping doctors relocate to Australia, New Zealand and beyond since 2008. From identifying the right opportunity through to regulatory applications and relocation, we provide free guidance and support throughout the process. We also have qualified and licensed Immigration Advisers within our team who can assist with migration planning and visa applications for Australia and New Zealand. The services of our licensed Immigration Advisers are provided as an additional service, with any applicable fees discussed in advance