How Good Together helped Dr. Sabrina find a new home in Oamaru
Dr. Sabrina had already built a life in New Zealand, working as a GP in the North Island, but after three years, she and her family decided it was time for a change. Their motivation was simple: they wanted to explore the South Island before eventually returning to Europe to be closer to family. As Sabrina put it, “We had travelled the whole North Island, and it was really expensive to travel to the South Island. Then my husband Chad said, ‘They need doctors down there, let’s move!’”
Sabrina was introduced to Moana at Good Together through a recommendation from another Dutch GP. This connection gave her confidence that she was in good hands and that Moana would truly understand her needs.
But making a move isn’t just about finding a job, it’s about finding the right community, the right support system, and the right environment for both work and family life. That’s where Good Together came in.
The Challenge: A big move with a family in tow
For Sabrina, the biggest challenge wasn’t finding a job: GPs are in demand throughout New Zealand. It was about uprooting her children, leaving behind a strong community, and settling into an area they had never visited.
“We had such a strong community built around us. They helped us with the kids, we went on tramps together, and had strong emotional connections,” she explained. Leaving that behind was a huge decision, and the idea of starting over again in a new place felt daunting.
With a full-time job and family responsibilities, Sabrina didn’t have the time to research every practice and region. She needed guidance from someone who knew the South Island, who could help her find not just a workplace but a home.
The Good Together Approach: Personalised support and local knowledge
When Sabrina connected with Moana at Good Together, she found exactly the kind of support she needed.
“You don’t know exactly what’s out there,” she said. “I couldn’t reach out to thousands of practices. I work full-time, I’m a mum and a wife, I don’t have time for that. Moana took that burden off my back.”
Moana took the time to understand what mattered most to Sabrina, her clinical interests, lifestyle preferences, and what would make a move feel worthwhile. With Moana’s deep knowledge of New Zealand’s medical landscape, they found a practice in Oamaru that matched Sabrina’s needs: a supportive team, a strong sense of community, and a place where she and her family could thrive.
The Outcome: A fresh start in a supportive environment
From the moment she arrived in Oamaru, Sabrina noticed the difference. “It’s a very different management style. There’s more of a team feel. In my old place, we never had a practice meeting in three years. Here, they actually listen to the people who work here. It’s smaller, which is nice. Everyone enjoys their work, it’s different.”
The warmth extended beyond the workplace. The town embraced her family, making them feel truly welcome. “People know you’re new, and they’re interested in you. Maybe it’s because I’m a doctor, but they want us to like it here. They say hi. It’s a bit different, it feels friendlier.”
Her children have also settled in well, excited by the lifestyle changes a small town offers. “It’s a small town where you can cycle everywhere. They really feel like they’re part of it.”
Of course, no move is without its challenges, and Sabrina acknowledges that she misses her friends from her previous home. But overall, she and her family are thriving, enjoying their new adventure while knowing they made the right choice.
Sabrina’s advice to other doctors considering a move
For doctors already in New Zealand who are feeling stuck, Sabrina’s advice is clear: “Try a new place. You can get stuck in a system and think that’s what it is, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be so much different somewhere else.”
She also encourages doctors to use a recruiter to make the process easier. “It takes the burden off. Of course, you can find a job as a doctor. That’s not the hard part. The hard part is knowing where to go and what will work for you. Good Together made that so much easier.”
For those moving to New Zealand for the first time, her biggest piece of advice is to be proactive about building connections. “Connections don’t come to you. You have to put yourself out there. You have to reach out to people.”
The Good Together Difference
Sabrina’s story is one of many where Good Together has helped doctors find the right role, not just a job, but a position and community that truly fit their needs. Whether it’s a move across the country or a fresh start in a new clinic, Good Together is there every step of the way, making the transition seamless and ensuring that doctors find not just a place to work, but a place to belong.
