Our purpose

Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand systematically plans, funds and delivers care to almost 600,000 people living in the Canterbury region. The Canterbury Health System is recognised as a world leader in the delivery of integrated health care. Our focus is placing people (staff and patients alike) at the centre of everything we do.

The role

We are seeking a Fellow in Otolaryngology to be based at Christchurch Hospital. The fellowship is tailored towards a subspecialty interest in otology (neuro-otology with cochlear implantation and lateral skull base experience).

This is a fixed-term, 12-month fellowship with a proposed start date of Thursday, 2 July 2026

The specialty of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery involves the medical and surgical treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, oral cavity, throat, salivary glands, thyroid and neck. There is a significant component of secondary care, as well as tertiary and quaternary level care, which includes surgical management of patients with complex ear conditions and head and neck cancer.

Fellows are given an increased level of responsibility and manage a wide range of elective and acute cases. Where possible, subspecialty interests will be accommodated.

The otolaryngology services are provided on an inpatient, day patient and outpatient basis and are also integrated with the Audiology Department. Christchurch Hospital is a teaching hospital, and the Department of Otolaryngology – HNS is accredited to provide vocational training to advanced trainees.

Applicants must have passed the final fellowship examination and be entering their fifth year of training (or equivalent).

Our culture: What matters to us

Ko ngā tāngata, te mātua mahi – Putting people at the heart of all we do

Health is ultimately all about people. What’s important around here is the way we care for and respect others, the responsibility taken for delivering outcomes, and going about our work with integrity.

Belonging here

Canterbury – Waitaha provides acute and arranged secondary-level surgical and medical services to the Canterbury region, servicing a population of approximately 480,000. It also provides tertiary-level surgical and medical services to the whole of the South Island (a population of approximately one million).

The specialty of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery involves the medical and surgical treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, oral cavity, throat, salivary glands and neck. Secondary-level care includes treatment of conditions such as otitis media with effusion (glue ear), tonsillitis, sinus disease and middle ear disease. There is a significant tertiary-level component, including surgical management of patients with head and neck cancer, complex ear operations and certain voice disorders. The otolaryngology services are provided on an inpatient, day patient and outpatient basis, and work closely with the maxillofacial and plastic surgical departments in the management of complex head and neck cases.

Christchurch Hospital is a teaching hospital, and the Department of Otolaryngology – HNS is accredited to provide vocational training to advanced trainees.

Being part of Te Whatu Ora | Waitaha, our people enjoy flexible working arrangements and a genuine, ongoing focus on career development.

Te Whatu Ora believes that diversity and inclusion are key to ensuring we deliver the best care for our diverse population. As an organisation, we are an inclusive and equal opportunity employer that welcomes and respects everyone.

Apply online, or for more information about the recruitment process, please contact Amy Walker – Recruitment Specialist, Amy.Walker@cdhb.health.nz