As a Medical Officer your main focus will be on general practice, not only treating medical conditions, but prevention of medical problems, including preventative measures such as implementing vaccination programmes and occupational health, advice and screening.

You will be taught how to handle weapons, and receive adventure and outdoor training.
 

JOB ON CAMP

Medical Officers perform a variety of duties and are called upon by respective Commanders and the Director-General Defence Medical Services through the Director Army Health Services to:
 

• Advise Commanders and the Director Army Health Services on all matters pertaining to health care including training, preventive medicine, and occupational health
• Supervise and inspect as necessary medical establishments in their area of responsibility and formally report as required
• In liaison with Headquarters Joint Force New Zealand, plan and advise on the provision of health care and Operations and in emergencies
• Facilitate liaison with other Service and non-Service health care organisations
• Provide training and educational support to the Joint Services Health School
• Coordinate and provide health care for all personnel entrusted to their care
• Organise and provide medical training programmes
   

JOB ON DEPLOYMENT

The role of the MO on deployment is varied as essentially you are the primary care physician. You will require a good understanding of general practice, sports medicine, musculoskeletal medicine, occupational health, travel medicine, and emergency trauma. Currently there is a big focus on preventative and environmental medicine as non battle casualty (NBCAS) injuries still regularly occur.

You will be expected to display leadership skills as you are responsible for leading a small medical team comprising of a nursing officer, senior medic, and various patrol medics. In recent NZ operations there has normally only been one  MO in location.  As the only 'doctor on the ground' you provide subject matter expertise to the Commanding Officer. You may be required to liaise with other Non Governmental organisations / local health authorities. You are the interface between other supporting medical organisations in the area of operations

You will hold a critical role in medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) when patients are referred of for higher medical care such as surgery,or specialist opinion in a larger base within the operational area or potentially back to NZ.
 

CAREER PROGRESSION

As a Medical Officer in the New Zealand Army, you will be able to take your existing skills to the next level. The comprehensive training you will receive as an Officer will allow you to lead teams of people, in all kinds of situations.
 

Your initial remuneration will be based on previous experience and skill level. This is negotiated on a case by case basis. As your career continues, remuneration will increase on promotion and seniority.
 

NZ Army Doctor Incentive Scheme for graduates

For Doctors who join the Army, we can reimburse your university fees. With confirmation of your fees; and with continued military service you may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $50,000.

The duration of the incentive scheme is for four years. The % fees reimbursed correlates with the number of years in service. e.g 10% pay back for one years service, 20% for two years, 30% for three years and 40% for four years.
 

• You must be at least 17 years of age.
• Meet the citizenship & security requirements to gain SV security clearance for this trade.

You are required to have recognised experience as a registered medical practitioner, to have at least two years house surgeon experience and hold a current New Zealand Practicing Certificate.

Fellowship training programme for those training towards their Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practice. The NZ Army also supports vocational training in other disciplines such as sports, occupational and emergency medicine.
 

You must be medically fit for service.