Author: emma

Take Your GP Career to New Zealand: How We Support Doctors From Europe and Israel

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Are you a GP considering a move to New Zealand?

New Zealand Medical Council  recognises comparable training for 29 countries currently meaning you can apply for registration under their comparable health system pathway making it easier than ever to live and work in Aotearoa.

What Is the Comparable Health System Pathway?

These 29 countries are seen as having health systems comparable to New Zealand’s, which means  eligible GPs can apply for provisional general registration without re-training.

To qualify, you generally need:

  • An acceptable medical degree

  • At least 33 months’ recent practice in a comparable health system

  • Current full or general registration in your home country

  • A job offer in New Zealand (with supervision included)

From there, you’ll work under supervision before progressing to a full general scope of practice.

How We Support You

We specialise in helping GPs from around the world secure their dream roles in New Zealand and Australia. Thanks to our close relationships with practices, we can connect you directly with opportunities that fit your career goals and lifestyle. Our team has expert knowledge of visa requirements and medical registration processes, ensuring your move is smooth and stress-free. Most importantly, we take the time to understand your personal and professional preferences—so we place you in the right job, in the right location, to match your ambitions.

Moving countries is a big step and thats where we come in.  We will provide

  • Registration support: guiding you through MCNZ applications and document verification

  • GP job matching: connecting you with clinics and practices across NZ

  • Visa & relocation assistance: helping with immigration paperwork and settling your family into life in New Zealand

Why New Zealand?

1. High Demand and Great Opportunities

New Zealand has a consistent shortage of General Practitioners, especially in regional and community-based practices. This means plenty of job security, competitive salaries, and choice of locations.

2. Work-Life Balance

GPs typically work fewer hours than in many other countries, leaving you more time for family, travel, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

3. Stunning Lifestyle

Whether you love beaches, mountains, vineyards, or vibrant cities, New Zealand has it all within easy reach. Many GPs say the lifestyle is the biggest drawcard—safe communities, friendly people, and space to breathe.

4. Smooth Registration Pathway

If you’re from a comparable health system country (like the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Luxembourg, Finland, or Israel), you can apply through the Comparable Health System pathway. This makes the process quicker and more straightforward than many other international destinations.

5. Family-Friendly Environment

New Zealand is one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world, with excellent schools and healthcare. It’s a fantastic place to raise a family.

6. Immigration Support

As a GP, you’re on New Zealand’s skill shortage list, which makes the visa process easier—and often faster—for you and your family.

New Zealand offers a strong demand for GPs, competitive salaries, and a lifestyle second to none. From vibrant cities to coastal towns, you can choose the community that fits your life.

We are supporting GPs from the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Israel, or Norway, so get in touch to chat about how we can also help you!

 

Read More

Medical Registration Process for NZ

Why you should work as a GP in New Zealand

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New Zealand offers a truly unique opportunity to balance your career with an incredible lifestyle. Here are 7 reasons you should choose to relocate

 

Fantastic Work-Life Balance

On average you will work 4 days per week, so work-life balance is fantastic. NZ cities have deputising services or clinics that provide care for patients outside of normal business hours.

Quality Time With Patients

Doctor appointments are often 15 minutes meaning better quality time with your patients.  NZ GP practices are usually private business owned by GPs the GPs working there.

Plenty of  Vacancies

There is an undersupply of GPs training in NZ so there are a lot of vacancies throughout the country, even in the major cities and top holiday spots.

Opportunity To Become Practice Owner

You will often get the opportunity to buy into the practice you are working in. NZ GP practices are usually private businesses owned by the GPs working there.

Streamlines Registration and Visa Process

The MCNZ Registration & Work Visa process can take only  3-6 months. 

Flexible Contract Options

You can work a 12 month contract through to a permanent move.

Residency Pathways

You are likely to be able to apply for permenant residency for you and your family as long as you are aged under 56.  You can apply for your visa whilst still in UK. 

 

AHPRA Specialist Expedited Pathway – Supervision Explained

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Supervision –  What to expect

If you’re a specialist international medical graduate (SIMG) coming to Australia through the Expedited Specialist Pathway (ESP), you will need to complete a period of supervised practice.

Here’s a breakdown of what supervision looks like and what you can expect along the way

Why Supervision Matters

Supervision plays an important role in supporting you during your initial months of practice in Australia. Supervision is designed to:

  • Confirm you’re ready to work safely at a specialist level in Australia.

