Hey @sublimation:
Let me start by saying that NZ is probably the most amazing place to work if you can make it through the system. It involves long waiting periods (months to years) before you get considered and you'll be competing against IMGs who are NZ citizens, who also wait for months to years to get in!
Having said that, it could be a good backup option if you're trying to get into USA but want to broaden your options - at least that's what i did and somehow got through.
The usual process is USMLE Steps 1 and 2CS (scores and number of attempts dont matter!!)
IELTS/OET English exams
NZ registration exam (NZREX) - similar to Step 2 CS but easier in my opinion.
Keep applying to individual hospitals for an RMO job.
(usually a very long wait before you get an offer)
secure an RMO job and work for at least 2 years. You get paid well when you work as an RMO.
apply for a residency program - they are competitive, but you can definitely get into specialties that you wouldn't even dream of getting into in the US.
Work hours as RMOs are pretty good with the usual being well under 60 hrs per week.
plenty of opportunities to work/earn extras.
30 days annual leave and 30 days sick leave.
get reimbursed to go to courses/workshops/conferences in Aus/NZ.
Your questions:
-with ecfmg certification and step3 done -> answered above
-could we get residency training OR it will be direct Job as doctor -> RMO job first, followed by residency training.
-Is there any age limit -> no
-Any additional related information.?? -> as above
any useful website to look at.?? nxrexinfo.blogspot.com or join the USMLE Forum NZREX page, I am the admin
read through the mcnz.org.nz website.
To add to this:
If you wonder why it is so hard - NZ is a small country with very limited hospitals. When NZ med students graduate each year, they take up pretty much all the available spots. There are usually no positions leftover. So IMGs have to sit around waiting for someone to leave/move up the ranks/get pregnant/leave the country/etc.
I waited 2 years to get a job in NZ after all exams.
Hope this helps you make a choice and for others looking for similar info.
If you have further questions, join the USMLE Forum NZREX group as i don't log in here very frequently.
