New Pathway Opens for Graduate Doctors to Train in Primary Care
Expressions of interest are now open for New Zealand-trained graduate doctors seeking hands-on experience in general practice and community-based healthcare settings across the contry.
Addressing a critical shortage of family doctors, Health Minister Simeon Brown announced a new, government-funded pathway designed to increase the number of GPs in New zealand. “Primary care is the cornerstone of our health system, and family doctors play a vital role in keeping people well and reducing pressure on emergency departments,” he stated. “Providing supervised clinical experience in primary care is key to growing our GP workforce.”
The initiative, funded with $23.3 million over four years through Budget 2025’s Primary Care tactical Action Plan,will support up to 50 graduate doctors annually. The programme prioritizes placements in primary care providers – including general practice, urgent care clinics, and rural hospitals – shifting focus away from traditional hospital-centric training.
This extended placement model aims to broaden doctors’ clinical skills, enhance their understanding of the wider healthcare system, and provide valuable experience with the unique aspects of community-based care.
“We want to give talented doctors a genuine experience of community medicine, encouraging them to consider a long-term career in primary care,” Minister Brown explained. “A strong and retained health workforce is essential for ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare, and can see a GP when they need one, no matter where they live.” This pathway represents a meaningful step towards achieving that goal.