  • Monitor your performance through structured reviews and assessments.

  • Introduce and promote a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

  • Provide constructive feedback on your strengths, areas for development, and strategies for improvement.

Good supervision should feel constructive and supportive, helping you grow your knowledge, skills, and professionalism while adjusting to a new healthcare environment.  Your Supervisor is  there to support you, monitor your progress, and provide honest reports to Ahpra. They also need to flag any concerns if patient safety could be at risk.

 Levels of Supervision

  • First three months → You’ll work under close supervision (Indirect 2). Your supervisor will review your work regularly and be available to step in if needed.

  • Next three months → If things are going well, you may move to remote supervision, where you work more independently, with your supervisor still checking in.

Some SIMGs stay at the same level the whole time — it really depends on the role and how you’re progressing.

Assessments

During your six months of supervised practice, you’ll need to complete:

  • Regular reports from your supervisor.

  • A multisource feedback assessment (feedback from colleagues and peers).

  • At least one extra assessment, like a mini-clinical evaluation (Mini-CEX), direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS), or a case-based discussion (CBD).

You’ll also complete:

  • A Board-approved orientation to the Australian healthcare system.

  • Cultural safety training.

Summary:

Supervised practice under the ESP pathway is about making sure you’re supported while you adapt to practising in a new healthcare system.

It provides structure, ongoing feedback, and a safe space to learn, while giving the Board and the public confidence in your ability to practise as a specialist in Australia.

You may also be interested in

GP Salary Australia: How Much Can You Earn in 2025?

CPD for UK GPs in Australia: A Simplified Guide

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Thinking of making the move to Australia as a GP?

One essential part of the transition is understanding how Continuing Professional Development works under the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). While the Australian system shares similarities with the UK’s, some important changes make it worth a closer look.

Annual CPD Requirements (RACGP)

CPD in Australia operates on a calendar-year basis—trienniums are out. All practising GPs (full-time or part-time) must complete:

50 hours of CPD per year, broken down into:

  • 25 hours: Performance Review & Outcome Measurement

  • 12.5 hours: Educational Activities 

  • 12.5 hours: Free choice.

Additional requirements include PDP and CPR training required every 3 years. They specify mandatory topics must include cultural safety, health equity and professionalism.

What Counts as CPD?

Similarly to the UK, CPD can include seminars and webinars, online courses, clinical education events, case-based discussions clinical audits and QIPs

How GPs Achieve Their CPD Hours

You’re probably already doing a lot that counts toward your 50 hours. Common sources include,  reading clinical updates and discussing cases with peers, attending workshops and conferences, conducting audits or peer reviews within your practice

RACGP CPD Home

Every GP must select a CPD Home—most choose RACGP.

It helps you:

  • Create and manage your Professional Development Plan

  • Track your hours via myCPD

  • Automatically log accredited activities

  • Access quality CPD resources

For GPs on the PEP Specialist Pathway

As part of your application, you must evidence 50 hours of CPD prior to lodging your application and then continue meeting the 50 hours/year requirement under RACGP’s myCPD system

For GPs on AHPRA’s Expedited Specialist Pathway

CPD evidence is not required for application if you meet the recency of practice requirements .  Once practising in Australia, all GPs must meet AHPRA’s CPD requirements, including 50 hours per year and CPD Home affiliation.

Australia’s CPD framework is structured yet flexible. With support from RACGP and the ability to count much of your everyday learning, integrating into the system is straightforward.

Sources:

  1. Medical Board of Australia – Expedited Specialist pathway medicalboard.gov.au
  2. RACGP CPD  – Frequently Asked Questions for GPs on the new CPD standard racgp.org.au

New Opportunities for IMGs: Chile, Luxembourg & Croatia Now Recognised by MCNZ

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New Countries Added to the Comparable Health Systems List – And We’re Here to Help

If you’re a doctor working in Chile, Luxembourg, or Croatia, your pathway to practising medicine in New Zealand just became more accessible.

The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) has officially added these countries to its list of comparable health systems, joining recent additions Japan and South Korea. This means your clinical experience can now count toward applying for provisional general registration through the Comparable Health System (CHS) pathway.

MCNZ now recognises 29 countries as having health systems comparable to New Zealand’s. If you’ve been practising in any of these countries and meet the eligibility criteria, you could be only a few steps away from joining New Zealand’s healthcare workforce.

