Neurosurgeons

Salary

Senior Medical Officers receive a base salary relative to their level of experience. This is agreed upon at the time of the job offer. There is a 15-step pay scale that SMOs continue to progress through on a yearly basis.

In New Zealand, the salaries and benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers.

Employment agreementsexternal link

Additional allowances are paid on top of base salary and vary due to location and service, and are often not specified in the collective agreement.

Allowances

There is a range of additional allowances for:

• on-call
• evening, night and weekend work
• call back
• job size
• recruitment and retention
• special contribution.

Leave

Leave entitlements include:

• 6 weeks of paid annual leave
• a minimum of 10 days of sick leave per year
• 10 days of paid continuing medical education leave (CME), plus the ability to use annual leave tacked onto the end of your CME travel
• 6 to 12 months of parental leave, depending on the length of service, including 6 weeks of fully paid parental leave
• 12 paid public holidays and time in lieu or alternative holiday if rostered on
• long service leave and sabbatical opportunities.

Additional benefits

Additional benefits include:

• an annual continuing medical education (CME) allowance of NZD $16,000 (pro-rated for part-time employees)
• membership subscriptions of medical professional bodies are reimbursed by Health NZ
• your professional indemnity insurance is covered by Health NZ
• if eligible, up to a 6% matching superannuation contribution from Health NZ as your employer
• a relocation package for international candidates.

KiwiSaver (superannuation savings scheme)

Leadership and career development opportunities

Health NZ encourages Senior Medical Officers to be involved in the design, implementation and performance of facilities and technology involved in the delivery of healthcare services to ensure an effective, efficient and safe workplace.

Specific opportunities vary by location and service; however, they can include:

• support and encouragement for research and publications
• mentorship opportunities for apprentice Junior Doctors/Registrars
• regional and national networks allowing for subspeciality research and practice.
• ongoing development and support for career growth with on-the-job coaching and a variety of in-house training programmes.

Diagnosis and treatment

Neurosurgeons diagnose and manage diseases affecting the:

• brain
• spinal cord
• peripheral nerves
• associated vascular structures.

This includes both operative and non-operative treatments for a range of neurological conditions.

Surgical procedures

Neurosurgeons perform complex surgeries such as:

• tumour resections
• spinal decompressions
• aneurysm repairs
• procedures for traumatic brain injuries.

Training through RACS equips neurosurgeons with expertise in advanced techniques, including minimally invasive and microsurgical methods.

Trauma care

Neurosurgeons manage neurological trauma, addressing life-threatening conditions such as skull fractures, intracranial hemorrhages, and spinal injuries.

Postoperative care

Neurosurgeons oversee patient recovery following surgery, monitor neurological function, manage complications, and work closely with intensive care and rehabilitation teams to ensure optimal outcomes.

Teaching and mentoring

Many neurosurgeons contribute to the training of junior doctors and surgical trainees, aligning with RACS programs. This includes supervision, mentorship, and involvement in neurosurgical education.

Research and professional development

Neurosurgeons engage in ongoing professional development through RACS continuing professional development programmes. They are encouraged to participate in clinical research, advancing neurosurgical techniques and improving patient outcomes.

Quality assurance and patient safety

Neurosurgeons adhere to the standards and guidelines established by MCNZ and RACS, ensuring all surgical procedures meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

Medical degree

Neurosurgeons must first obtain a medical degree (MBChB or equivalent) from a recognised medical school. This typically involves a 5 to 6-year undergraduate medical programme.

General medical registration

Graduates must complete a one-year internship (house officer year) and obtain general registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). International medical graduates may need to pass additional exams or assessments to gain registration.

Fellowship with RACS

Upon successful completion of all training requirements, including the Fellowship examination, doctors are awarded the Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Neurosurgery. This is required to practice independently in New Zealand.

Specialist training in neurosurgery

After gaining general medical registration, doctors must complete a total of 7 to 8 years of specialised training through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). This includes:

• a minimum of 2 years in a non-accredited training position to gain relevant experience
• 6 years of accredited training in neurosurgery under the RACS Surgical Education and Training (SET) program.

Neurosurgical trainees must pass several critical examinations and courses, including:

• Generic Surgical Science Examination (GSSE)
• clinical and operative assessments during the SET programme
• completion of the Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST) course.

Experience in neurosurgery

Relevant clinical experience is gained during training, including:

• working across diverse neurosurgical sub-specialties such as cranial, spinal, and pediatric neurosurgery
• participating in research or publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Continued professional development

Neurosurgeons are expected to engage in continuing professional development through the RACS continuing professional development programme to maintain their skills and registration.

English language proficiency

Proficiency in English is mandatory. International medical graduates may need to provide proof of English language proficiency through exams like IELTS or OET unless they have completed their primary medical qualifications in an English-speaking country.

Registration with professional bodies

In addition to registration with the MCNZ, neurosurgeons must adhere to the standards and codes of conduct established by RACS and other relevant professional bodies.

Registering to work as a Senior Medical Officer in Aotearoa New Zealand

To work as a Senior Medical Officer in Aotearoa New Zealand, you will need to obtain vocational registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).

Pathways to vocational registration

Direct pathway to vocational registration

• If you are an international medical graduate (IMG) with specialist qualifications from countries with medical systems deemed equivalent to New Zealand's (such as Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada and some European countries), you may be eligible to apply directly for vocational registration without needing first to obtain general registration.
• In this pathway, MCNZ will assess your specialist qualifications, clinical experience, and the medical system where you trained. If these are deemed equivalent, you can apply directly for vocational registration in your specialty.
• This pathway allows experienced specialists to bypass general registration and the provisional general phase, which is typically required for doctors without a recognised specialist qualification.

Provisional vocational registration pathway

• If MCNZ determines that your qualifications and experience are largely equivalent but that you need some orientation or assessment within the New Zealand healthcare system, you may be granted provisional vocational registration.
• This means you will practice in your specialty under supervision for a period, typically between 6 to 12 months, before being granted full vocational registration.
• During this provisional vocational registration period, a specialist who practises in the same area of medicine as you will supervise you.

General registration pathway

• If you do not meet the criteria for direct vocational registration, you may need to obtain general registration first if your qualifications and experience are not recognised as equivalent.
• This process to gain vocational registration includes:
  • a period of provisional general registration (with supervised practice) if necessary
  • after obtaining general registration, you can later apply for vocational registration once you have completed any further assessments or additional supervised practice required by the MCNZ.

Self-assessment

The Medical Council of New Zealand have a self-assessment tool to help you easily determine which registration pathway you should take.

Registration self assessment tool — Medical Council of New Zealandexternal link

Find out more about life in New Zealand

We have a page dedicated to providing information to candidates about our recruitment process, what you need to work in Aotearoa New Zealand and key details about moving here.

Visas and settling in New Zealand