The specialty of plastic and reconstructive surgery is one of nine surgical specialties governed by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeons have at least 12 years of medical and surgical education. They also have at least five years specialist postgraduate training, including extensive training to perform invasive surgical procedures provided by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
The five-year Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Surgical Education and Training (SET) program is supervised by the New Zealand Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and administered by the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons.
Trainees work in various hospitals, each with varying demands and expectations. Training standards are rigorous and participants are tested on clinical and theoretical knowledge as well as operating expertise.
After completing the full period of training and passing the final examination, surgeons are awarded the Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and are accredited as specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeons by the Medical Council of New Zealand.
Doctors with a Fellowship of the College of Surgeons of England, Ireland, Scotland or Canada, or American doctors who are board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery may be accepted by the New Zealand Medical Council as specialists.
Find a New Zealand specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon in your area here.