How can we Help?

As a recruitment company dedicated to placing skilled IMGs in New Zealand general practice roles, we provide:

  • Access to GP roles across the country
  • Step-by-step guidance through the registration process
  • Support with primary source verification (EPIC)
  • Help coordinating supervision requirements with your future employer

Ready to Make the Move?

If you’re a doctor with recent experience in Chile, Luxembourg, Croatia — or any of the 29 approved comparable health systems — now is the time to explore your next career chapter in New Zealand. Our experienced team is ready to walk beside you from registration to relocation.

GP Salary Australia: How Much Can You Earn in 2025?

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You may be thinking about relocating to Australia and want to know more about your GP salary in Australia. Here we give you a 2025 breakdown of what your income could be.

GPs in Australia generally earn a good income and can afford a comfortable lifestyle. In the majority of cases, GPs relocating from the UK earn at least the same for doing fewer hours per week. One of our doctors has described working in Australia

‘Life in Australia – people are friendly, you see fewer patients and have longer appointment times for more pay.’

Click here to see Emma’s video testimonial about life as a GP in Australia.

Australia GP Salary 2025

Figures from a 2025 industry report, state that GPs average around $360K – $380K AUD. This figure reflects a full  time role working more than 32 hours per week.

Your GP salary in Australia will be variable dependant on a number of factors including:

  • The total hours you work
  • The number of patients you see
  • The percentage you receive
  • How many weeks annual leave you take
  • The complexity of the patient consultation

General practices in Australia operate as private businesses, either owned by a single GP, GP Partners or larger companies. The majority of practices operate as mixed billing where they see a mix of patients who are privately billed or bulk billed through Medicare.

Usually, patients who are under 16, over 65 and hold health cards are bulk billed and everyone else is private billed. The standard consultation fee for the practice will remain the same when the patient is bulk billed and may vary between practices when privately billed. Recent Medicare statistics report that in the year 2022 – 2023, 51.7% of patients are routinely bulk billed, 25.6% usually bulk billed, 12.2% sometimes bulk billed and 10.5% never bulk billed.

How much will I earn as a GP in Australia?

As we’ve discussed, the average income reported is around $360K per year. This figure will be dependent on the above factors and may be more or less dependent on the way you work. Some of our practices have GPs there earning more than $500K per year and some earning $300K to work a 3 day week. It’s up to you!

Please do get in touch with one of our team to find out more about your move to Australia.

Further Reading

Australia’s Game- Changing Reforms to Bulk Billing

GP Salary Calculator

A Radiologist’s Journey: From Derbyshire to the Bay of Plenty

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Let me take you through a day in my life and share why this move has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

What happens when a seasoned UK Radiologist trades the overcast skies of Derbyshire for sunlit mornings on New Zealand’s North Island? In this blog, Dr. Christopher Squirrell shares his journey from life as a UK Radiologist to a fulfilling role in New Zealand.

With a mix of professional insight, personal reflection, and practical advice, this  is a must-read for medical professionals contemplating a career abroad—and a different kind of life altogether.

A Different Kind of Start to the Day

It’s 7:45 am and I’m walking through the hospital’s front doors, long black coffee in hand, after a breezy, stress-free commute. Even in the winter months, the weather is mild and uplifting. The mornings are peaceful—no relentless traffic, no grey drizzle. Just space to breathe, think, and begin the day with positivity.
The Radiology Department’s reception team greets me warmly, and I head to the Consultant (SMO) reporting hub, ready to log on by 8:00 am. Here in New Zealand, a typical full-time role consists of four ten-hour days. That extra day off each week? A complete game-changer for work-life balance.

Collaboration at Its Best

As a Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist, my weeks include a blend of reporting sessions and interventional lists. What’s unique here is the level of collaboration and supervision. Most acute CTs in public hospitals are first reported by Registrars and then reviewed by a supervising SMO. Likewise, sonographer and Registrar ultrasounds require SMO sign-off, creating a structure that fosters mentorship and strong team bonds—something I feel is often lacking in the UK.
This model promotes a genuine sense of camaraderie between junior and senior clinicians and builds a more connected, collaborative workplace. It’s not only more satisfying professionally, but it also enhances the standard of care.

