An increasing number of U.S. doctors and healthcare workers have already relocated to New Zealand or plan to do so for at least a temporary period due to the island country's impressive handling of the coronavirus pandemic, CNBC reported on Monday.
A spokesperson for Global Medical Staffing, a recruitment organization that aids doctors in finding jobs worldwide, said that inquiries have risen about relocating to New Zealand from the U.S. and that more physicians who already moved to work there are extending their contracts.
The most cited reasons among American doctors are New Zealand's better performance in battling the pandemic and the country's leadership in showing a greater respect for science and social guidance measures.
New Zealand recently won worldwide praise by declaring victory over the virus by eliminating community spread for the second time.
The country, which fills many of its medical openings with overseas workers, makes it relatively easy to start treating patients in a few months if the doctor has proof of their training and credentials.
Some doctors who have relocated cited a positive experience with a country that has universal healthcare, meaning everyone can access healthcare without fear of financial ruin, and there is no need for healthcare workers to spend time haggling with insurance companies on behalf of their patients.
However, others who have relocated have had problems with the lower salaries paid to doctors in New Zealand, especially those who are still paying off debt from their American medical schools.
But the mostly positive experience of those who have moved to New Zealand are leading to an upswing in the trend, as they spread the word to colleagues over social media and offer advice on relocation.
Brian Freeman ✉
Brian Freeman, a Newsmax writer based in Israel, has more than three decades writing and editing about culture and politics for newspapers, online and television.
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