Pathway for long-term work in Aotearoa New Zealand

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    For 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. IMGs must submit applications for vocational registration to the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).

    There are 36 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 by the MCNZ to advise on the comparability of an IMG's qualifications, training and experience to that of an Aotearoa 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]).

    For further information about the MCNZ's application process, visit the MCNZ website .

     

    Key information on the Vocational Registration Pathway in Aotearoa New Zealand

    Preliminary Advice 

    If an IMG is overseas at the time of application

    RACS is asked by the MCNZ for Preliminary Advice based on the application documentation and referee reports. This advice will include whether:

    1.  the IMG 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 IMG 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 an IMG 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 IMG soon after they begin work in Aotearoa New Zealand and the process below is then followed.

    For further information about the MCNZ's process, visit the MCNZ website. 

     

    Interview Advice

    If the IMG is already in Aotearoa New Zealand

    RACS is asked by the MCNZ to interview the IMG 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 IMG's qualifications, training and experience:

    1.  are equivalent: the IMG 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 IMG 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 IMG requires further formal training. In this case, the IMG will need to obtain another form of medical registration in Aotearoa New Zealand and then apply for training in one of the RACS SET 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 considers the advice, then makes the final decision with respect to granting vocational registration and informs the IMG.

    For further information about the MCNZ's application process, visit the MCNZ website.

     

    Re-evaluation Advice

    If an IMG acquires additional documentation post-interview

    RACS is asked by the MCNZ to re-evaluate an application if an IMG submits additional information not available at the time of interview. This advice will include whether the re-evaluation application:

    1. includes additional information of material relevance that supports a change in the recommendation made by the College in Interview Advice.
    2. does not include additional information that supports a change in recommendation.

    For further information about the MCNZ's process, visit the MCNZ website.

     

    Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

    IMGs 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.  IMGs are informed of this requirement at the time the MCNZ conveys its decision regarding the outcome of their application for registration.

    For further information about the MCNZ's process, visit the MCNZ website.

     

    Vocationally Registered Doctors Applying for FRACS 

    IMGs 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
    New Zealand Vocationally Registered Doctors Fellowship Assessment Panel Terms of Reference

     

    Statistics on applications for Vocational Registration

    Comprehensive statistics regarding IMG applications for Vocational Registration and MCNZ decisions are included in the RACS Activities Reports, published annually for the year ending 31 December. Reports for the past seven years are easily accessible on the Workforce & Activities Reports page.

    The below nine-year analysis of the outcomes of IMG applications for Vocational Registration in Aotearoa New Zealand is also provided as a guide, to enable IMGs to self-assess the likelihood of their qualifications, training and experience being judged as equivalent to or as satisfactory as those of an Aotearoa New Zealand vocationally trained medical practitioner registered in the same vocational scope of practice.

    Three-year analysis of the outcomes of IMG applications for Vocational Registration

    RACS reviewed the results of all Vocational Registration applications received and processed between 2015 and 2023.

    Of the 162 requests received from the MCNZ for Preliminary Advice:

    • 51 applicants (31%) were determined as satisfactory as
    • 53 applicants (33%) were determined on paper-based assessment to hold qualification, training and experience neither equivalent to nor as satisfactory as
    • 58 applicants (36%) had provided insufficient information and an interview was required should the applicant wish to proceed with their application

    Of the 231 requests received from the MCNZ for Interview Advice:

    • 75 applicants (32%) were determined equivalent
    • 108 applicants (47%) were determined as satisfactory as
    • 48 applicants (21%) were determined to hold qualification, training and experience neither equivalent to nor as satisfactory as