Overseas Doctors

Sarah Partridge
Vocational Registration Co-ordinator
Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners

DDI: +64 4 496 5995
Tel +64 4 496 5999
Fax +64 4 496 5977
Email: sarah.partridge@rnzcgp.org.nz

Intending immigrant family doctors or general practitioners (GPs) overseas who may be considering New Zealand as an option may find it difficult to access advice or information on how to get started in New Zealand general practice.

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners has brought together in Your Guide to New Zealand General Practice the sort of information you will need. We intend it to be a living document, and it will be updated as the sector changes or regulatory requirements alter.

The College provides advocacy and support for general practice and practitioners, delivering post-graduate education, professional development and quality tools – all aimed at supporting and strengthening our members’ practice.

Your Guide to New Zealand General Practice is available free to members. Charges apply, plus post and packing, to non-members. If you would like to order the resource, please contact our Publications Co-ordinator publications@rnzcgp.org.nz

We set out in this resource first, the requirements you will need to work as a GP in New Zealand. Second, a general practice overview includes the sort of professional development a GP is expected to maintain, and what is expected in this country of the doctor/patient relationship. Third, the New Zealand health environment, with detail on how the sector is structured, including the regulatory requirements that face each GP. Finally, templates which you may use when your planning becomes more detailed. These offer questions you will need answered.

The Medical Council of New Zealand provides resources that cover important information for doctors. If you do not already have a copy, we suggest you contact the Medical Council to obtain a copy of:

• Cole’s medical practice in New Zealand
• Good medical practice