Broad Practice, High Standards

One of the more surprising (and rewarding) aspects of working in New Zealand is the breadth of practice expected of Radiologists. Generalism is valued here, which has made the transition smoother for me. That doesn’t mean compromising on quality—quite the opposite. The diagnostic “Reads” (as they call them here) are of an exceptionally high standard. I’ve been consistently impressed by my colleagues’ diagnostic acumen and professionalism.
Interventional Radiology is similarly strong. The team—from fellow IR specialists to nurses and MITs (Medical Imaging Technologists)—work with skill, enthusiasm, and unity. It’s energising to be part of such a capable and motivated group.

The Human Side of the Move

Relocating your life and career is no small undertaking. I’d be lying if I said there weren’t moments of doubt or overwhelm. Leaving behind familiar systems, networks, and routines isn’t easy. But from day one, I had exceptional support from Transition Medical  – particularly Emma and Kirsty—who were by my side through every step.
They helped me secure the job, liaised with the hospital and the Medical Council, and connected me with immigration advisor Nicola Crome from Relocate Down Under  who navigated the visa and relocation logistics. Their guidance made a complex process feel manageable—and at times, even effortless.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Now, five months into my life and work in New Zealand, I look back with pride and gratitude. It’s not just a professional move—it’s a life shift. The sense of renewal, balance, and purpose I feel is hard to quantify. Yes, there were challenges, but the reward has far exceeded the risk.

If you’re a Radiologist seeking not just a new job, but a new chapter—one with adventure, support, professional growth, and a lifestyle others only dream of—then I can wholeheartedly recommend New Zealand.
Make the leap. Your future self will thank you.

Current Radiology Jobs available in NZ

Consultant Radiologist – Wellington

Radiologist – General – Hamilton

Top 10 Tips for GPs relocating to Australia

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Top 10 Tips for GPs relocating to Australia

Here at Transition Medical we get asked many questions from GPs new to their Australia job search. As one of the leading UK GP recruitment agencies we have compiled a brief checklist of things you’ll need to have (and think about)!

  1. Primary Medical Degree from a recognised university – MBBS, MB ChB, MD, MB BCh, BM etc
  1. Language Skills – All overseas trained GPs are required to demonstrate their English competency. This can be proven if English is your primary language, you completed your schooling from a recognised English-speaking country (UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa or USA) and your medical qualifications were completed in English. Without this you will need to have successfully completed PLAB or IELTS.
  1. Medical Registration – Full, current and unconditional registration from your current authority (i.e. GMC) and unconditional registration from any previous registering authority. You will need a Certificate of Good Standing from each authority over the last 10 years.
  1. GP Qualification – There are two pathways to gain specialist registration as a GP in Australia. UK and Irish trained GPs can apply via the AHPRA Expedited pathway. The RACGP PEP program is also available and leads to Fellowship and specialist registration.  If you hold another qualification please do get in touch to discuss your skills and experience.
  1. A Job Offer – To work as a doctor in Australia you need to secure medical registration and a suitable employment visa. The first step of this process is to speak to one of our medical recruitment specialists to find you a great GP job in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne or elsewhere. The demand for skilled workers in Australia is very high and we currently have plenty of GP jobs available across Australia.
  1. Location – Australia is a large country with a diverse range of culture and climate. It can be daunting when you start your job search so it is important to take some time doing your research and working out the best spot for you and your family. Emma has lived and travelled extensively around Australia and can help guide you in the right direction.
  1. Timescales – The medical recruitment process can take some time to navigate through the various stages. You would be wise to allow adequate time for the Australian registration and visa process, we recommend getting in touch approximately 9 – 12 months prior to you arriving to move through all the key stages.
  1. Age doesn’t matter – Medical practices are looking for good all-round GPs, so whether you are newly qualified, mid-way through your career or reaching retirement there will be a GP vacancy available for you.
  1. Relocation costs – Moving overseas can be a fairly expensive process; you must factor in the cost of your registration and visa application plus flights, shipping and getting yourself established. Many practices will help towards some of these costs however we would recommend that you have some money set aside to comfortably make the move.
  1. Finally – When considering working as a doctor in Australia, it may seem a daunting process and you’ll be weighing up the pros and cons of relocating. Many GPs have already made the move and find the working conditions, increased income potential and, of course, lifestyle to be far superior than the UK. Discover what our GPs have to say and why we’re one of the Best Doctor Recruitment Agencies

Further Reading

Find out What life is like for a GP in Australia

What do GPs earn in Australia?

