Fixed-term | 3 or 6 months | Sabbatical cover | Christchurch

About the role

Christchurch Hospital is seeking a Plastic Surgeon to join our Plastic Surgery team on a fixed-term basis, providing sabbatical cover during 2027.

We are looking for a specialist who is available for either three months or six months, with the following periods available:

• 1 March 2027 – 31 May 2027
• 1 June 2027 – 31 August 2027

Applications from specialists interested in either one three-month period or the full six-month period are welcome.

This is an opportunity to join an established Plastic Surgery service within a tertiary teaching hospital and contribute to the delivery of high-quality, patient-focused specialist care across Canterbury.

About the service

The Plastic Surgery team provides specialist care to patients across the Canterbury region. As part of the team, you will work collaboratively with Plastic Surgery colleagues, medical and nursing staff, allied health professionals and other specialist services.

The role includes a combination of outpatient clinics, operating theatre activity, acute Plastic Surgery responsibilities and teaching. You will also contribute to clinical meetings, audit, continuing medical education and service-related activities.

About you

You will be a qualified and experienced Plastic Surgeon with:

• Specialist registration in Plastic Surgery, or eligibility for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• A current Annual Practising Certificate, where applicable.
• Postgraduate training in Plastic Surgery.
• Expertise across general Plastic Surgery.
• Post-Fellowship training and/or experience appropriate to working within a tertiary teaching centre, including an appropriate subspecialty interest.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• The ability to manage and prioritise a busy clinical workload.
• A commitment to patient-focused care, continuing professional development and quality improvement.

Experience in undergraduate teaching would also be desirable.

What you can expect

You will join a collegial and supportive Plastic Surgery team and have the opportunity to work within a large tertiary hospital environment in Christchurch.

The role provides exposure to a broad range of specialist Plastic Surgery work, with opportunities to contribute to teaching, clinical quality improvement and service development.

The position is up to 40 hours per week, with participation in the 1:8 on-call roster as required.

Why Christchurch?

Christchurch is a vibrant and growing city offering an excellent lifestyle, with easy access to beaches, mountains, ski fields and the great outdoors. It combines the benefits of a major urban centre with a relaxed lifestyle and is an ideal base for exploring the South Island.

Registration

To be considered for this position, you must be eligible for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand in the vocational scope of Plastic Surgery, or already hold New Zealand specialist registration.

If you are an overseas-trained specialist, we can provide information regarding the New Zealand registration process as part of your application.

Interested?

If you are a Plastic Surgeon looking for a short-term opportunity in a supportive tertiary service, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply online or contact [email protected] for further information about the position.