Are you a doctor considering a new role in New Zealand? Whether you’re a GP looking for a change of pace or an international doctor seeking new horizons, the first step in your journey is completing your medical CV. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential information you should include to ensure that you present all necessary information to MCNZ (Medical Council of New Zealand) and a prospective New Zealand employer.
Personal Information
- Include your full name and contact details.
- To avoid biases, we do not recommend including a photograph on a medical CV. Furthermore, a photograph can distract from the professional content.
Personal Statement
This paragraph is a great opportunity to share information about your personal, rather than professional side. In this section of your medical CV, you can include information such as why you want to come to NZ, whether you are coming with family, what opportunities you are looking for and what your hobbies are.
Education and Qualifications:
- List ALL medical qualifications, including postgraduate qualifications and specializations.
- Include start and finish month/year, and start with the most recent qualification.
- Include name, city and country of medical school and training institutes
Clinical Experience/Employment history:
- Detail your work history, including the names, city and country of hospitals or clinics where you’ve practiced.
- Clearly state your position title e.g. “General Practitioner” or “OBGYN Registrar” and only go into detail on the role where necessary, and when this information cannot be deduced by the position.
- Include details of which medical licenses you hold, and your registration status (e.g. Full or Provisional”
Professional Memberships:
- List any medical organizations you’re a part of, both in your home country and internationally.
Continuing Education and Certifications:
- List any relevant courses and CME (continuing medical education) contributions.
Achievements and Publications:
- If you’ve published research or achieved significant milestones in your career, be sure to include them.
Additional information:
- Mention any languages you speak fluently, as New Zealand’s diverse population values cultural competence.
- While your referee details do not need to be included on your CV, ensure you have details of at least 2 referees who work in the same field of medicine as you, at an equal or higher level, and who can attest to your clinical capability. Referees will need to fill out a reference template that is provided by the MCNZ and this will need to be requested either by your recruitment agent or your employer.
- Cover letter. Some jobs require a cover letter, others do not. Speak with your recruitment agent or prospective employer for guidance.
Conclusion
Remember, when applying for medical positions in New Zealand, authenticity and clarity are key. Tailor your medical CV to the specific job you’re applying for and make sure to showcase your commitment to patient care and well-being.
If you are working with a medical recruitment agency, they should be able to format your medical CV to their standard template. If you would like a copy of an agency template to work from, email with “CV template please” in the heading.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your job search, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to support you in making your New Zealand medical dream a reality.
