Note: As per updates from recent applicants, it has been noticed that most hospitals in Auckland have been refusing to grant observerships to IMGs.
Other hospitals throughout NZ, however, do accept applications. Feel free to apply!
Other hospitals throughout NZ, however, do accept applications. Feel free to apply!
- What is an Observership?
An Observership is when you are posted in specific departments at a Hospital, where you observe or watch the attendings, residents or fellows as do their daily duties.You will not have any direct patient contact and may not touch or examine any patients. In other words, you can watch but not touch.
An Externship, however, is when you have the permission to actively be involved in patient care.
The extent of involvement depends on your attending and the level of trust they have on you.
If you are not a registered doctor in NZ, you can only do an Observership!
Yes it is.
It will surely help you get acquainted to the NZ healthcare system. A lot of students do an observership before their NZREX exam and it seems to be an ongoing trend among IMGs.
Some candidates, on the other hand, claim that their observership did not help them for the exam. 1-2 weeks wouldn't hurt anyways.
1. Its free!
2. Can give you an idea of the Medical Healthcare system in NZ, which may be significantly different from the system in your home country.
3. Allows you to interact with other NZ medicos
4. You can clarify doubts and queries with NZ doctors
5. Lets you stay in NZ while you prepare for NZREX
6. Helps you build your communication skills by observing other doctors while they talk to patients
- Is It Recommended?
Yes it is.It will surely help you get acquainted to the NZ healthcare system. A lot of students do an observership before their NZREX exam and it seems to be an ongoing trend among IMGs.
Some candidates, on the other hand, claim that their observership did not help them for the exam. 1-2 weeks wouldn't hurt anyways.
- Why Do An Observership?
1. Its free!2. Can give you an idea of the Medical Healthcare system in NZ, which may be significantly different from the system in your home country.
3. Allows you to interact with other NZ medicos
4. You can clarify doubts and queries with NZ doctors
5. Lets you stay in NZ while you prepare for NZREX
6. Helps you build your communication skills by observing other doctors while they talk to patients
- Experience at North Shore Hospital
- Why Do An Observership?
1. Its free!
2. Can give you an idea of the Medical Healthcare system in NZ, which may be significantly different from the system in your home country.
2. Can give you an idea of the Medical Healthcare system in NZ, which may be significantly different from the system in your home country.
3. Allows you to interact with other NZ medicos
4. You can clarify doubts and queries with NZ doctors
5. Lets you stay in NZ while you prepare for NZREX
I have compiled a list of "most important things to do during your observerships" on this link.
I have compiled a list of "most important things to do during your observerships" on this link.
- Application Process
How do I apply?
Look for hospitals in Major cities eg. Auckland
Call/email them and ask for an observership.
You may be required to show them a copy of your NZREX acceptance letter. Some Hospitals accept only NZ grads for observerships. So its best to call and ask them if you are eligible.
A few hospitals are listed below to get you started:
1. North Shore Hospital
Phone: (09) 486 8900 or Freephone 0800 80 93 42
124 Shakespeare Road
Takapuna
Auckland City 0622
2. Waitakere Hospital
Phone: (09) 839 0000 or Freephone 0800 80 93 42
55-75 Lincoln Road
Henderson
Auckland City 0610
3. Auckland City Hospital
Phone (09) 367 0000
2 Park Road
Grafton
Auckland 1023
4. Middlemore Hospital
Hospital Road
Otahuhu
Auckland
Phone (09) 276 0000
Fax (09) 276 0156
5. Waikato Hospital
Hamilton
Phone (07) 839 8899
Fax (07) 839 8799
Email General Enquiries info@waikatodhb.health.nz
6. Tauranga Hospital
Tauranga South
Tauranga 3112
Phone (07) 579 8000
Fax (07) 578 2649
- Duration
How long should I do an observership?
1-2 weeks is recommended, however, you may apply for more depending on the amount of time you plan to stay in NZ. Also keep in mind that you may/may not be able to study while you observe. So plan accordingly.
- When to apply
It is recommended that you apply well in advance for your Observership. Candidates usually come to NZ a couple of months before their exams for observerships and hence the dates just before an exam get filled up pretty quick. Keep an eye on exam dates, plan your trip accordingly and make sure you apply as early as possible.
Check out this interactive map below.
- Hospitals in and around Auckland
Check out this interactive map below.
View Hospitals in and around Auckland in a larger map
Did you successfully secure an Observership? Let us know in the comments below!
WoW!! thanks
ReplyDeleteHey does anyone have an idea about observership in other hospitals apart from North Shore? They aren't giving out observership to imgs this year. Please let us know if you come to know about other hospitals
ReplyDeleteFrom what i have heard recently north shore hospital is not accepting IMG for observerships anymore :( too many applications after reading this post???
ReplyDeletea lot of hospitsls are not accepting IMG doctors. some only accept citizens and residents, while some only accept NZREX passed candidates!
ReplyDeleteMost hospitals in South Island are still accepting IMG doctors for observerships.
ReplyDeletetrue, most hospitals on the north island also accepting, except auckland area
DeleteHey guys. Can anybody of you brief me through the process of application for observerships. I want to email some hospitals but cant find specific email addresses of each hospital. Instead I get general info email IDs of particular DHBs. Also I would like to know what should I mention in my email.
ReplyDeleteThanks and awaiting prompt answer.
Would be a good idea to call the hospital instead of calling. Once you talk to the right person, ask for their email address.
DeleteThanks for sharing such a useful information about observerships. Really Observership help an individual to build communication skills
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing good information for many of us.
ReplyDeleteJust wondering if exam is 4months ahead, how many weeks observership would be enough. Asking maximum limit as i know u already mentioned minimum
Does Hospitals in Wellington Provide Observerships?
ReplyDelete