Plastic Surgeon | Cleft Subspecialty

Shape the future of cleft and reconstructive surgery in Aotearoa – Join a passionate multidisciplinary team delivering life-changing care.

Join our dedicated Plastic Surgery team based at Christchurch Hospital, where you will combine your expertise in general plastic surgery with a special interest in Cleft Lip and Palate as part of a regionally significant service. This is a rare and rewarding opportunity to lead and contribute to the lifelong care of tamariki and rangatahi born with cleft conditions, as well as influence innovation in the broader field of reconstructive surgery.

Benefits of joining us:

• Collaborative team culture in a tertiary hospital environment
• Opportunity to contribute to the only South Island-based cleft service
• Full involvement in teaching, research, and service development
• Strong links with the University of Otago, Christchurch School of Medicine
• Living in beautiful Ōtautahi Christchurch – gateway to the mountains, beaches, and vibrant cultural life

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

As a Consultant Plastic Surgeon – Cleft Subspecialty, you will join a skilled and multidisciplinary team delivering general plastic surgery alongside a dedicated cleft lip and palate service. The role includes outpatient clinics, theatre sessions, acute call duties, cleft clinics, and liaison with the visiting craniofacial team.

Your cleft work will involve pre- and post-operative planning, operating lists, multidisciplinary clinics, and long-term patient management. You will also support the ongoing development of service delivery models, regional outreach, and training for junior doctors and students.

About the Team / Service / Location

Our Plastic Surgery department is based at Christchurch Hospital, a major tertiary referral centre. The service covers a broad spectrum of plastics including trauma, burns, breast, skin cancer, hand, and reconstructive surgery. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking team with a strong focus on equity, service excellence, and collaborative care.

Please note this is a Fixed Term role for 2 years, Full-time (1.0 FTE)

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Vocational registration in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with the Medical Council of New Zealand
• Fellowship training in Cleft Lip and Palate surgery (e.g. post-FRACS subspecialty fellowship)
• Broad clinical experience across general plastic surgery domains
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams
• A commitment to teaching, service development, and equity-focused care

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and serve our communities. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities. 

How to Apply

To apply, please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.