Rural Generalist- Senior Medical Officer

Rural Generalist – West Coast | Permanent Full time

Meaningful work. Unmatched lifestyle. Join a passionate and flexible Rural Generalist Team.

Ehara taku i toa takitahi engari, he toa takitini – My strength is not the strength of one, it is the strength of many.

Are you passionate about providing quality healthcare services in rural communities? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is 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

We are recruiting Rural Generalists (RGs) to work across the Coast as part of our highly skilled and supportive team. If you’re interested in Rural Generalism and want to work across a broad clinical scope, this is the opportunity for you.

You’ll provide care across a diverse range of settings – including urgent care, emergency medicine, primary care, inpatient medicine, paediatrics, orthopaedics, and obstetrics/gynaecology. You’ll be supported by in-house specialists (psychiatry, anaesthetics, general surgery, O&G) and backed by TransAlpine partnerships for tertiary support.

This is a role that offers challenge, growth, and meaningful connection – not only with your team but with the communities you serve. If you enjoy autonomy, variety, and the ability to make a real difference, you’ll thrive here.

About the Team / Service / Location

The West Coast of the South Island is rugged, isolated, and absolutely stunning. Stretching from Karamea in the north to Haast in the south, we’re the largest geographical Te Whatu Ora locality, with a population of just 32,500. Delivering healthcare in this environment can be challenging, which is why we’ve fully embraced a Rural Generalist Model – to ensure equitable, high-level care is available to all.

Our Rural Generalist Team is a flexible, multi-disciplinary group made up of DRHMNZ and RNZCGP fellows and trainees, FACEMs, and FACRRMs. We offer career development tailored to your aspirations and support those working toward dual fellowship.

Outside of work, the Coast is a natural playground – you’ll want your tramping boots, surfboard, mountain bike and kayak, because you’ll use them all!

Click here to learn more about living and working on the West Coast: https://westcoast.co.nz/live/cut-out-for-the-coast/ 

About You

You’ll be someone who is collaborative, adaptable, and committed to providing the best possible care in a rural setting. You will also have:

• Vocational registration (e.g., FDRHMNZ or FRNZCGP) or be on the pathway to dual fellowship
• Eligibility for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand
• A genuine interest in the broad scope of Rural Generalist practice
• A desire to contribute to community-focused, equity-driven healthcare
• A passion for working in smaller, close-knit rural communities 

For more information on registration requirements, visit www.mcnz.org.nz/registration

Working at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

At Health New Zealand, we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce so we can best serve the communities we work in. We welcome applications from our Māori, Pacific, disabled and rainbow communities and value what you uniquely bring.

How to Apply

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

For further information or a confidential chat, please contact:

Amy Walker – West Coast Recruitment Partner Amy.Walker@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Please note: Statement of Accountability Available on Request

We will review applications as they are received and may progress interviews prior to the closing date.

Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai!

Join us on the Coast – where medicine meets community, and lifestyle meets purpose!