Vocational training in obstetrics and gynaecology is undertaken through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Once RANZCOG training is completed the doctor is awarded the Fellowship of the RANZCOG (FRANZCOG).

Before a doctor can apply to train as a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist he or she must have completed two years of general hospital experience after graduating from medical school. This can be Foundation Years (FY) 1 and 2 or internship and a second year of general experience. 

The RANZCOG obsterics and gynaecology training program starts for physicians at the level of PGY3+ and consists of six years supervised training - 

• four years of supervised core training 
• two years of elective training

Training can be undertaken in approved hospitals in Australia and New Zealand.

RANZCOG is dedicated to the establishment of high standards of practice in obstetrics and gynaecology and women’s health. The College trains and accredits doctors throughout Australia and New Zealand in the specialties of obstetrics and gynaecology so that they are capable of providing the highest standards of healthcare.

RANZCOG is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to high standards of practice in obstetrics and gynaecology.

As well as training specialist doctors, the College supports research into women’s health, and acts as an advocate for women’s healthcare by forging productive relationships with governing bodies, the community and professional organisations, both locally and internationally.

To apply for vocational registration in the speciality of obstetrics and gynaecology, you need either:

• the FRANZCOG qualification; or
• an international postgraduate medical qualification in obstetrics and gynaecology

The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) does not have a list of recognised specialist qualifications from other countries and each application is assessed individually. Your combination of qualifications, training and experience, will be assessed against the standard of the FRANZCOG.

Essentially the MCNZ will look for evidence that you have completed an internship and second year of postgraduate experience followed by six years of specialist training or equivalent experience.

Recognised specialists in New Zealand must complete 8 years of training and satisfy the requirements below:

Pre vocational Training

2 years of general medical experience, including 6 months in obstetrics and gynaecology

Vocational Training

• 4 years of supervised core training on an integrated training programme. Once successfully completed, trainees are awarded Membership of the RANZCOG (MRANZCOG)
• rotation through a minimum of 3 hospitals, with at least 12 months spent in a tertiary hospital and 6 months spent in a rural hospital
• 2 years in an elective programme, working in two subspecialty or research areas, subject to the approval of the RANZCOG
• participate in the RANZCOG continuing professional development programme.

Once a trainee has successfully completed these examination and training requirements they will be awarded the FRANZCOG.

International medical graduates are assessed in comparison to this standard.

There are three pathways to apply for vocational registration. 

VOC 1 - physicians who hold FRANZCR and general registration with the Australian Medical Board or Medical Council of New Zealand.

VOC 2 - physicians who hold  FRANZCR but do not have general registration with the Australian Medical Board or Medical Council of New Zealand.

VOC 3 - international medical graduates who have neither  FRANZCR nor general registration with the Australian Medical Board or Medical Council of New Zealand.

Each application form lists the information which must be included with the application.

This consists of the following:

1. completed VOC 3 application form
2. curriculum vitae
3. passport copy
4. copy of medical degree
5. copy of specialist qualification
6. copy of current medical practice registration / licence
7. 3 reference forms
8. an overview of specialist training programme
9. a log book of procedures performed
10. evidence of participation in Continuing Medical Education (CME)
11. EPIC Report of primary source verification of credentials 

Your application will go through initial checks with the MCNZ before being sent to the RANZCR for assessment. 

Other things to consider include:

1. does the country in which you trained and practised have a comparable health system to New Zealand? The MCNZ has listed over 30 countries which it has rated as having healthcare systems of a similar standard and preference is generally given to applicants who have trained and worked in these countries.
2. how does the structure and length of your training programme compare with the New Zealand training programme for the vocational scope in which you are making your application?
3. have you been awarded a certificate of completion (or similar) for your basic and advanced specialist training? For example, the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) from the United Kingdom.
4. do you have recent clinical experience within the vocational scope in which you are making your application?
5. is your experience across the full vocational scope in which you are making your application or is it limited to a subspecialty only?

You may be eligible to apply for other categories of registation with the MCNZ. These include special purpose registration and general registration. 

Special purpose registration is valid for a maximum of 12 months and is useful for fixed term contracts and locums.

General registration is suitable for doctors aiming to work at sub specialist levels.