Oncologists

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.

To practise as a Medical Oncologist in New Zealand, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Professional Registration: Hold (or be eligible for) Vocational Registration in Medical Oncology with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). International candidates typically begin on a 'Provisional Vocational' pathway.

2. Specialist Fellowship: Hold the Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Practitioners (FRACP) in Medical Oncology or an equivalent international postgraduate qualification.

3. Annual Practising Certificate (APC): You must hold a current APC to practice. This is issued upon registration and maintained through ongoing professional development (CPD).

We are seeking expertise across solid malignancies, with particular interest in:

• GI & Thoracic: Colorectal, Upper GI, NET, Lung.
• Skin & Head/Neck: Melanoma, Cutaneous, Thyroid.
• Gynae & Breast: Comprehensive women's oncology.
• Specialised: GU, CNS, and Sarcoma.

Medical Oncologists in Aotearoa New Zealand are critical in diagnosing, treating, and managing cancer patients using medicinal therapies.

Primary responsibilities include:

Providing clinical care

• Assess patients and develop individualised treatment plans — such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
• Oversee treatment administration.
• Monitor progress and adjust therapies as needed.
• Completing post-treatment follow-up and long-term care are also essential.

Palliative care

• Help manage cancer symptoms and provide end-of-life care, focusing on patient comfort.

Working collaboratively

• Work across multidisciplinary teams, such as surgeons and radiologists, to ensure comprehensive care.
• Communicate treatment options and offer emotional support to patients and families.

Participating in research and education

• Participate in clinical trials, contribute to medical oncology research and educate junior doctors and students, staying updated on advancements in cancer treatments.

Leadership and administration tasks

• Medical Oncologists need to maintain thorough patient records and may take on leadership roles within hospital units, contributing to policy and service improvements.

Advocacy and outreach

• Medical Oncologists may engage in public education about cancer prevention and advocate for patient access to innovative treatments.

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.

To practise as a Radiation Oncologist in New Zealand, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Professional Registration: Hold (or be eligible for) Vocational Registration in Medical Oncology with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). International candidates typically begin on a 'Provisional Vocational' pathway.

2. Specialist Fellowship: Hold the FRANZCR (Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists) in Radiation Oncology or an equivalent international postgraduate qualification.

3. Annual Practising Certificate (APC): You must hold a current APC to practice. This is issued upon registration and maintained through ongoing professional development (CPD).

Radiation Oncologists in New Zealand play a pivotal role in diagnosing, treating, and managing cancer patients through the application of advanced radiation therapies.

Primary responsibilities include:

Providing clinical care

• Assessing patients and developing individualised radiation treatment plans, incorporating techniques such as external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, or stereotactic treatments.
• Supervising the planning and precise delivery of radiotherapy in collaboration with clinical physicists and therapeutic radiographers.
• Monitoring patients' progress throughout treatment, adjusting plans as required to optimise outcomes while minimising side effects.
• Conducting post-treatment follow-ups and contributing to long-term survivorship care plans.

Palliative care

• Designing and delivering palliative radiotherapy to alleviate cancer symptoms, improve quality of life, and provide end-of-life support when necessary.

Working collaboratively

• Operating within multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic and coordinated care.
• Communicating complex treatment options clearly, and addressing patient and family concerns with empathy and support.

Participating in research and education

• Engaging in clinical trials and research projects to advance radiotherapy techniques and outcomes.
• Mentoring junior doctors, trainees, and medical students, fostering the development of future oncology specialists.
• Staying abreast of emerging technologies and best practices in cancer care through continuous professional development.

Leadership and administrative tasks

• Maintaining comprehensive and accurate patient records to ensure continuity of care.
• Contributing to departmental management, service development, and hospital policy improvements.
• Taking on leadership roles within oncology services as required, guiding clinical practice standards and team operations.

Advocacy and outreach

• Promoting awareness of cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and the benefits of radiotherapy through public education initiatives.
• Advocating for equitable access to advanced cancer treatments and patient support services across New Zealand.

1. The Australasian Specialist Route (VOC1 & VOC2)

Best for: Doctors who hold a Fellowship from an Australasian College (e.g., FRACP, FRACS, RANZCP, RANZCOG).

VOC1: If you already hold NZ General registration.

VOC2: If you do not yet hold NZ General registration.

Eligibility: You must hold an approved Australasian postgraduate qualification.

Application process: Apply via the myMCNZ portal. Because your qualification is already recognised as "local," there is no "equivalence assessment" needed.

Supervision requirements: None for VOC1. For VOC2, a brief orientation or oversight period may be required if you haven't practised in NZ before, but it is typically minimal compared to other IMGs.

Benefits: You are registered as a specialist within 10–20 working days. You are eligible for the highest pay scales immediately.

Outcome: Full Vocational Registration.

2. The Australian General Registrant Route

Best for: Doctors who hold General Registration with AHPRA in Australia but do not have a specialist Fellowship.

