Along with registering more than 1500 new doctors each year and maintaining a register of over 12,000 registered doctors in NZ, the Medical Council of New Zealand also has responsibilities in the areas of standards, conduct and competence.
The New Zealand Medical Council is governed by 12 members compromising of four doctors elected by the profession, four doctors appointed by the Minister of Health, and four laypersons.
The role of the Medical Council NZ is defined by The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 and the Council’s main aim is to promote and protect public health and safety.
The New Zealand Medical Council does this by setting standards and guidelines, monitoring the training of medical students and new doctors, and reviewing doctors who are currently practicing if concerns are raised about their performance, professional conduct or health.
In the event of a concern about a doctor the Medical Council of New Zealand has strong and effective legal powers which help them maintain the expected standards, and protect the health and safety of patients.
Such powers include issuing certificates to doctors who have upheld their competence to continue practicing, require doctors to continue medical education once they start working, require doctors to receive treatment if they have an illness which affects their ability to practice, and suspend a doctor’s practice in certain circumstances if appropriate.
It is important to note that the general public is not able to make complaints about doctors directly to the Council. Such complaints are referred to the Health and Disability Commissioner to investigate and, depending on the nature of the complaint, the New Zealand Medical Council may take action to manage the doctor while investigations are being undertaken.
To practice medicine in New Zealand, registration must be gained from the New Zealand Medical Council. They are very familiar with registering overseas trained doctors so you can feel confident that they offer plenty of relevant advice for those wanting to relocate to New Zealand. Registration is flexible and allows doctors to qualify in a number of different ways.
The Council also offers a self-assessment tool to help you determine which registration pathway is right for you.
If you are intending to practice medicine in New Zealand you will need a job offer prior to registration with the New Zealand Medical Council so feel free to browse our selection of doctor jobs in New Zealand.