Observership in NZ

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!

• 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!

• 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

"Teaching at North Shore is abundant. There is a set two hours of house officer teaching (with great food provided, although it's the same every time) every week and topics will range from how to put in catheters to palliative care. Each department will also have their own weekly grand rounds, journal clubs, radiology conferences and much more. All the registrars are very willing teach as are most of the consultants."

• 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

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

7. Other Hospitals

• 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.

• 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!