Korean Doctors Seek Better Opportunities in New Zealand

New Opportunities for Korean Doctors in New Zealand

Medical professionals are increasingly looking to New Zealand as a viable destination for their careers, particularly due to the country's recognition of Korean medical licenses. This development offers a unique opportunity for Korean doctors who have grown weary of the demanding work conditions in their home country.

In March, the Medical Council of New Zealand recognized the Korean and Japanese healthcare systems as comparable to its own. This decision allows Korean-trained physicians to practice medicine in New Zealand without having to retake qualification exams or complete additional training courses. The move is part of an effort to address a significant shortage of doctors in the country, with over 1,700 positions unfilled as of March last year.

A Growing Interest Among Korean Physicians

Approximately 350 Korean doctors attended seminars hosted by Seoul Migration, a private consulting firm, to learn more about practicing in New Zealand. These sessions provided insights into the registration process and highlighted the benefits of working in a more balanced environment.

Korean doctors often face intense workloads, with yearly consultations per doctor exceeding 6,100 cases—more than three times the OECD average. Junior doctors typically work around 75 hours per week, leading many to seek alternatives that offer better work-life balance.

A Korean dermatologist who attended one of the seminars noted that while most countries do not accept Korean medical licenses, New Zealand does. This rare opportunity has sparked interest among many in the medical community.

Understanding the Requirements

To qualify for practice in New Zealand, Korean doctors must meet several criteria. They need to hold diplomas from institutions listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, which includes all 40 Korean medical schools. Additionally, they must demonstrate proficiency in English, scoring at least 7.0 in each section of the IELTS academic module.

Clinical experience is another key requirement. Applicants should have at least 33 months of clinical experience, with a minimum of 20 hours per week, within the 48 months preceding their application. They also need experience in the same or a similar field of medicine they intend to practice in New Zealand.

Green List Roles and Visa Opportunities

New Zealand has designated certain specialties as "green list roles" to address staffing shortages. These include general surgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, gastroenterologists, urologists, pediatricians, and psychiatrists. Doctors whose specialties match those on the green list can apply for a residence visa immediately or after working in the country for two years.

The screening process involves submitting references from supervisors who have worked with the applicant for at least six months within the past three years. These references evaluate critical judgment skills, ethical conduct, and record-keeping behavior.

Specialists must also provide syllabuses detailing their training courses and, in some cases, surgical reports for the past five years. Local academic associations will review applications to determine if the candidate is fit to continue their career as a specialist.

A More Balanced Work Environment

For many Korean doctors, the prospect of working in New Zealand is appealing due to the more relaxed work environment. Weekly work hours in New Zealand are typically set between 40 and 50 hours, offering a stark contrast to the long hours experienced in Korea.

An anonymous doctor shared that instability in the Korean medical industry and the psychological burden of treating too many patients were significant factors in considering a move. The recent impasse between doctors and the government, following the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's increase in medical school admissions, led to widespread dissatisfaction among junior doctors.

Looking Ahead

Experts suggest that this new measure could encourage more Korean doctors to consider relocation. Prof. Jeong Hyoung-sun from Yonsei University's Graduate School of Health Sciences noted that those opposed to the admission quota hike or anxious about their future might seriously consider moving to New Zealand.

While final approval to become a New Zealand doctor is at the discretion of local health authorities, the overall sentiment among Korean doctors is positive. Many see this as an opportunity to achieve a better quality of life and potentially raise a family in a more stress-free environment.

As the number of Korean doctors exploring opportunities in New Zealand continues to grow, it is clear that this shift represents a significant change in the global medical landscape.