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For Specialist International Medical Graduates seeking vocational registration to work as an independent consultant in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In order to practice medicine in Aotearoa New Zealand as an independent consultant, vocational registration is required in the relevant scope /specialty. SIMGs must submit applications for vocational registration to the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).
There are 35 vocational scopes recognised by the MCNZ, nine of which are surgical scopes with RACS.
Once an application for Vocational Registration fulfills the MCNZ's initial criteria, advice is sought from the relevant Vocational Educational and Advisory Body (VEAB). RACS is the MCNZ’s VEAB for its nine surgical specialties:
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• General Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
• Paediatric Surgery
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Urology
• Vascular Surgery
RACS is asked to advise on the comparability of a SIMG's qualifications, training and experience to that of a New Zealand vocationally registered doctor in the same specialty, who holds the MCNZ-prescribed Aotearoa New Zealand/ Australasian post graduate qualification (i.e. for the surgical scopes above, a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons [FRACS]).
If a SIMG is overseas at the time of application
RACS is asked for Preliminary Advice based on the application documentation and referee reports. This advice will include whether:
1. the SIMG holds qualifications, training and experience assessed to be as satisfactory as that of an Aotearoa New Zealand vocationally trained medical practitioner registered in the same vocational scope of practice; or
2. the SIMG the SIMG holds qualifications, training and experience not assessed to be either equivalent to, or as satisfactory as, an Aotearoa New Zealand vocationally trained medical practitioner registered in the same vocational scope of practice; or
3. there is insufficient information and an interview is required should the applicant elect to proceed with their application
If a SIMG holds qualifications, training and experience assessed to be as satisfactory as MCNZ may approve Provisional Vocational Registration (Assessment) under RACS approved supervision. RACS is asked to interview the SIMG soon after they begin work in Aotearoa New Zealand and the process below is then followed.
If the SIMG is already in Aotearoa New Zealand
RACS is asked to interview the SIMG and provide advice to the MCNZ. These interviews enable RACS to explore in detail the information in the application documentation. There are three possible recommendations following an interview. The SIMG's qualifications, training and experience:
1. are equivalent: the SIMG will need to complete 6-12 months (full time equivalent) of satisfactory supervised practice to ensure acculturation to the Aotearoa New Zealand health system
2. are satisfactory as: the SIMG will need to complete 12-18 (full time equivalent) months of satisfactory supervised practice under assessment by a RACS-approved supervisor(s) plus other specified assessment tools such as a Vocational Practice Assessment, particular courses/examinations etc
3. are neither equivalent, nor as satisfactory as: the SIMG requires further formal training. In this case, the SIMG will need to obtain another form of medical registration in Aotearoa New Zealand and then apply for training in one of the RACS programmes in order to gain the prescribed New Zealand/ Australasian post graduate qualification. (Or complete additional training overseas and then submit another application for vocational registration in Aotearoa New Zealand.
RACS provides advice directly to the MCNZ. The MCNZ then makes the final decision with respect to granting vocational registration and informs the SIMG.
For further information about the MCNZ's application process, visit the MCNZ website. LINK: (Registration pathways | Medical Council (mcnz.org.nz))
SIMGs deemed eligible for vocational registration are required by the MCNZ to enroll in and fulfil the requirements of an MCNZ accredited recertification / CPD programme to demonstrate their continual commitment to professional standards of knowledge and performance. RACS is the accredited provider for its nine surgical scopes. SIMGs are informed of this requirement at the time the MCNZ conveys its decision regarding the outcome of their application for registration.
SIMGs who obtain vocational registration in Aotearoa New Zealand can choose to apply for Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). This is a separate application process from the MCNZ's process for registration. However, there are similar elements and some of the activities required by the MCNZ may be relevant to obtaining FRACS.
For more information refer to the following RACS policies:
• New Zealand Vocationally Registered Doctors Apply for Fellowship (PDF 123.67KB); and
• New Zealand Vocationally Registered Doctors Fellowship Assessment Panel Terms of Reference (PDF 31.31KB).
