Examines patients to determine the necessity of operations, estimates and explains risks to patients, and selects the best operational procedures; reviews reports on patients' general physical condition, reactions to medications and medical histories; consults with anaesthetists regarding the correct anaesthesia for patients; performs surgical operations; examines instruments, equipment, and surgical set-up to ensure that antiseptic and aseptic methods have been followed; instructs other medical, nursing and associated staff regarding the preparation of patients and instrument and equipment requirements; prescribes post-operative care, and observes and investigates patients' progress; maintains records of operations performed; may specialise in particular types of operations.

• Works indoors in hospital wards, operating theatres, clinics and offices within public or private hospitals, medical centres and specialist clinics.
• Works in adequately lit, heated, ventilated and clean, well maintained and sterile workspaces with special lighting and equipment in operating theatres relevant to the surgical speciality.
• Works with blood and possibly contaminated items.

• Sedentary to light physical demand.
• Sits during consultations and when writing patient notes.
• Frequently stands for long periods of time to conduct surgical procedures.
• Walks frequently to check and prepare equipment, examine patients, case notes and medical images.
• Lifting, stretching and reaching is not a significant component of the job but may be required for some surgical procedures and when undertaking physical examinations.
• Repetitive hand and finger movements will be required for some surgical procedures and when using a computer or writing.
• Frequent use of surgical and medical equipment and materials including medicines, operating tables, computers, monitoring screens, medical dressings, surgical equipment, instruments, surgical clothing, sterilising materials and other medical equipment.
• Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with medical, surgical, assessment, diagnostic, communication, interpersonal, organisational, problem solving and decision-making capabilities.

• A relevant tertiary qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.
• Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.