Senior Medical Officer- General Medicine - Thames Hospital

Discover a rewarding career in Thames – the gateway to the stunning Coromandel Peninsula.

• Permanent Full time – Rostered Position

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

Thames Hospital is seeking a motivated and versatile physician to join our dynamic medical team. Nestled in one of New Zealand’s most picturesque regions, this role offers the perfect blend of professional challenge and lifestyle balance.

You’ll become part of a close-knit team of five consultants delivering high-quality inpatient and outpatient general medical care to a community of approximately 50,000 permanent residents. Our physicians also supervise and mentor Senior House Officers and registrars from the Rural Hospital Medicine and General & Acute Care Medicine training programmes.

What We Offer

•  A supportive, collegial environment with a strong focus on teaching and collaboration
• A 1:4 to 1:5 on-call roster, structured around a three-week rotating cycle of ward responsibilities
• Protected non-clinical time and built-in “off-the-ward” weeks for annual leave, CME, and personal development
• Flexible FTE options, including the ability to work less than 1.0 FTE by adjusting your ward weeks across the year

Click here to view the position description.

About the Team/Service

Thames Hospital is a 50-bed secondary care facility providing a broad spectrum of services to the local community. These include emergency care, inpatient medical and surgical services, day surgery, infusion therapy, rehabilitation, maternity care, and low-acuity mental health support.

As a rural hospital, Thames works closely with Waikato Hospital—located approximately 90 minutes away—for subspecialty services and tertiary referrals. The hospital operates 24-hour laboratory and radiology services, including CT imaging, ensuring timely diagnostics and continuity of care.

Thames is an accredited teaching site, hosting 5th and 6th-year medical students from the University of Auckland, PGY2 House Officers, and registrars training in Rural Hospital Medicine and General and Acute Care Medicine. The team is actively engaged in clinical education, supported by a structured RMO teaching program, regular CME sessions, and a strong commitment to quality improvement.

Telehealth is increasingly integrated into clinical practice, enhancing access to specialist input for inpatient care, outpatient consultations, and acute services such as stroke thrombolysis.

About Thames

Thames is a well-established town in the Coromandel region, known for its historical significance and natural surroundings. The area reflects a mix of colonial architecture, Māori heritage, and its gold mining past. It has an active arts community and a strong local identity.

Nature is never far away. The Coromandel Ranges and Kauaeranga Valley offer immediate access to hiking trails, swimming holes, and campsites—ideal for those who find renewal in the outdoors. Thames is also the gateway to the Hauraki Rail Trail, a scenic cycling route that winds through farmland, wetlands, and coastal vistas.

With its cafés, boutique shops, and welcoming community, Thames offers a lifestyle that balances professional purpose with personal wellbeing. You can build your career here while making the most of the relaxed Coromandel way of life.

Join us - Come and join us at Thames Hospital

About You

Applications are invited from Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians or Fellows of the Division of Rural Hospital Medicine, or International Medical Specialists with equivalent qualifications, training and experience. You must be eligible for vocational registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click “Apply online” or apply via our Waikato Careers website by clicking here.

All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal. 

If you have any questions about the role, or for comprehensive information and support with the MCNZ registration and relocation process, please contact Rachel Spencer, Senior Recruitment Advisor- Rachel.Spencer@tewhatuora.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advertisement.