[doctor]

Hi,
I just joined this forum. I am an Asian, currently living in U.S.A. I received ITA and currently in the process of accumulating documents. I am a U.S.A trained physician. I am curious to know if there are any health care professionals who moved to NZ and observed any differences.
thanks
Doctor

[Tor]

I've wondered the same thing. I'm going to work locums in Feb to June in NZ, probably on the N Island. I posted a similar question a month or 2 ago, and got no response. We haven't decided on emigrating, but are keeping our options open. It'll be a great trip regardless. :)

[Smiler]

Hi Doctor & Tor

Welcome to the forum.

I'm afraid I don't know the answer to your question but wanted to say hi and hope some one will be along to answer your query. :yes


Deborah

[toesonthenose]

Aloha doctor!
I also am a physician, US trained. I have not yet worked in NZ but know some Kiwi and Canadian docs who have worked in NZ. They all commented on poor pay compared with US, Canada, Oz. My friend who is a Kiwi doc could not wait to get to OZ. My friend from Canada did a 1 year locums in Greymouth and was paid NZ$85K, but did not have much overnight call duties. He also worked out in the Chatham Islands and made significantly more. Both were happy with employment, patient care duties, etc. Best part= No malpractice attorneys. It looks like licensing, etc is pretty easy for US/UK trained MD's. www.nzlocums.com is a pretty interesting site with info on locum opportunities, they pay a decent rate, set you up with housing and a car. A great way to see NZ and feel out the medical system without having to pack up and move or commit to an employer. Like the US, many rural areas have a tremendous physician shortage so there is no shortage of jobs. PM me if you have other specific questions.

[Tor]

Thanks smiler and toes! I've been working with the folks at nzlocums and things are just about wrapped up as far as getting my assignment, then NZ license, then work visa thereafter. For me, the decision to get out of my job and the US was the work style. I've carried my pager just about 24/7 for the last 10 years b/c I've been doing OB (I'm an FP), and that's how it works in my town. I'm very ready for my 3 months off (starting day after tomorrow!) and then working in NZ. The pace seems more reasonable, and what better place to re-energize?

Smiler, I think we (my OH and I) are going to be in Levin, not too far from Welly. Any info about it? It's conspicuously overlooked in most of the travel info!

[Smiler]

Hi Tor


OH and I saw a brill rental in Levin. 4 acres and 4 beds for $240 a week. We were interested enough to look it up on the map and then realised he couldn't commute that far. :D As much as I wanted him too.

I think it's mmm well, underpopulated? Probably why it's overlooked?

That's my sum total of knowledge, sorry.

I do understand about the pager 24/7 did 8 years of that, No more :clap :clap

Good luck, let me know if you fancy meeting up when you arrive. You'll have all that time on your hands, pager free.

Deborah

[Smiler]

Tor

Just a PS, you could try putting up a thread asking about Levin. I know there are some people up that way.

KR
Deborah

[Tor]

Tor

Just a PS, you could try putting up a thread asking about Levin. I know there are some people up that way.

KR
Deborah

Yeah, once I get confirmation, I'll likely do just that! Thanks for the warm welcome!

[Avalon]

Tor,

Smiler sent me over, and while I really dont know much about Levin, I can say that ive not heard too many people rave about it! Ive only ever been through there on the way to Auckland and it seems fine to me. Nearer to |Palmerston North for jobs than to Welly though. Its a good 2 hours from Levin to the city.

My understanding is that most people look down on Levin, but I do know a couple living there and they rave about it - so its just goes to show that personal prefereance is everything. My parenst looked at it as property was cheap - but that was no good to us as we needed to be closer to Welly (1.5hours was really our max).

Once you know if you are going to be there or not, I can try and find out some more info if you like, if theres no one else who help you on here.

Good luck

[Tor]

Thanks, Avalon. I'm not surprised that you say Levin is not "rave" material. It sounds very similar to where I live. Most people ask "Why do you/would you live there?" I was supposed to hear this week about the assignment in Levin, but the week is drawing to a close, and I've not heard. Hopefully next week! One thing about nzlocums, they sure don't hurry about anything! Ah, well. No worries. I'll find something. :)

[jo b]

Hey Tor

I really liked Levin but I am a real towny so horses for courses

Jo