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 may be required in some surgical procedures and when using a computer or writing.
• There is 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 New Zealand Medical Council is required.

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