How to find a great Job

Please do get in touch with one of our medical recruitment specialists if you wish to discuss your GP job search further.

Australia’s Game-Changing Reforms to Bulk Billing

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What GPs Stand to Gain from November 2025

Starting 1st November 2025, the Australian Government will implement the most significant changes to bulk billing in decades. With a $7.9 billion investment, all Medicare-eligible patients will become eligible for bulk billing incentives, and practices that bulk bill every patient will receive an additional 12.5% incentive through the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program.

What does this mean for GPs?

Every Patient Brings an Incentive

From 1 November 2025, every single Medicare-eligible patient you bulk bill—regardless of age or concession status—will attract a bulk billing incentive.

More Revenue for Every Dollar Earned

Practices that choose to fully bulk bill will receive a 12.5% incentive on all eligible MBS services, shared between GPs and practices. That’s a direct financial boost on top of the Medicare benefit.

Significant Increase in Standard Payments

The Medicare payment for a standard GP consultation at a bulk billing practice will rise from $42.85 to $69.56—nearly 63% more than today.

Practice Growth & Sustainability

With higher Medicare payments and new incentives, practices can:

  • Hire more staff

  • Upgrade facilities

  • Expand services

  • Adopt better systems and technology

Stronger Support for Regional GPs

Bulk billing incentives will remain location-weighted, providing even higher incentives in rural and remote areas, up to 190% of metro rates under the Modified Monash Model.

Summary

This reform marks a major turning point for general practice – higher revenue, fairer compensation for GPs, and a stronger, more sustainable future for general practice.

Bulk billing has always been about providing care without financial barriers—but for many GPs, it’s meant lower earnings. That’s about to change.

💼 Earn More. Grow Faster. Provide Better Care.

With increased government funding, bulk billing is not only sustainable—it’s profitable.

We’re currently recruiting GPs for high-quality bulk billing practices!

GP Job Brisbane- High Earning Potential

GP Job Melbourne – 30 Minutes from City

Explore more GP Jobs here:

📧 Email:info@transitionmedical.com
📞 Call: +44 (0) 7983 685 945

Medical Registration Process for NZ

Posted on by emma

How to Register with the Medical Council of New Zealand

If you’re looking to work as a doctor in New Zealand, the first essential step is to become registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). With over 20,000 doctors currently practising in the country—and around 9,000 of them coming from overseas—New Zealand is a popular destination for internationally trained medical professionals.

While the registration process is generally straightforward, it does involve a few nuances that overseas doctors should be aware of. That’s where we come in. Our team can guide you through each step, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Registration Pathways for Overseas Doctors

The MCNZ uses different registration pathways to assess overseas applications. The route you take will depend on your qualifications, experience, and intentions for working in New Zealand.

Each pathway falls under a specific scope of practice. Understanding which one applies to you is key—and we’re here to help you figure that out.

Key Scopes of Practice:

  • General Scope
    Typically for doctors in non-specialist roles such as Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) or those in vocational training programs.

  • Vocational Scope
    This is for fully trained specialists and allows you to practise independently in your specialty in New Zealand.

  • Special Purpose Scope
    Designed for doctors intending to work in New Zealand temporarily—for example, to gain further training, participate in research, or provide assistance during emergencies.

Regardless of your chosen pathway, you must meet the MCNZ’s fitness for registration requirements, which include demonstrating proficiency in English. For most non-specialist pathways, you’ll also need a confirmed job offer in New Zealand before applying for registration and receiving your practising certificate.

MCNZ typically processes registration applications within 20 working days.

How We Can Help

If you’re thinking about relocating to New Zealand to advance your medical career, we’re here to support you at every stage of the journey.

Our services include:

  • Assessing your eligibility and guiding you through the registration process

  • Securing job opportunities tailored to your preferences

  • Preparing your CV and submitting it to potential employers

  • Managing reference checks and providing details about your prospective practice

  • Supporting you with interview preparation and contract negotiations

  • Assisting with your work visa or permit application

To hear directly from a doctor we’ve helped, check out this video from Dr. Chamal or browse our  Client Testimonials

Read More

Fast-Track GP Specialist Pathway – NZ

The Growing Demand for GPs and Radiologists in NZ