International Cardiothoracic Surgeons - New Zealand roles

Cardiothoracic Surgeons provide specialised surgical care within tertiary hospitals in New Zealand. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is seeking qualified Cardiothoracic Surgeons to deliver services that improve health outcomes for communities.

Cardiothoracic surgery roles in New Zealand

Cardiothoracic Surgeons work in tertiary hospitals and deliver services as part of multidisciplinary teams. Clinical activities may include:

• Adult cardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting and valve surgery
• Thoracic surgery, including lung and mediastinal procedures
• Emergency and complex cardiothoracic surgery as part of on-call duties
• Pre-operative assessment and post-operative inpatient care
• Participation in multidisciplinary team meetings and service planning

Depending on the role, surgeons may also contribute to teaching, supervision of trainees, service development, quality improvement initiatives, or regional referral support.

What it's like to work here

Cardiothoracic Surgeons work with other surgical specialists, anaesthetists, intensive care teams, perfusionists, nurses and allied health staff. Tertiary hospitals have operating theatres, intensive care units and diagnostic services required for cardiothoracic practice.

Employees are entitled to:

• Access to peer networks, continuing medical education and sabbatical entitlements
• Protected non-clinical time
• Flexible work options depending on the service
• Opportunities to participate in service development, teaching and quality improvement

Call New Zealand home

Health New Zealand can provide relocation support through the Health Immigration Service. Cardiothoracic Surgeons are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List, which makes them eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa and allows them to apply for residency immediately.

New Zealand offers urban, regional and rural centres, with opportunities to live and work across the country.

Salary and benefits

Base salary: NZD $185,380 – $267,980 (based on the ASMS collective agreement, depending on experience)

Additional compensation: On-call and availability allowances where applicable

Employees also receive:

• Reimbursement of Medical Council registration and Annual Practising Certificate costs
• Funded continuing medical education allowance (NZD $16,000 per year pro-rata)
• CME leave (up to 10 days per year)
• Six weeks of annual leave per year
• Twelve paid public holidays
• Long service, special leave and sabbatical entitlements
• Up to 14 weeks paid parental leave

What you need to work here

To practise as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate.

You must hold an overseas qualification comparable to Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Cardiothoracic Surgery and meet MCNZ requirements for vocational registration.

International Cardiothoracic Surgeons are granted provisional vocational registration initially and must complete a period of supervised practice (usually 6–18 months) before applying for full vocational registration.

Working for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Te Whatu Ora means “the weaving of wellness.” We are building a unified health system that delivers equitable, high-quality care across the country. Our people are at the centre of everything we do.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all people—including Māori, Pacific Peoples, ethnic communities, disabled people and the Rainbow community.

Our values are grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) and our commitment to health equity for Māori and all New Zealanders.

Ready to make a difference?

Our international recruitment team can support you through the application, registration and immigration process—and help you find the right place to work in New Zealand.

Apply now—and make a difference somewhere different.