To become fully registered in New Zealand, overseas-trained doctors who pass the clinical exam must secure an internship in a hospital and work under supervision for two years within five years of passing the exam. However, some international medical graduates face challenges in securing these intern positions
Some doctors from India and other countries who are currently driving for Uber and working in call centers in New Zealand are advocating for increased government support to facilitate their registration as medical practitioners in the country, rnz.co.nz reported.
Although the Medical Council recently broadened its “registration pathways” for doctors from select countries, the National Party asserts that too many foreign-trained doctors are still unable to access these pathways at a time when New Zealand’s healthcare system is facing a severe shortage of specialized professionals.
The report explained Indian doctor Paneet Kaur’s situation. In 2020, Paneet Kaur had initially planned to relocate to the United Kingdom, where she had received an invitation to apply for a position as an anaesthetist. However, her plans changed when she met her future husband and decided to move to New Zealand instead. Now, three and a half years later, she finds herself working as a healthcare assistant, despite having a 12-year medical career in India, including two years as a consultant specialist, under her belt. Unfortunately, her qualifications seem to count for “almost nothing” in New Zealand.
Dr Kaur has faced numerous challenges, including taking the English language test multiple times (with each pass valid for only two years) and being affected by Covid-related exam cancellations. Out of the 26 candidates who took the clinical registration exam in March, only 16 passed, and Dr. Kaur was not among them. The cost of sitting the exam, which exceeds $5000, poses a significant financial burden.
Determined to continue pursuing her medical career, Dr. Kaur plans to retake the exam next year, alongside a friend who was a dermatologist in India but now works as a healthcare assistant in New Zealand. There are also reports of a paediatrician working for Vodafone in Christchurch who is not utilizing their medical skills to their full potential.
Dr. Kaur expressed frustration at the situation, emphasizing the untapped potential of skilled doctors within the country. She believes that the government should prioritize utilizing the skills of these professionals to address the healthcare system’s needs.
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Medical Council CEO Joan Simeon explained that the council has expanded and refreshed its registration pathways for international medical graduates. Many IMGs no longer need to take the clinical exam
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Since May, doctors who meet certain criteria, including English language requirements and prior registration in the UK, can apply directly for New Zealand registration
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There is also a separate pathway for specialist vocational registration
To become fully registered in New Zealand, overseas-trained doctors who pass the clinical exam must secure an internship in a hospital and work under supervision for two years within five years of passing the exam. However, some international medical graduates face challenges in securing these intern positions.
National Party’s health spokesperson, Dr. Shane Reti, voiced concerns about international medical graduates who have already passed the clinical exam but struggle to secure postgraduate year 1 and 2 positions, which are essential for registration. He highlighted the paradox of allowing these qualified doctors to work in jobs like Uber Eats while their skills go underutilized in the healthcare sector.
According to the Medical Council, in the past five years, only 28 doctors who passed the clinical exam failed to secure jobs and gain registration. Te Whatu Ora, a healthcare organization, has initiated pilot programs aimed at assisting overseas-trained doctors who have passed the clinical exam in finding roles in New Zealand that can lead to full registration.
Despite these initiatives, Dr. Kaur questions why New Zealand doesn’t make better use of doctors who have already made the country their home, emphasizing their commitment to the nation and their contributions to its society.
Medical Council CEO Joan Simeon explained that the council has expanded and refreshed its registration pathways for international medical graduates. Many IMGs no longer need to take the clinical exam. Since May, doctors who meet certain criteria, including English language requirements and prior registration in the UK, can apply directly for New Zealand registration. There is also a separate pathway for specialist vocational registration.
In the year ending in June, 96% of international medical graduates achieved registration without needing to sit the exam, while 61 successfully registered after passing it. Despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Medical Council has managed to conduct multiple clinical exams in recent years to accommodate aspiring doctors.
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