Recruiting Overseas Doctors

THINKING ABOUT RECRUITING A DOCTOR FROM OVERSEAS?

Problems recruiting permanent doctors from New Zealand?

Maybe you’re thinking about employing an overseas doctor?

Here’s what you need to know about employing your next medical team member from overseas.

As medical recruiters, we’ve had to answer many questions about the nitty-gritty of employing overseas doctors for positions in New Zealand.

SO, HERE ARE OUR ANSWERS TO THE COMMON QUESTIONS WE GET ASKED. @goodtogetherhealth

Good Together Health

+64 021 061 6923

hello@gthealth.co.nz

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A DOCTOR FROM OVERSEAS? It depends on where they're coming from and which visa and registration they're applying for.

If they're coming from a comparable health system where English is their first language, and apply for general registration, the process will be faster than if they need to pass an English exam and are applying for vocational registration.

The minimum amount of time we would recommend allowing is 10 weeks plus extra time if managed isolation is required.

You can see a list of comparable health systems here

DO I HAVE TO ARRANGE TO EMPLOY A DOCTOR FROM OVERSEAS MYSELF? Working with an agency means that you can be supported through the process. When you partner with Good Together we will: 1. RECRUIT: Advertise a position on your behalf, screen candidates, complete references, and ensure eligibility for MCNZ registration.

2. REGISTER: We'll collect all necessary paperwork from your selected candidate and make a full submission to MCNZ. 3. VISA APPLICATION: We'll support the candidate in obtaining the necessary visa for entering, and being able to work in NZ. 4. NZ BORDER: We'll support the candidate to apply for a border exemption and MIQ slot, where necessary.

hello@gthealth.co.nz

WHAT COUNTRIES CAN DOCTORS COME FROM TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND? Doctors with two years of clinical experience in a country that is considered to have a comparable health system pathway are the most straightforward, however, it's also possible for medical graduates of other countries to apply via the NZREX pathway.

You can find more information here

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO EMPLOY AN OVERSEAS DOCTOR? Costs in addition to a doctors salary include: Cost of flights Additional relocation expenses (anywhere from $0 to $10,000) 6 - 8 weeks of accommodation 6 - 8 weeks car hire Agency commission Reimbursement of APC Reimbursement of Indemnity Contribution toward CME

WHAT ARE WE RESPONSIBLE FOR? INSURANCE, REGISTRATION WITH THE MEDICAL COUNCIL? We support the Dr with their MCNZ registration and indemnity cover. The cost of their APC and indemnity is typically reimbursed by the practice.

hello@gthealth.co.nz

IF WE EMPLOY A DOCTOR FROM OVERSEAS, HOW LONG WILL THEY WORK WITH US? A foundation of Good Together is to ensure that each placement we make is a win-win between the doctor and the clinic. We believe this is the key to making long-lasting connections.

All permanent contracts typically specify a term of one year after which the contract can be extended upon mutual agreement (no additional agency fee is payable for an extended contract). All contracts will include a notice period for both parties.

To ensure win-win connections, where possible we try to arrange a locum placement before permanent placements. While this may not be suitable for overseas candidates, it's a great option for an NZ based Doctor who is interested in coming onboard full time.

IS THERE A TRIAL PERIOD TO MAKE SURE WE’VE EMPLOYED THE RIGHT PERSON? Wherever possible, we always recommend a locum placement for anywhere from 4 -12 weeks to ensure that a doctor is a right fit for your team.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE DOCTOR ISN'T A GOOD FIT? We offer a 6-month guarantee for all our doctors which means that, for whatever reason the placement doesn't work out as planned we will refund up to 75% of our fee on a pro rata basis.

WHO PAYS THEM? Permanent staff are employed by the practice and as such, are paid by the practice. If your doctor starts as a locum, we, the agency, will pay them and invoice you (the practice) before they become an employee.

hello@gthealth.co.nz

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOUR NEW OVERSEAS DOCTOR SETTLE INTO YOUR COMMUNITY. Feeling like part of the community is a great way to help your new doctor settle in. We suggest you put together an information pack and share it with them. Include details such as Local activities Local groups Best restaurants Best local cafe Near-by weekend activities Stunning locations only locals know about Maps of shops, laundromats, restaurants, cafes and garage

We're here to save you time so that you can focus on running your practice At Good Together Health, when we work with overseas doctors, we help them integrate by taking care of the little details.

We support the candidate with setting up bank accounts, getting connected on mobile, as well as sharing our research on local information like gym memberships, local walks, clubs; whatever will ensure that they will feel fulfilled both in and out of the workplace.

We'll be their first port of call for questions ranging from “which bank do you recommend” to “which is the best brand of coconut yogurt”!

hello@gthealth.co.nz

Hi, we’re Jeremy and Moana.

Finding the right GP or doctor to fit with your team reduces pressure on your current staff and free up your time.

We understand the challenges of finding the right members for your team so that you can create a harmonious and productive workplace.

By understanding the bigger picture, we constantly strive for a win/win placement so that both doctor and clinic experience a real benefit.

Let us use our networks to find the right person, so you can stop worrying about staffing, enhance your team and let you get back to running the medical practice you love.

LET’S TALK

@goodtogetherhealth

Good Together Health

+64 021 061 6923

hello@gthealth.co.nz