Rural Generalist

Canterbury District Health Board; Reefton; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora invites Rural Generalists to the West Coast for a permanent full-time position across urgent care, emergency medicine, primary care, inpatient medicine, paediatrics, orthopaedics and obstetrics/gynaecology. You’ll be supported by in-house specialists and TransAlpine ties for tertiary care.

This role offers autonomy, diverse practice settings in a rugged, isolated region and opportunities for career development and dual fellowship pathways.

Qualifications

• Vocational registration (e.g., FDRHMNZ or FRNZCGP) or be on the pathway to dual fellowship.
• Eligibility for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• A genuine interest in the broad scope of Rural Generalist practice.
• A desire to contribute to community-focused, equity-driven healthcare.
• A passion for working in smaller, close-knit rural communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide care across urgent care, emergency medicine, primary care, inpatient medicine, paediatrics, orthopaedics, and obstetrics/gynaecology.
• Work with in-house specialists (psychiatry, anaesthetics, general surgery, O&G) and TransAlpine partnerships for tertiary support.
• Thrive in a role that offers autonomy, variety and meaningful connection with communities.

Job description

Rural Generalist – West Coast | Permanent Full time

Meaningful work. Unmatched lifestyle. Join a passionateand flexible Rural Generalist Team.

Ehara taku i toa takitahierran, he toa takitini – My strength is not the strength of one, it is the strength of many.

Are you passionate about providing quality healthcare services in rural communities? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

We are recruiting Rural Generalists (RGs) to work across the Coast as part of our highly skilled and supportive team. If you’re interested in Rural Generalism and want to work across a broad clinical scope, this is the opportunity for you.

You’ll provide care across a diverse range of settings – including urgent care, emergency medicine, primary care, inpatient medicine, paediatrics, orthopaedics, and obstetrics/gynaecology. You’ll be supported by in-house specialists (psychiatry, anaesthetics, general surgery, O&G) and backed by TransAlpine partnerships for tertiary support.

This is a role that offers challenge, growth, and meaningful connection – not only with your team but with the communities you serve. If you enjoy autonomy, variety, and the ability to make a real difference, you’ll thrive here.

About the Team / Service / Location

The West Coast of the South Island is rugged, isolated, and absolutely stunning. Stretching from Karamea in the north to Haast in the south, we’re the largest geographical Te Whatu Ora locality, with a population of just 32,500. Delivering healthcare in this environment can be challenging, which is why we’ve fully embraced a Rural Generalist Model – to ensure equitable, high-level care is available to all.

Our Rural Generalist Team is a flexible, multi-disciplinary group made up of DRHMNZ and RNZCGP fellows and trainees, FACEMs, and FACRRMs. We offer career development tailored to your aspirations and support those working toward dual fellowship.

Outside of work, the Coast is a natural playground – you’ll want your tramping boots, surfboard, mountain bike and kayak, because you’ll use them all!

About You

You’ll be someone who is collaborative, adaptable, and committed to providing the best possible care in a rural setting. You will also have:

• Vocational registration (e.g., FDRHMNZ or FRNZCGP) or be on the pathway to dual fellowship
• Eligibility for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand
• A genuine interest in the broad scope of Rural Generalist practice
• A desire to contribute to community-focused, equity-driven healthcare
• A passion for working in smaller, close-knit rural communities

Working at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

At Health New Zealand, we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce so we can best serve the communities we work in. We welcome applications from our Māori, Pacific, disabled and rainbow communities and value what you uniquely bring.