HomeNZREX Primary Care Pilot Program

NZREX Primary Care Pathway Pilot

An innovative alternative registration pathway designed to help overseas doctors transition smoothly into general practice careers in New Zealand.

What is the Primary Care Pathway?

The NZREX Primary Care pathway is a pilot program designed to help overseas doctors who have passed the NZREX Clinical exam to gain full registration for a career in general practice in New Zealand.

The primary care trial aims to reduce the logjam of overseas-trained doctors from “non-comparable” health systems who historically struggled to secure the two-year hospital internship required to gain full registration after passing the MCNZ exam. Under this alternative pathway, selected NZREX doctors—mostly general practice equivalents in their home countries—spend 18 months of the two-year cycle embedded directly within general practices.

Program Structure & Key Details

Core Focus

The program is primarily focused on training doctors for community-based primary care settings, incorporating an initial six-month hospital-based training component.

Timeline & Cohort

The pilot commenced in January 2023, is structured to run for two years, and features a targeted cohort of 8 to 10 candidates.

Delivery Location

The pilot is being delivered in active partnership with primary care providers and the Waikato District, which has been instrumental in managing and supporting the initiative.

Objectives & Support

1
Full Registration — The primary goal is to prepare candidates thoroughly for full registration and a lifelong career in general practice in New Zealand.
2
Rural Workforce Support — The program actively supports and strengthens the rural primary care workforce, addressing historical provincial staffing needs.
3
Relocation Funding — Health New Zealand provides relocation funding to support the international recruitment and placement of rural General Practitioners.

Eligibility & Application

  • NZREX Clinical Pass: Overseas doctors who have successfully passed the NZREX Clinical exam within the last five years are eligible to apply.
  • Selection Criteria: Specific selection criteria, cohort intakes, and comprehensive application details are published directly through official Health New Zealand channels.

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Official Health NZ Updates

Check the official Health New Zealand website for the latest updates, cohort announcements, and detailed application guidelines.

Health New Zealand