A southern move for this doctor

Sherif moved to Invercargill, New Zealand, from Surrey, England just four months after meeting the healthdownsouth team at the Opportunities New Zealand Expo in London. Having studied medicine in India, Sherif had been working in the UK for over three years and was a senior house officer in paediatrics and emergency medicine when he came to the expo.

"I was looking at options to work outside of the UK as the prospects for getting onto UK training schemes were not good. I wanted to progress my career into family medicine, but realised that the way forward in the UK was not looking very smooth."

Success at the expo

Sherif found out about the Opportunities New Zealand Expo whilst searching on the internet and immediately booked his ticket, making a note to see the healthdownsouth stand from the list of exhibitors. "I had previously looked at New Zealand through an agency, one of which had suggested Southland, but I felt I needed to meet the employer in person and so I went to the London event.

"Speaking to Debbie on the expo stand that day, I immediately sensed that it was all a possibility and could actually happen. I left my CV and received an email that night from the team informing me that my CV was being reviewed by the clinical leader back in New Zealand.

“Two days later I received an email from the Clinical Director of General Medicine, who asked me some further questions about my reasons for wanting to come and she gave further information about the hospital, work environment and career pathways. A week later I had a contract and letter of offer subject to registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, which I accepted."

Help from New Zealand

The Medical Officers' Unit were soon in touch with Sherif to help him organise his registration and immigration papers. Sherif said that settling into Invercargill and his new job has been really straightforward and he has had no trouble adjusting to the New Zealand health system.

"I find the senior/junior doctor relationship to be good and the teaching is excellent – there are some really good consultants keen to teach here. There are also journal clubs and case presentations each week keeping me up to date."

As for his ambition to progress a family medicine career, Sherif is on his way. "I've had good helpful advice from the Royal College of General Practitioners to plan my career path, and my colleagues at Southland Hospital have been very supportive enabling me to undertake relevant rotations in line with family medicine. The Medical Officers' Unit has been very approachable and helpful and supportive in my endeavour.”

A true balance between work and family

Sherif is especially enjoying the short 10-minute commute around Invercargill. "I love that I can have lunch with my family every day – spending time with my family is possible here. Professionally, my move to Southland has been more than helpful for me. It's been a positive move for my career. My experience has been wonderful."

- Story provided by healthdownsouth