RMO | General Surgery

Role: Resident Medical Officer (RMO) – General Surgery
Location: Te Nikau Hospital, Greymouth, West Coast | Employment type: Permanent Full-time (rostered duties)

A unique opportunity to build broad general surgical experience while working in one of Aotearoa’s most stunning and close‑knit regions.

This is an excellent role for an RMO seeking hands-on exposure across general surgery, acute presentations, peri-operative care, and rural medicine, supported by an experienced and collegial senior medical team.

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 Resident Medical Officer primarily covering General Surgery at Grey Base Hospital, you will be involved in the assessment, treatment, and ongoing management of surgical patients across inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, theatre, and acute care settings. This role provides wide-ranging clinical exposure, autonomy appropriate to your level, and strong senior support.

You will work closely with General Surgeons, Anaesthetists, Nursing staff, and allied health professionals to deliver safe, high-quality care to a diverse patient population. Due to the rural setting, RMOs gain valuable experience in managing undifferentiated presentations, developing strong clinical judgement, and contributing meaningfully to continuity of care.

About the Team / Service / Location

Te Nikau Hospital is the main acute hospital for the West Coast, delivering secondary-level services to a geographically diverse population across the region. The General Surgery service is small, supportive, and highly collaborative, offering RMOs excellent access to senior clinicians, theatre exposure, and hands-on procedural learning opportunities.

The SMO team will support you to develop your clinical skills and provide a positive learning environment.  Senior support is available through daily ward rounds and case discussion.  There is also weekly RMO teaching and radiology sessions, along with quarterly M&M.

Living and working on the West Coast offers an unmatched lifestyle: From rainforests and beaches to mountains and adventure with affordable living, minimal commute times, and a strong sense of community.

About You

As a Resident Medical Officer, you will bring:

• Registration (or eligibility for registration) with the Medical Council of New Zealand
• At least PGY2 experience, with an interest in General Surgery or rural hospital medicine
• Sound clinical assessment and decision-making skills
• The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• A flexible, resilient, and patient-centred approach to care

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. 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.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact:

Barbara Cook barbara.cook@wcdhb.health.nz or Amy Walker Amy.Walker@tewhatuora.govt.nz

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

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.