In order to practice medicine in Aotearoa New Zealand as an independent consultant, vocational registration is required in the relevant scope /specialty. SIMGs must submit applications for vocational registration to the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).
There are 35 vocational scopes recognised by the MCNZ, nine of which are surgical scopes with RACS.
Once an application for Vocational Registration fulfills the MCNZ's initial criteria, advice is sought from the relevant Vocational Educational and Advisory Body (VEAB). RACS is the MCNZ’s VEAB for its nine surgical specialties:
• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• General Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
• Paediatric Surgery
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Urology
• Vascular Surgery
RACS is asked to advise on the comparability of a SIMG's qualifications, training and experience to that of a New Zealand vocationally registered doctor in the same specialty, who holds the MCNZ-prescribed Aotearoa New Zealand/ Australasian post graduate qualification (i.e. for the surgical scopes above, a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons [FRACS]).
If a SIMG is overseas at the time of application
RACS is asked for Preliminary Advice based on the application documentation and referee reports. This advice will include whether:
1. the SIMG holds qualifications, training and experience assessed to be as satisfactory as that of an Aotearoa New Zealand vocationally trained medical practitioner registered in the same vocational scope of practice; or
2. the SIMG the SIMG holds qualifications, training and experience not assessed to be either equivalent to, or as satisfactory as, an Aotearoa New Zealand vocationally trained medical practitioner registered in the same vocational scope of practice; or
3. there is insufficient information and an interview is required should the applicant elect to proceed with their application
If a SIMG holds qualifications, training and experience assessed to be as satisfactory as MCNZ may approve Provisional Vocational Registration (Assessment) under RACS approved supervision. RACS is asked to interview the SIMG soon after they begin work in Aotearoa New Zealand and the process below is then followed.
If the SIMG is already in Aotearoa New Zealand
RACS is asked to interview the SIMG and provide advice to the MCNZ. These interviews enable RACS to explore in detail the information in the application documentation. There are three possible recommendations following an interview. The SIMG's qualifications, training and experience:
1. are equivalent: the SIMG will need to complete 6-12 months (full time equivalent) of satisfactory supervised practice to ensure acculturation to the Aotearoa New Zealand health system
2. are satisfactory as: the SIMG will need to complete 12-18 (full time equivalent) months of satisfactory supervised practice under assessment by a RACS-approved supervisor(s) plus other specified assessment tools such as a Vocational Practice Assessment, particular courses/examinations etc
3. are neither equivalent, nor as satisfactory as: the SIMG requires further formal training. In this case, the SIMG will need to obtain another form of medical registration in Aotearoa New Zealand and then apply for training in one of the RACS programmes in order to gain the prescribed New Zealand/ Australasian post graduate qualification. (Or complete additional training overseas and then submit another application for vocational registration in Aotearoa New Zealand.
RACS provides advice directly to the MCNZ. The MCNZ then makes the final decision with respect to granting vocational registration and informs the SIMG.
For further information about the MCNZ's application process, visit the MCNZ website. LINK: (Registration pathways | Medical Council (mcnz.org.nz))
SIMGs deemed eligible for vocational registration are required by the MCNZ to enroll in and fulfil the requirements of an MCNZ accredited recertification / CPD programme to demonstrate their continual commitment to professional standards of knowledge and performance. RACS is the accredited provider for its nine surgical scopes. SIMGs are informed of this requirement at the time the MCNZ conveys its decision regarding the outcome of their application for registration.
SIMGs who obtain vocational registration in Aotearoa New Zealand can choose to apply for Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). This is a separate application process from the MCNZ's process for registration. However, there are similar elements and some of the activities required by the MCNZ may be relevant to obtaining FRACS.
For more information refer to the following RACS policies:
• New Zealand Vocationally Registered Doctors Apply for Fellowship (PDF 123.67KB); and
• New Zealand Vocationally Registered Doctors Fellowship Assessment Panel Terms of Reference (PDF 31.31KB).