General Practitioner - About the job (2024)

What are the chances of getting a job?

Many factors contribute to a shortage of general practitioners

Factors leading to a shortage of general practitioners include:

  • low numbers of graduates choosing general practice as their preferred speciality
  • New Zealand's growing and ageing population, which means more people visiting general practitioners
  • an ageing workforce, with 44% of general practitioners planning to retire in the next ten years
  • some general practitioners moving overseas for better pay and working conditions
  • a worldwide shortage of doctors, including general practitioners, which means that it can be hard for New Zealand to attract general practitioners from overseas to work here.

General practitioner appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled general practitioners from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 5,616 general practitioners worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Nature of general practitioner job changing

The job of general practitioner is changing because of:

  • more general practitioners working in private practices part time and pursuing a portfolio-style career (for example, a combination of general practice, special interest practice and referrals, clinical governance and teaching)
  • new models of care that connect primary care, community services and hospitals
  • an increasing need for community care, with morepeople living with long-term conditions and co-morbidities (more than one disease)
  • new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and 3-D printing, being successfully used to solvemedical problems
  • virtual consultations and online medical forums being used more.

Extra payment for graduates working in hard-to-staff locations

The Ministry of Health runs a voluntary bonding scheme, with additional payments aimed at recruiting more graduate doctors to work in locations that are hard to staff, such as rural and remote areas, and specialist areas that are hard to staff, such as general practice.

Medical practices main employers of general practitioners

Most general practitioners are employed by a medical practice on a full or part-time basis, or as a locum (a general practitioner who fills in when others are away), or are self-employed in their own practice.They may also be employed by a district health board.

Sources

  • Baddock, K, chair, New Zealand Medical Association, Careers New Zealand interview, May 2017.
  • Immigration New Zealand, 'Long Term Skill Shortage List', 27 May 2019, (www.immigration.govt.nz).
  • Kiwi Health Jobs, 'Health Workforce New Zealand - General Practice', January 2017, (www.kiwihealthjobs.com).
  • Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, 'Ownership and Employment Workforce Survey 2016' accessed May 2017, (www.mcnz.org.nz).
  • Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, 'Technology Workforce Survey 2016',accessed May 2017, (www.mcnz.org.nz).
  • Stats NZ, '2018 Census Data', 2019.
  • Tan, J, general practitioner (MBChB),Central Wellington Medical Centre, Careers New Zealand interview, May 2017.

(This information is a guide only. Find out more about the sources of our job opportunities information)

Progression and specialisations

General practitioners may progress to teach students. They may also own their own practice, often with other general practitioners.

General practitioners can further develop their skills in areas such as:

  • emergency medicine
  • sports medicine
  • obstetrics (childbirth)
  • geriatric medicine (working with the elderly)
  • paediatrics (working with children)
  • palliative care (lessening pain).
General Practitioner - About the job (2024)

FAQs

Do you have any questions about the job answer? ›

Stay away from "yes" or "no" questions, as well as queries that you could answer with a quick online search. Instead, try asking questions about the role. For example, you can ask about the day-to-day responsibilities. This is also an opportunity to get feedback on your candidacy.

How to answer why should we hire you as a doctor? ›

You can focus on your personality traits that suit the position or values of the hiring company. You may describe yourself with confidence, but it's often best to show that you're also humble. Example: 'I believe I'm empathetic, determined and calm. I've helped many patients over the years overcome illness and injury.

How to answer why do you want to work in healthcare? ›

Your response should show your dedication to the field, your willingness to learn and grow, and why the healthcare industry is exactly where you belong. Maybe you chose health care to be of service to others and make a difference in their lives. Or maybe you want to make the whole system better.

How to answer "Is there any question?"? ›

How to answer 'Do you have any questions? '
  1. Check any new information you've learned about the role. ...
  2. Ask about the organisation's culture. ...
  3. Clarify any reservations the employer may have about you. ...
  4. Ask about the next steps in the application process.
Apr 15, 2024

What is a good answer for what is your weakness? ›

Answer “what is your greatest weakness” by choosing a skill that is not essential to the job you're applying to and by stressing exactly how you're practically addressing your weakness. Some skills that you can use as weaknesses include impatience, multitasking, self-criticism, and procrastination.

How do I answer why should I hire you? ›

A: When answering, focus on your relevant skills, experience, and achievements that make you the best fit for the role.You should hire me because I am a hard worker who wants to help your company succeed. I have the skills and experience needed for the job, and I am eager to learn and grow with your team .

How to answer why do you want this job? ›

Talk about specific examples of how you can help this company achieve their goals and highlight any relevant transferrable skills that will make you stand out as the right candidate. Write down any recent achievements you can talk about or any challenges you've faced recently that might be related to this new job.

How to explain weakness in an interview? ›

Tips for answering
  1. Be honest and self-aware: Honesty is always the best policy. ...
  2. Provide examples. When discussing your weaknesses, it's essential to provide specific examples from your past experiences. ...
  3. Emphasize what you've learned. ...
  4. Show growth and improvement. ...
  5. Relate your weaknesses to the job.

How to answer why should we not hire you? ›

Tips for Giving the Best Response
  1. Focus on a Personality Trait.
  2. Be Honest.
  3. Mention a Weakness—Carefully.
  4. Don't Be Overly Negative.
  5. Don't Provide a Disqualifying Reason.
  6. Don't Skip Answering Altogether.

What is your weakness' best answer in healthcare? ›

Sample answer: “I'm a perfectionist, which affects my ability to delegate tasks and let go. While it's something that has worked to my advantage at times, I know it can be a weakness as healthcare professionals are required to multitask and prioritize tasks.

Why am I passionate about healthcare? ›

Helping people improve their quality of life is my passion. My passion for healthcare is rooted in its ability to help people lead more fulfilling lives. When an individual is mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy, they can pursue their goals and become their best selves.

What makes you unique? ›

To answer the question of what makes you unique, start by identifying your strengths and attributes that differentiate you from others. Consider your skills, experiences, and personal qualities that make you stand out. Are you particularly creative? Do you have strong problem-solving abilities?

When an interviewer asks, do you have any questions for me? ›

“Have you got any questions for us?” example questions
  • What does a typical day look like in this role?
  • What's the first priority in this role?
  • Who are the key stakeholders for this position?
  • Please will describe an example project/initiative that I'd be working on?

What questions should I ask in a job interview? ›

Questions about the position
  • What are the key responsibilities of this position?
  • How does this position fit into the company?
  • How would you describe the ideal candidate?
  • Can you describe a typical work day, or week, for this job?
  • What immediate projects or tasks would I be working on?
  • Is this a new position?

Do you have any questions why are you interested in this position? ›

“Why are you interested in this position?” example answer

I am excited about this position because it aligns perfectly with my experience and skill set. I have been following the work of [company name] for a while now and I'm impressed with their commitment to [company mission or values].

Do you have any questions at the end of an interview? ›

Do you have any hesitations about my background or skills in relation to this position? Asking this question opens the door for you to address any perceived gaps in skills and experience, especially if your academic or professional background differs from the “traditional” background for a given role.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Gov. Deandrea McKenzie

Last Updated:

Views: 6315

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Gov. Deandrea McKenzie

Birthday: 2001-01-17

Address: Suite 769 2454 Marsha Coves, Debbieton, MS 95002

Phone: +813077629322

Job: Real-Estate Executive

Hobby: Archery, Metal detecting, Kitesurfing, Genealogy, Kitesurfing, Calligraphy, Roller skating

Introduction: My name is Gov. Deandrea McKenzie, I am a spotless, clean, glamorous, sparkling, adventurous, nice, brainy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.