Category: Blog

How UK and Irish Consultants Can Register with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ)

Posted on by emma

Thinking About Working in New Zealand?

If you’re a hospital consultant trained in the UK or Ireland and you’ve dreamed about better work-life balance, stunning coastlines, and a healthcare system that genuinely values specialist training, New Zealand might already be on your radar.

The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) registration process for UK & Irish consultants is well-structured. In this blog we outline the process as a general guide- everyone’s pathway is slightly different, which is why most consultants prefer us to handle this process for them.

How to Register With the Medical Council of New Zealand

Confirm your eligibility

New Zealand recognises UK & Irish medical training very favourably and there are two pathways you can take

  • Locum Tenens (for temporary placements)

  • Vocational (specialist) registration

Secure a consultant-level role

You normally need a formal job offer before MCNZ can finalise your registration. We have Consultant jobs across NZ helping you match to the right location and position.

Get your documents verified, for your application you will need your  medical degree and postgraduate specialist qualifications, proof of UK/Irish registration & good standing, identity documents and 3 professional references. You may also need  English language evidence such as IELTS or OET.  As part of our service, we will guide you through these steps so nothing is missed or delayed.

Submit your MCNZ application

MCNZ will then:

  • Review your docs

  • Confirm your training/experience pathway

  • Issue your registration decision

Arrive in NZ & activate your practising certificate

Once in New Zealand, you’ll complete a short sign-off process before you can start practising — and then you’re officially a specialist in NZ.

New Zealand offers more than beautiful scenery — although that certainly helps. UK and Irish consultants consistently talk about the more manageable workloads, strong team culture within hospitals, and the supportive approach from specialty colleges. There is a genuine focus on work-life balance, and the lifestyle is ideal for families as well as anyone who loves the outdoors.

Our team helps UK and Irish consultants understand which MCNZ registration pathway applies, secure the right consultant role in New Zealand, prepare and verify documents correctly, submit a complete Medical Council of New Zealand application, and relocate smoothly so you can start practising without stress. Whether you’re exploring a year abroad, seeking a fresh career perspective, or planning a longer-term move, we guide you every step of the way. You can read about Dr Chris story who moved to NZ as as a radiologist here.

Get in touch for personalised guidance on the Medical Council of New Zealand registration process and specialist job opportunities.

Australia’s GP Shortage: Patient numbers

Posted on by emma

Australia’s GP Shortage: The 2025 Reality Check

Australia’s General Practitioner (GP) shortage remains a pressing issue in 2025. Despite government initiatives, migration incentives, and increased funding, the latest data from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing confirms that demand for GPs continues to outpace supply — and the gap is growing, especially outside metropolitan areas.

In 2024, there were 40,375 GPs working in primary care, marking a modest 1.7% increase since 2019. However, the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) GPs per 100,000 people actually declined from 117 in 2019 to 113 in 2024. This means that while more GPs are registered, fewer full-time hours are being worked overall.

The shortage isn’t evenly distributed. Rural and remote regions continue to face significant challenges, with fewer GPs per capita compared to urban centres.  For communities outside major cities, this translates to longer wait times, reduced continuity of care, and poorer health outcomes — issues that have persisted for decades.

Why Demand Keeps Growing?

One of the key drivers of rising demand is the increasing prevalence of chronic disease and an aging population. Between 2023 and 2048, even small percentage increases in major health conditions will result in hundreds of thousands of additional patients requiring ongoing GP care. The GP Supply and Demand Study (2024) projects a consistent undersupply of GPs through to 2048, with unmet demand rising across all states and territories

Several factors contribute to this persistent shortfall. More GPs are retiring than entering the profession, and many are choosing to work fewer hours. Workforce demographics are shifting, with overseas-trained doctors (IMGs) typically working longer hours, while a growing number of female GPs opt for more flexible schedules. Training bottlenecks also continue to limit the number of new registrars completing the pathway.

Overseas-trained doctors remain vital to maintaining access to primary care across Australia. Pathways such as the AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway, RACGP’s PEP Specialist Stream, and Distribution Priority Areas (DPAs) allow IMGs to work in shortage zones under special conditions, helping to fill critical gaps in the system.

