Medical Director Palliative Specialist | Invercargill New Zealand

Medical Director Palliative Specialist | Invercargill New Zealand Date published: Jul 30, 2026, 10:57 AM Location Hospice South, Invercargill New Zealand Description Hospice South is seeking an experienced Palliative Medicine Specialist to join our leadership team as Medical Director / Senior Medical Officer. This is a unique opportunity to combine clinical practice with strategic leadership in a well-established specialist palliative care service serving the Southland and Queenstown / Whakatipu communities. The successful candidate will provide clinical leadership for our multidisciplinary team, contribute to clinical governance and quality improvement, support workforce development and education, and help shape the future direction of palliative care services across the region. The role includes direct patient care across inpatient, community and consultative services, alongside leadership responsibilities. We are particularly interested in hearing from specialists with experience in hospice, community, aged care or hospital-based palliative medicine settings who are passionate about service development, teaching, and clinical leadership. Southland offers an exceptional lifestyle, affordable housing, and access to some of New Zealand's most spectacular outdoor environments while providing the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and whānau. Applicants must be eligible for specialist registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand or able to obtain registration through an approved vocational pathway. Desirable Qualifications Experience as a Medical Director, Clinical Director, Head of Department or equivalent senior leadership role. Experience within hospice or community-based palliative care services. Teaching, training and mentoring experience with medical staff and multidisciplinary teams. Experience working within the UK, Australian, Canadian or New Zealand health systems. Experience leading clinical governance, accreditation, quality and service improvement initiatives. Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) in Palliative Medicine, or an equivalent specialist qualification recognised by the Medical Council of New Zealand. Eligible for Vocational Registration as a Palliative Medicine Specialist with the Medical Council of New Zealand, or able to obtain registration through an approved pathway. Current medical practising certificate (or ability to obtain one in New Zealand). Significant experience in specialist palliative care across hospice, hospital and/or community settings. Demonstrated clinical leadership experience within a multidisciplinary healthcare environment. Excellent communication, relationship management and collaborative leadership skills. Commitment to quality improvement, clinical governance, education and service development. We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and Elders — past, present and emerging — of the lands and waters on which RACP members and staff live, learn and work. RACP acknowledges Māori as tangata whenua and Te Tiriti o Waitangi partners in Aotearoa New Zealand. Find out more about our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori health equity. #J-18808-Ljbffr