James – The Radiologist

She advised me throughout the process, made me known to potential employers and talked me through practice registration, visa application and practical living considerations. There was a bit of delay with EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials), but overall the process was not too stressful.

For the sake of work-life balance, we chose to live in Wellington and work in a district general hospital 20 minutes away by train. Radiology practice here is very similar to that in the UK. My fellow consultant radiologists are from the US, UK, South Africa and New Zealand. They are universally helpful and have impressively broad skillset. I do not have the opportunity to practise some aspect of interventional radiology (previously my special interest) in my hospital, but I enjoy learning new skills or refreshing dormant ones. I am truly grateful for the support I received from all of my colleagues.

If you bring with you a creditable body of work, adaptability, enthusiasm and willingness to learn and to serve, you will find yourself welcomed, the work stimulating and the lifestyle enjoyable. UK. If there is one thing I miss I guess it is the readily available in-person CPD opportunities available in the UK and Europe.

My wife and I love the culture and community in Wellington, the fabulous outdoor activities and the wonderful wildlife up and down the country. Time goes by fast when you are having fun, and we feel a little sad about leaving New Zealand at the end of 6 months. Hopefully we can come back and have more fun in the not so distant future!