How New GPs Can Build a Busy, Sustainable Practice

For new GPs entering the workforce — the ongoing shortage presents a unique opportunity. With strong demand almost everywhere, building a busy, sustainable practice is achievable with the right approach. Success often hinges on being available, building connections and trust.  Getting to know the local community is essential. Participating in events, collaborating with pharmacists, allied health providers, and schools can help build relationships and generate word-of-mouth referrals — still the most powerful growth tool for GPs. Offering a diverse mix of services, such as chronic disease management, mental health care, skin checks, and minor procedures, also helps attract and retain patients.

Technology plays a key role in being found. Online booking systems, telehealth options, and active profiles on platforms like Google and Healthengine make it easier for patients to discover and choose a GP.  Working as part of a well-organised team — including nurses, receptionists, and other clinicians — supports efficient, patient-centred care. Practices that prioritise continuity, accessibility, and consistent follow-ups tend to grow faster and retain patients more effectively.

For GPs considering a move to Australia, asking the right questions during interviews is crucial. Practice models and billing arrangements vary widely, and understanding patient flow,  and financial structures can make the difference between a full schedule and a slow start. It’s worth researching the practice online — checking their website, social media presence, and HotDoc listings — to see how they present themselves and how easy they are for patients to find.

During interviews, think about what you might want to ask to gauge how busy the practice is, what the average weekly billings per GP, typical session structures, and patient demographics. Find out whether the practice maintains a registered patient list or operates on open access, and ask about waiting lists or unmet demand. Clarify how sessional hours and payments are structured  and what the practice does to attract new patients.

Conclusion

Australia’s GP shortage isn’t going away anytime soon. While headcounts are rising, full-time capacity is falling, and chronic disease, population growth, and retirements continue to outpace recruitment. But for new GPs, this shortage represents opportunity. Those who combine strong clinical skills with community engagement, digital visibility, and patient-centred care will find themselves in high demand. Do your research and ask questions — it’s the best way to set yourself up for success in Australian general practice.

Further Reading

Top 10 Tips for GPs relocating to Australia

Bulk Billing Incentives in Nov 2025

References

Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing – General Practice Workforce Providing Primary Care Services in Australia, 2019–2024
GP Supply and Demand Study Compendium, August 2024 – hwd.health.gov.au

How to Gain FRACGP on the AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway

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How to Gain FRACGP on the AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway

If you’re an overseas GP considering a move to Australia, one of the biggest questions we get asked is: how do I secure long-term recognition and Fellowship status?

The good news is that the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has now confirmed that doctors on the Expedited Specialist Pathway (ESP) can apply for Fellowship of the RACGP (FRACGP).

For many overseas doctors, this is the reassurance they’ve been waiting for. It means you’ll not only be able to live and work as a GP in Australia but also secure the long-term recognition that makes your career future-proof.

What’s required for your FRACGP application?

The application itself is quite straightforward. Here’s what the RACGP says you’ll need:

  • Proof of your AHPRA registration (including confirmation that you’ve completed the ESP and that any conditions on your registration have been removed).

  • An up-to-date CV.

  • Evidence of ALS and BLS training completed within the last 12 months.

  • Verified copies of your specialist GP qualification (such as MRCGP, MICGP or FRNZCGP), along with your completion certificates and details of where you trained.

How much does it cost?

The current fee is $990 plus GST. On top of that, you’ll need to be an RACGP member, which costs $1,440 a year. Many GPs already hold membership for CPD purposes, so you may have this in place already.

Two important steps in the process

It’s not just about paperwork — there are two additional steps you’ll need to complete:

1. Attestation from an RACGP Fellow

You’ll need an RACGP Fellow who knows you professionally (for at least 6 months within the past 24 months) to confirm your good character. They don’t have to be your direct supervisor — just someone who has worked with you in a professional capacity.

2. Collegiate Discussion

This is essentially a professional chat with RACGP representatives. It’s a chance to talk through your experience of working in Australia and to demonstrate your commitment to general practice.

When the ESP was first launched, some of the doctors we were supporting were worried that it might not lead to FRACGP,  The RACGP’s announcement has put those fears to rest and for international GPs, it means you now have a clear, recognised pathway to Fellowship. It also makes the decision to move to Australia much easier, knowing your long-term career is secure.

If you are considering a move  – Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can support your journey.

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

Posted on by emma

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

Posted on by emma

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

Posted on by emma

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?

Posted on by emma

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

Posted on by emma

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