Salary:

Senior Medical Officers recieve a base salary relative to their level of experience. This is agreed upon at the time of the job offer. There is a 15-step pay scale that SMOs continue to progress through on a yearly basis.

In New Zealand, the salary and benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers. The full Senior Medical Officers collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website here.

Additional allowances are paid on top of base salary and vary due to location and service and are often not specified in the collective agreement.

Allowances:

There are a range of additional allowances for:

• on-call,

• evening, night and weekend work,

• call back,

• job size,

• recruitment and retention,

• and special contribution.

Leave:

• 6 weeks of paid annual leave.

• A minimum of 10 days of sick leave per year.

• 10 days of paid Continuing Medical Education Leave (CME), plus the ability to use annual leave tacked onto the end of your CME travel.

• 6-12 months of parental leave depending on the length of service, including 6 weeks of fully paid parental leave.

• 12 paid public holidays + time in lieu/alternative holiday if rostered on.

• Long service leave + sabbatical opportunities.

Additional benefits include: 

• An annual Continuing Medical Education (CME) allowance of NZD $16,000 (pro-rated for part-time employees).

• Reimbursement of your registration and practising certificate fees.

• Your professional indemnity insurance is covered by Health NZ.

• If eligible, up to a 6% matching superannuation contribution from Health New Zealand as your employer. Find out more here.

• A relocation package for international candidates.

Leadership and career development opportunities:

Health New Zealand encourages Senior Medical Officers to be involved in the design, implementation and performance of facilities and technology involved in the delivery of healthcare services to ensure an effective, efficient and safe workplace. 

Specific opportunities vary by location and service, however, can include:  

• Support and encouragement for research and publications.
  

• Mentorship opportunities for apprentice Junior Doctors/Registrars.
  

• Regional and National networks allow for subspeciality research and practice. 
  

• Ongoing development and support for career growth with on-the-job coaching and a variety of in-house training programmes. 

The work of Pain Specialists in New Zealand may vary based on location and service, some key roles and responsibilities may include:

Comprehensive pain assessment

• Conduct thorough biopsychosocial evaluations of patients experiencing acute pain.

• Develop individualised management plans addressing the medical, psychological, and social aspects of pain.

• Work closely with patients, families, and referring agencies to ensure comprehensive care.

Interdisciplinary collaboration

• Participate in multidisciplinary teams that include physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and other medical specialists.

• Collaborate with services such as palliative care and alcohol and drug services to provide integrated care for patients with complex needs.

Clinical management

• Provide inpatient assessments for acute pain and acute-on-chronic pain cases.

• Assist in pain education programmes to equip patients with self-management tools and strategies.

Pain interventions

• Perform minimally invasive pain procedures, such as nerve blocks and other interventional techniques, depending on expertise and practice scope.

Education and mentorship

• Teach and mentor registrars, house officers, and other healthcare professionals.

• Contribute to the education of patients through group sessions and individual consultations.

Service development

• Engage in quality improvement initiatives, clinical audits, and research to advance pain management practices.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of clinical pathways to enhance patient care.

Medical Qualification:

• Hold a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) or an equivalent overseas qualification recognised by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).

Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ):

• Obtain vocational registration in pain medicine with the MCNZ.

• This typically requires:

  • Completion of a primary specialist qualification relevant to pain medicine.

  • Completion of the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM) training program, which includes:

    • A minimum of two years full-time equivalent of approved clinical experience directly related to pain medicine.

    • Regular workplace-based and in-training assessments.

    • Long case assessments.

    • Successful completion of the FPM Fellowship examination.

    • Completion of a clinical case study.

  • Award of the Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FFPMANZCA) upon successful completion of the above requirements.

Annual Practising Certificate (APC):

• Maintain a valid APC issued by the MCNZ, which must be renewed annually.

• To retain your APC, you must:

  • Provide evidence of ongoing competence in your field.

  • Participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities