Kaupapa o te Komiti | Purpose of the Committee  

The Aotearoa New Zealand OTP Assessment Committee plays a key role in assessing overseas trained physicians. The Committee advises the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) on whether an OTP's qualifications and experience are equivalent to those of a physician or paediatrician trained in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Members contribute to improving the health system by influencing the quality of care and service delivery.

The Aotearoa NZ OTP Assessment Committee acknowledges Te Tiriti ō Waitangi and the foundational principles of bicultural partnership, participation and protection it guarantees. We therefore commit that all our policies will consider the impact on the wellbeing and mana of Māori as tangata whenua and ensure that these policies uphold the above principles. 

Committee's role

• assess internationally qualified specialists in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, and the policy for OTP assessment approved by the College Education Committee
• confirm completion of requirements to progress to Fellowship
• guide development of procedures and resources to support the OTP assessment process
• support appropriate initiatives that will assist OTPs to develop their cultural competence. This incorporates tikanga Māori values of manaakitanga (hospitality, kindness and support), whanaungatanga (relationships, sense of family connection) and mōhiotanga (knowledge, understanding, insight)

Key responsibilities of members

Takohanga | Responsibilities

• interviewing OTPs to understand their overseas qualifications, training and experience
• carrying out paper-based and interview-based comparability assessments to provide preliminary and interview advice to the MCNZ
• determining supervision requirements for OTPs in accordance with the guidelines and policies set by the MCNZ and the RACP
• providing expertise advice and recommendations relating to re-evaluation applications received
• providing expertise relating to OTP assessment to the MCNZ, College staff and other College Committees (when required)
• monitoring the OTP’s progress through to Fellowship
• advising on key initiatives, projects and educational developments, as requested by the OTP Team or Professional Practice directorate. 

The committee meets monthly, up to 11 times per year. Most of the meetings are via Zoom with 1 face-to-face meeting in Wellington or in Sydney (joint meeting with Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand OTP Assessment Committees), when circumstances allow it.

Members are appointed for an initial 3-year term, with the potential to renew for an extra term (maximum 6 years).

How to apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest form (DOC) and a copy of your CV to OTP@racp.org.nz.

If you have any questions about this role or require a copy of the Terms of Reference, contact the OTP Team at OTP@racp.org.nz