About the Job

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New Job. New Lifestyle. New Zealand.

Be based in South Canterbury and explore the beauty of the South Island.

We’re seeking an experienced General Medicine Physician to join a team of six internal medicine specialists.

  • Relaxed family-friendly environment where true work-life balance is achievable
  • Permanent position, commencing 2022
  • 5-10 minute commute to the office
  • Explore the stunning lakes, mountains and beaches; some of NZ's most beautiful scenery
  • Skiing, mountain biking, hillwalking, golfing, athletics, rugby, cricket, sailing, fishing, and more...

For this role, you will join a team of six who each have an additional sub-specialty interest focus. The general medicine department are keen to further expand the range and depth of services and are keen to speak with  General Medicine physicians with interests in gastroenterology, endocrinology (diabetes), rheumatology, cardiology, haematology and geriatric medicine.  There is a 1:6 on call roster and regular time scheduled off the ward.   

The Hospital

The South Canterbury District Health Board employs more than 950 people and provides hospital and health services to more than 55,000 people in the South Canterbury region. Timaru Hospital is a 131-bed facility, with a range of inpatient, outpatient and community secondary services. The hospital provides 24 hour, seven day acute medical, surgical and maternity services, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation (AT&R) services for older persons and a number of tertiary services through visiting clinicians.

Timaru Hospital (131 beds) is small but busy, employing approximately 950 people and delivers a range of inpatient, outpatient and community services to a regional population of 55,000.  The hospital is small and by necessity most senior clinicians across the medical specialities are generalists with some subspecialty interests.

The Hospital is an ideal size in that you see a variety of cases, yet it is small enough that you will get to know the wider staff and have ample time to spend with your clients. And while there are no registrars, the medical students really enjoy spending time here and are inspired to learn.

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 name Timaru is derived from the Māori term "Te Maru", meaning "Place of shelter", which encompasses what Timaru offers those who choose to make their life here; a great place to live.

Timaru is situated on the east coast of the South Island, surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps, with the South Island Lakes (Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki, Aviemore and Benmore) just an easy drive away. Slightly further south is Lake Wanaka and the famous resort town of Queenstown (4 hours) - still handy though for a fabulous weekend getaway.

Timaru has long been viewed as a friendly, safe place to raise a family. The district has excellent primary and secondary schools. The average house price is $373,000 (Dec 2019) and there is low unemployment and a low crime rate.

As well as being surrounded by a number of picturesque towns and smaller rural settlements such as Geraldine, Twizel, Temuka, Peel Forest and Pleasant Point, Timaru is equally distant between the major university cities of Dunedin and Christchurch (which has an international airport), both cities being within an easy 2 hour drive along the main highway.

There are regular daily flights (1hr 15 mins) to NZ’s capital city of Wellington from Timaru airport too, making international connections really easy.

The South Canterbury region has a temperate, moderate climate with consistently high sunshine hours. They may have snow in winter, ideal if you love winter sports, but they also have gloriously hot summers, so you can get outside with the family and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.

Find out more about the Timaru and South Canterbury lifestyle here

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 (MRCP/FRCP and CCT), Ireland (FRCPI and 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.

Locum Tenens and Provisional Vocational registration are the two pathways to medical registration in NZ for Specialist Physicians and we can assist with your medical registration and visa, if successfully appointed.

Please note, a Doctor’s relevant qualifications must 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 you to start this process off as soon as possible if you hold qualifications from outside NZ. You may 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.

For a discussion about this role or
other opportunities contact Alasdair today.

alasdairl@headmedical.com / 0131 357 1848

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