Eligibility: Must hold full (non-provisional) General Registration with the Medical Board of Australia (Ahpra).

Application process: This is a streamlined pathway under the "Australian General Registrant" category. MCNZ typically processes these in 20 working days.

Supervision requirements: Typically 6 months of supervised practice in New Zealand to ensure familiarisation with the local health system and cultural safety (Te Tiriti o Waitangi).

Benefits: Bypasses the need for clinical exams (NZREX) or the more complex "Comparable Health System" paperwork.
Outcome: Full General Registration in New Zealand.

This is the most common route for doctors who hold a primary medical degree from the UK or Ireland and have completed their internship there.

1. The Fast-Track Specialist Route (VOC4 Pathway)

Eligibility: Must hold an approved specialist qualification (CCT/CCST) and have at least 24 months of clinical experience in that specialty within the last 5 years (including 12 months in the last 18).

Application process: Apply online via the myMCNZ portal with a job offer in hand. MCNZ typically processes these in 20 working days.

Supervision requirements: You will work under a Provisional Vocational scope. Supervision usually involves an orientation to the NZ system and 6–12 months of peer oversight.

Benefits: Rapid recognition of your consultant status; eligibility for senior medical officer (SMO) pay scales from day one.

Outcome: Full Vocational Registration as a specialist.

2. The 6-Month General Route (Competent Authority Pathway)

Eligibility: UK/Irish primary degree and completion of a recognised internship (Foundation Year 1 or equivalent).

Application process: Online application via myMCNZ. Requires EPIC verification of your degree and internship.

Supervision requirements: 6 months of full-time equivalent (FTE) supervised practice with two satisfactory reports.

Benefits: The fastest way to gain general registration; lower initial fees and reduced administrative burden compared to specialist pathways.

Outcome: Full General Registration (unlimited scope).

This is the standardised pathway for doctors from 29 recognised countries:

Europe: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and The Netherlands

Americas: Canada, Chile and the United States of America.

Asia: Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, South Korea and Singapore.

1. The 12-Month General Route

Eligibility: Must have worked in a recognised comparable health system for at least 33 out of the last 48 months prior to applying.

Application process: Secure a job offer from Health New Zealand first. We can then support you with the application process.

Supervision requirements: 12 months of FTE supervised practice. You must submit three satisfactory supervision reports during this period.

Benefits: Provides a structured entry into the NZ health system for those without UK/Irish specific credentials.

Outcome: Full General Registration upon completion.

2. Standard Vocational Assessment (VOC3 Pathway)

Eligibility: For specialists whose qualifications are not on the "Fast-Track" list but are from comparable systems.

Application process: Your training and experience are assessed by the relevant NZ Specialist College. This is a detailed review that can take 3–4 months.

Supervision requirements: Usually 12 to 18 months of practice under a Provisional Vocational scope with regular college-specific reports.

Benefits: Allows for eventual full specialist recognition for those with high-level international training.

Outcome: Full Vocational Registration in your specialty.

If you did not train in a recognised comparable system, your path depends on whether you have a postgraduate specialist qualification that can be assessed for equivalency.

1. The Specialist Assessment Route (VOC3)

Best for: Experienced specialists from any country (e.g., India, Pakistan, Egypt, Philippines, Brazil) who hold a postgraduate qualification.

Eligibility: You must hold a primary medical degree from a school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and a postgraduate specialist qualification awarded after a formal training program.

Application process: This is a "paper-based" assessment. Your entire training history, exams, and logbooks are sent to the relevant New Zealand Specialist College (e.g., RACP for physicians) to determine if your training is "equivalent to" or "as satisfactory as" the New Zealand standard.

Supervision Requirements: If approved, you are granted Provisional Vocational registration. You must complete 12 to 18 months of supervised practice and may need to pass a Vocational Practice Assessment (VPA)—a one-day workplace clinical assessment.

Benefits: This allows you to avoid retraining from scratch and recognises your senior status.

Outcome: Full Vocational Registration as a specialist.

2. The NZREX Clinical Examination Route

Best for: Doctors without a recognised specialist qualification or those not eligible for any other pathway.

Eligibility: You must first pass a prerequisite exam (such as PLAB 1, AMC MCQ, USMLE Step 1 & 2, or MCCQE Part I) within the last five years and meet English language requirements (OET/IELTS).

Application process: You must sit and pass the NZREX Clinical, a high-stakes OSCE-style exam held in New Zealand. After passing, you must secure a PGY1 (intern) or PGY2 position.

Supervision requirements: You will work in a Provisional General scope for 12 months, typically at the intern/resident level, regardless of your previous seniority.

Benefits: This provides a "fresh start" and a guaranteed path to General registration for those who do not fit into the streamlined "comparable" categories.

Outcome: Full General Registration after 12 months of successful hospital-based practice.