Medical doctors provide health care by preventing, diagnosing, treating and curing illness, injury and disease whenever required. Doctors choose to work in one or a combination of many roles including clinical medicine (patient care in general practice, surgery, psychiatry, paediatrics, and many more), medical research, teaching and administration (in hospitals, medical schools, and government ministries).
Medicine is a challenging profession, requiring commitment to long hours, continuing study and above all adhering to the highest standards of patient care. It is also emotionally fulfilling and intellectually stimulating.
The medical degree is just the beginning of a career-long programme of continuing professional education and vocational training. We recommend you explore our Graduation and beyond pages to understand how the process of registration, internship and ongoing specialisation unfolds.
Basic information on medical career options (New Zealand Careers Service)
Graduation and beyond
Areas of vocational scope (Medical Council of New Zealand website)
Medicine infosheet (PDF)