Senior medical officers (SMOs) are doctors employed or contracted as consultants/specialists by Te Whatu Ora Health NZ - MidCentral.
There are approximately 120 SMOs employed by Te Whatu Ora Health NZ - MidCentral across many specialities. The Chief Medical officer provides strong leadership and support to medical colleagues and management, particularly in the area of clinical governance.
Palmerston North Hospital is a teaching hospital, and is associated with both Auckland and Otago Medical Schools. Hosting students in their final years under graduate training, provide post graduate training for those junior doctors in their “registration” year, as well as having accredited training posts from most colleges.
Most rotations provide junior medical staff support at House Officer and Registrar level and as first on call. There are opportunities for private practice in Palmerston North, however, many senior medical staff are employed full time with MidCentral.