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Whanganui District Health Board provides a very good training ground for house officers, with a broad range of clinical activity and practical experience on offer, supported by registrars and consultants.  As a house officer at Whanganui, you will be kept busy enough to gain good experience with a variety of clinical cases, but not so busy that you won't have time to enjoy the work, or indeed the fantastic leisure opportunities that our province offers.

There is a positive and friendly team atmosphere within the hospital and good collegiality amongst the doctors, with a more informal approach to consultant and junior relationships than you would find in a bigger hospital.  Our RMOs enjoy a strong sense of comradeship and our team of clinicians, with the support of our Medical Officers' Unit, will make you feel supported and welcomed during your time with us.

Resident Medical Officers' Unit

We have a very supportive Resident Medical Officers' Unit who are hands on in supporting your day to day needs and who can provide advice on a variety of topics - both work and non-work related. The team is here to support you - we want you to enjoy your time in Whanganui and for you to make the most of the clinical experience and teaching available here, as well as the social and outdoors adventures available. Key functions of the team include: 

• Recruitment of all RMO’s
• Coordinating 1st year house officer selection
• Allocating house officer runs in conjunction with RMO Head of Department
• Organising rosters
• Coordinating the orientation programme for house officers
• Coordinating recruitment for all medical staff
• Ensuring registration and annual practising certificates are current
• Supporting career planning in conjunction with consultants´ advice
• General support and information
• General advice and linkages for non-work related topics, such as accommodation, social activities, social networks, local information, organising social events, etc

PGY1 and above

We offer runs in general medicine, general surgery, orthopaedics and psychiatry for 1st year house officers, as detailed below:

• General Medicine (6 positions): House officers working in our team can expect to see a broad spectrum case mix whilst also gaining knowledge in some sub-specialty interest areas. You will gain experience and exposure to the following procedures, with the support of a registrar: urinary catheter insertions, IV Line insertion, pleural taps, lumbar punctures, chest drains, ascites taps
• General Surgery (3 Positions plus 2 Registrars): The surgical team provides a wide range of surgical interventions and enjoys a challenging and diverse range of cases. House officers are welcomed by all members of the theatre team to assist and for those with a particular interest in surgery, there is every opportunity to participate. House officers with enthusiasm and initiative will gain a good deal of practical experience during this run, whilst being supported by your registrar and the general surgeons.
• Orthopaedics (3 Positions plus 3 Registrars):  You are able to work as assistant in operations and with full supervision in outpatient clinics testing your abilities to manage inpatient and outpatient conditions. You are able and encouraged to attend the journal club, radiology reviews and registrar tutorials. You will be able to work with the registrars - two of whom are New Zealand Orthopaedic Association trainees - and you can expect a wide educational and training experience.
• Psychiatry: For those with a special interest in psychiatry, a house officer position is available following completion of a general surgery and general medicine run. This is an excellent opportunity to work within an experienced and progressive mental health service and to gain quality teaching, mentoring and clinical experience.

PGY2 and above

We offer:

• 6 months Paediatric with option of Diploma
• 6-9 months O&G with option of Diploma
• 6 months Emergency Medicine
• 1 year Basic Surgical Training
• 1 year Basic Medical Training
• Anaesthetic SHO position
• ENT position
• Orthopaedic positions
• Geriatric medicine positions
• Psychiatric House Officer Position

PGY3 and above

We offer:

• Orthopaedic Registrar position
• Surgical Registrar positions
• Psychiatric Registrar positions

Registrar positions tend to be non rotational

There are excellent facilities on site for RMOs, including our library, lecture theatre and accommodation. Whanganui Hospital also offers 3 weeks free accommodation in our doctors' residence on arrival to allow you time to find your own accommodation locally after arrival. The Medical Officers' Unit also can assist with this with many options for accommodation available. Coupled with the cheaper cost of living in Whanganui, the short commuting times and free car parking in the hospital grounds, this makes for a very attractive package.

Pay scales and expenses are per the resident Doctors Association and District Health Boards Multi Employer Agreement (MECA) with salary payments made fortnightly by automatic payment. Further general information about Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) is available.

You are responsible for applying for registration to practise in New Zealand through the Medical Council website, obtaining a work visa and having current medical indemnity cover. Medical council costs are reimbursed by the DHB. 

Click here to contact our RMO unit for further information or advice.