Program Director – Doctor Of Medicine

Responsibilities

Lead the design of Aotearoa's newest graduate medical programme

Shape a curriculum that advances equity and cultural safety

Inspire the next generation of doctors for rural and regional Aotearoa

A unique leadership opportunity to build Aotearoa New Zealand's newest medical school.

The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine (NZGSM) at the University of Waikato is redefining medical education to meet our nation's health workforce needs — with a focus on primary care, cultural safety, and rural and regional practice.

As Programme Director – Doctor of Medicine, you will lead the academic design and delivery of an innovative graduate-entry medical programme, embedding te Tiriti o Waitangi, hauora Maori, and equity across all elements of curriculum and assessment.

You will provide academic leadership to the team of Programme and Domain Leads, and, work alongside the Strategic Lead Accreditation and Operations, to guide accreditation processes with AMC, MCNZ, and CUAP, ensuring a world-class, culturally grounded programme that prepares doctors ready to serve every community.

This is a 0.8 FTE, fixed-term position for three years, with a competitive compensation and benefits package.

For more information on the role please see the position description .

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Professor David McCormack, Interim Dean of Medicine,

All applications must be submitted through the online portal; emailed applications will not be accepted.

Ko wai koe?

– Who are you?

You are an experienced medical or academic leader with a strong record in curriculum design, accreditation, and medical education.

You hold a medical qualification registrable in New Zealand (or equivalent academic leadership experience) and have demonstrated your ability to lead diverse teams through complex academic change.

You are collaborative, future-focused, and motivated by purpose — ready to shape how medicine is taught and practised in Aotearoa.

Your leadership is grounded in partnership, and your work reflects a deep commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity, and excellence.

Ko wai matou?

– Who are we?

The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine is a bold initiative by the University of Waikato, established to meet Aotearoa's urgent health workforce needs.

Its graduate-entry Doctor of Medicine programme integrates cultural safety, digital innovation, and community-based learning to prepare future doctors for primary care, rural practice, and health equity leadership.

We are building a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in teaching, collaboration, and innovation — and we invite you to be part of this transformative journey.

He aha nga take me tono mai ai koe?

– Why should you apply for this position?

This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of medical education in Aotearoa.

You'll lead the design of a nationally significant programme, contribute to accreditation success, and leave a lasting legacy for generations of doctors and communities.

At Waikato, you'll find a supportive and inclusive environment, access to professional development, and the chance to make a lasting difference to health equity and the future of medical education.

Working with us means you'll enjoy a satisfying work environment with many benefits.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand in accordance with NZ immigration regulations which can be found here .

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research.

Our policies are guided by the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

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