Resident Doctor - Emergency Medicine - Palmerston North

Head Medical; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 105,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

A medical recruitment agency is seeking enthusiastic post-foundation doctors to join an Emergency Department in Palmerston North, New Zealand. This role offers hands-on clinical experience in a modern facility serving a diverse population. The 12-month fixed-term contract includes a competitive salary of NZD $105,672 – $140,082. Enjoy a balanced lifestyle with access to outdoor adventures and local amenities.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a modern Emergency Department managing approximately 48,000 presentations annually.
• Handle a broad range of adult and pediatric cases, including trauma from regional accidents.

Job description

Overview

Thrive in Emergency Medicine while exploring New Zealand’s great outdoors!

Head Medical is seeking enthusiastic post-foundation doctors ready to take the next step in Emergency Medicine. Based in Palmerston North – a vibrant university city nestled at the foot of the Tararua Ranges – this opportunity offers the perfect blend of hands-on clinical experience and incredible lifestyle.

• Bustling city with a youthful, energetic vibe – but without the traffic or stress
• Surrounded by epic outdoor adventures – hike, bike, kayak, or ski on your days off
• Explore nearby wine regions, lakes, beaches and NZ’s capital, Wellington, just 2 hours away
• Let Head Medical guide you every step of the way – job search, medical registration, guidance and advice on your relocation

About the Role

You’ll be part of a modern Emergency Department seeing approx. 48,000 presentations per year (30% admission rate). Expect broad exposure across adult and paediatric cases, including a significant trauma workload due to regional road and farming accidents. The 380-bed hospital services a population of around 200,000 and has excellent support from ICU, theatres, radiology and a dedicated trauma team.

• 12-month fixed-term contract commencing October 2025
• Salary: $105,672 – $140,082 NZD (based on experience)

The Location

Located in the heart of the North Island, Palmerston North is a lively university city with a population of around 80,000. It offers all the amenities of city living - great cafes, cultural events, and shopping - paired with short commutes, affordable housing, and a relaxed pace of life.

Just 15 minutes away is Feilding, a picturesque, award-winning town known for its heritage charm and strong sense of community - ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle.

Highlights of the region include:

• Massey University and excellent local schools
• Outdoor lifestyle: skiing, hiking, cycling, and kayaking all nearby
• Easy weekend access to Hawke’s Bay vineyards, Rotorua lakes, and Wellington (2 hrs south)
• West Coast beaches and national parks within easy reach

The Manawatū offers the perfect blend of career opportunity and lifestyle!

Find out more about the region here: Palmerston North and the Manawatu region.

What Head Medical can do for you

Arranging a position overseas is very exciting, but we understand that it can also be daunting and time consuming. We’re the UK’s specialist in international medical recruitment and we’ve helped many Doctors relocate since we first started out in 2008. We know it’s important to balance career opportunities with lifestyle and we’ll talk through your plans and will get to know you to make sure we find the right role in the right location. Once we have secured a job for you, we’ll manage the Medical Registration and Visa application process, and support you (and your family) with the relocation itself.