Maxillofacial Surgery Fellow

Where you’ll be working: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - Waikato Hospital

The details: Maxillofacial Surgery Fellow (Oncology and Reconstruction)

About the service:

The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) Department provides a tertiary service to the Central North Island of New Zealand. Hamilton is a level 1 major trauma centre and one of the largest tertiary teaching hospitals with over 600 inpatient beds and 22 operating theatres. Waikato is the major trauma centre for the region serving a catchment population of approximately 1 million.

The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to grow and develop the OMS service, and will complement three colleagues to develop the full range of the specialty.

This post is for a Senior Medical Officer (SMO) to work as a Maxillofacial Surgery Fellow in Ablative Oncology and Reconstruction within the OMS Department.

This post is for a surgeon interested in further training in OMS who is looking for a broad range of ablative (malignant and benign) and reconstructive work (in particular microvascular free flaps). It will serve as a good grounding to further fellowships and training in this area, especially those who have had limited exposure to this facet of OMS/Head and Neck Surgery.

Responsibilities of the role:

In this role, you will provide regional acute, elective and outpatient OMS Services, as part of a team of OMS specialists. You will work closely with ORL Head and Neck Surgery, Plastic surgery and Medical/Radiation oncology colleagues as part of a multi-disciplinary team responsible for providing complex head and neck oncology clinical services.

OMS in Waikato hospital is unique in that it is the only OMS department in the country where OMS completes both ablative surgery and microvascular free flap reconstruction. We have a strong support from our theatre team with a dedicated OMS Clinical nurse co-ordinator, ready access to new microscopes, and excellent post-operative care on our wards and HDU. The department has its own Maxillofacial Prosthetics Team, 3D printer and CBCT, and access to nasoendoscopes along with a minor procedure room for IV Sedation. Clinics are run by our team of Registered Nurses and Dental Assistants.

In addition to oncology surgery, there is a varied acute workload (e.g. odontogenic infections, facial trauma), along with elective operating which includes dento-alveolar, orthognathics, complex benign pathology, and TMJ surgery. Waikato is a leading training centre in OMS, accredited by the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. You will have the opportunity to participate in training. There is a well-structured weekly departmental teaching programme and opportunities to engage with CME are supported with a generous allowance.

Research opportunities are expected to be taken up by the interested candidates, at least one research project (including publication and presentation) is expected during the Fellow’s time in the department.

As a 24/7 OMS service, our successful candidate will contribute to after-hours on-call on a 1 in 4 basis. You will be well supported and junior on-site cover is available with both house officers and registrars. Given the presence of trainees you will be encouraged to support their teaching and development alongside visiting medical and dental students.

This is an opportunity for the right person to enjoy the challenge of General and Oncology/Reconstructive OMS work, in a desirable location. Hamilton is centrally based to allow easy access to the great outdoors with beaches, bush and mountains all within easy driving distance, shows and concerts, sports, shopping, wining and dining.

If you are an overseas candidate, the recruitment team is there to guide you with relocation and immigration during these uncertain times and registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.

Required skills & experience:

This is a challenging role, which demands outstanding professional skills and commitment to the specialty. We are looking for someone with the vision to provide a team-based service founded on excellence in all aspects of the Maxillofacial service and complement the workload of the colleagues with ideas to develop the specialty and the department.

You will hold or be eligible for registration as a specialist OMS surgeon with the Medical Council and Dental Council of New Zealand.

Research presentations and a higher degree is desirable.

How to apply:

Please apply online as applications are unable to be accepted via email. If you have any questions about the role please contact the Recruitment Team –

Application closing date: Open until filled

Nau mai haere mai - Come join the team