In New Zealand, the main paths for a general practitioner’s professional development involve completing the vocational training programme to become a Fellow and engaging in Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Beyond these, GPs can pursue specialised clinical interests, academic qualifications, and leadership roles. 

Attaining Fellowship of the RNZCGP

Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP) is the standard vocational training pathway to practice as a specialist GP in NZ.

  • General Practice Education Programme (GPEP): The primary path to Fellowship is the three-year GPEP programme through RNZCGP. It focuses on building competencies in communication, clinical expertise, and other professional domains.
    • GPEP Year 1: This year involves two six-month clinical placements in approved teaching practices, alongside weekly seminars.
    • GPEP Years 2 and 3: Registrars work in a practice under the supervision of a College Fellow, completing clinical and academic work and a final Fellowship assessment visit.
  • GPs can pursue a Dual Fellowship in both General Practice and Rural Hospital Medicine. This five- to six-year pathway provides a broad skillset for more flexible practice, particularly in rural areas. And NZ has many!

Mandatory continuing professional development (CPD)

All vocationally registered GPs need ongoing CPD to maintain their Annual Practising Certificate with MCNZ. 

Te Whanake CPD Programme: This is the RNZCGP’s recertification programme, which operates over a three-year cycle.

  • GPs must complete a minimum of 50 credits per year across four categories: medical education, cultural safety and equity, patient outcomes, and reviewing practice
  • Attend workshops, courses, clinical audits, and maintain an up-to-date resuscitation certificate
  • Set professional development goals and discuss progress annually with a peer or colleague

Advanced and specialty qualifications

If you’re a GP who’s keen to deepen your expertise, universities and medical colleges offer postgraduate qualifications and special interest pathways. 

Postgraduate qualifications:

  • Master of General Practice (MGP): The University of Otago offers this research-based degree, often completed part-time over two years, for practicing GPs.
  • Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate in General Practice: These university qualifications allow GPs to gain advanced knowledge in specific areas.
  • Master of Health Sciences: The University of Auckland and other institutions offer this degree, allowing specialisation in areas like mental health, palliative care, or sports medicine.

Special interest pathways: GPs can develop special interests in specific clinical areas, such as:

  • Emergency medicine
  • Sports medicine
  • Geriatric medicine
  • Paediatrics
  • Obstetrics and gynaecology 

Leadership, governance, and academic roles

  • Become medical educators, training supervisors, or teachers within the GPEP programme.
  • Take on governance roles with the RNZCGP or joining clinical working groups allows GPs to influence health policy and standards.
  • Progress to owning or co-owning their own practice.
  • Pursue a flexible, portfolio career that combines clinical practice with other roles, such as teaching, governance, or special interest work.
  • Get involved in Clinical research.