Geriatric Medicine - Advance Trainee Registrar (RMO 2026 Training Year)

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

Geriatric Advance Trainee Registrar (2026 RMO Training Year)

Start date: 2 February 2026

This position is part of the RMO Annual Recruitment Cycle, current vacancies are advertised separately.

About the Role

The Geriatrics Advanced Trainee position is accredited for 12 months of Level A Core Training with six-month rotations for inpatient services. We can accommodate 2 Advanced Trainees at a time with rotations being on the STAR2 or OPAL inpatient services.

• STAR 2 is our inpatient rehabilitation ward which provides geriatric, stroke, ortho and general adult rehabilitation.
• OPAL (Older People's Acute Assessment and Liaison) Unit is our acute geriatrics or acute frailty unit. We have two teams (OPAL Team 5 & 8) that sit along side General Medicine. Our team aims to deliver CGA (Comprehensive Geriatrics Assessment) based care for older people living with frailty who present with geriatric syndromes and common medical issues requiring inpatient care.

Our wider team in Elder Health includes 9 geriatricians (all NZ trained and FRACP accredited) and 2 medical officers working across our Palmerston North, Horowhenua and Tararua regions. We have inpatient wards in the Palmerston North (OPAL, STAR 2) and Levin (STAR 4). Elder Health is supported by a strong team of six community-based CNSs (Clinical Nurse Specialists) who perform CGAs as well as lead the OPAL Community Service, which is a community based transdisciplinary team approach in assessment, rehabilitation and reablement of older people living with frailty in their own homes with proactive management of frailty relate conditions and hospital admission avoidance.

We also have the Interface Geriatrics (IG) Service who facilitate early assessment and care coordination in the Emergency Department as well as support for primary care and aged residential care facilities. The IG service is also supported by a Nurse Practitioner Candidate. There is also a Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Practitioner Candidate working within the STAR 4 team.

The Geriatrics Advanced Trainee will have opportunities to attend regular teaching sessions facilitated by Elder Health SMOs, Clinical Review Meetings (Morbidity & Mortality), departmental journal clubs as well as the prospect of involvement in service improvement initiatives within the department and organisation. We have strong links with our OAMH (Older Adult Mental Health) team as well as Arohanui Hospice and have even had Geriatrics Advanced Trainees complete a rotation at the hospice to further broaden the training experience. Geriatrics Advanced Trainees participate in the General Medicine after hours roster including weekend and night shifts

Visit our careers site here for more information about Palmerston North hospital.

Benefits

• An encouraging learning environment where you will continue to grow.
• A professional and supportive culture and team setting.
• Fulfilling and challenging work with great lifestyle options
• Tailored wellness programmes

About us

Palmerston North Regional Hospital is the premier healthcare institution in the MidCentral Region. With a dedicated Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care Unit, and Regional Cancer Treatment Service, as well as one of the largest trauma centres nationwide, Palmerston North Hospital provides industry leading specialised care and emergency treatment to the MidCentral region.

As a teaching hospital affiliated with New Zealand medical schools, we unite exceptional healthcare practice with modern education and research. MidCentral is an excellent place to begin or continue your professional career in an engaging and supportive environment.

MidCentral region is ideally situated for all lifestyles – Striking scenery with multiple hiking & biking tracks with beaches, ski fields and wineries close by as well as excellent schools and tertiary institutions. The perfect blend of rural and city living.

About you

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand or be eligible for general or provisional general registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand. You can check your eligibility for registration by visiting the Council's website at www.mcnz.org.nz.
• Completed RACP Basic Training, including the written and clinical examinations.

• Dynamic and adaptable.

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | The Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

In the interests of protecting our people and our patients, all appointments will be subject to:

• Occupational Health Assessment
• Some positions are defined as a Core Children's worker under the Children's Act and require full safety checks completed before employment commences. (Police Vetting)

How to apply

Click “APPLY NOW.”

For further information about this role please reach out to:

Dr Jonathan Kok - Geriatrician

Lindy Chivell - RMO Recruiter

Discover more hidden gems that Manawatū and Palmerston North have to offer here: Manawatū & Palmerston North - Visit | Live | Study | Business (manawatunz.co.nz).