Amid rising stress and burnout, U.S. physicians seek a fresh start in Timaru, New Zealand.
Category: Health
In a growing trend, American doctors are relocating to New Zealand, driven by severe burnout and dissatisfaction with the healthcare system in the United States. As seen in a trending post on r/medicine, the move highlights the challenges faced by medical professionals in the U.S., where many feel overwhelmed by administrative burdens and a lack of support.
A recent survey by the Commonwealth Fund highlights the alarming levels of burnout among primary care physicians (PCPs) in the U.S. The 2026 survey included responses from 10,895 PCPs across ten developed nations, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Results indicated that 43% of U.S. doctors reported feeling burned out, with administrative tasks cited as a primary cause.
Among the nations surveyed, New Zealand and Canada followed closely behind the U.S. with burnout rates of 38%. The findings revealed that many physicians are dissatisfied with the time they spend on paperwork rather than patient care. In fact, 85% of U.S. PCPs experiencing burnout expressed dissatisfaction with their administrative workload.
This dissatisfaction is echoed in the experiences of Dr. Brandon Williams, an internal medicine doctor from La Jolla, California. Four years ago, he reached a breaking point due to an overwhelming increase in patient numbers, insufficient staffing, and the constant threat of malpractice lawsuits. Tragically, one of his colleagues died by suicide, prompting Dr. Williams to reconsider his future in medicine.
“I didn’t want to stop practicing medicine, but I wanted to stop practicing it in the United States,” said Dr. Williams. He and his wife, Ellen, began exploring options in Europe before a medical recruiter in New Zealand reached out to them. "As crazy as it sounded to go all the way to the middle of nowhere, the more I thought about it, the more it made sense,” he added. The couple sold their house and moved to Timaru, a coastal town on New Zealand’s South Island, in November 2024.
The trend of American healthcare workers relocating to New Zealand is part of a broader phenomenon. Many healthcare professionals are seeking environments that prioritize physician well-being and provide a more supportive atmosphere. In Canada, for example, over 1,000 U.S.-trained nurses have been approved to work since April 2025, largely due to the progressive policies and universal healthcare system that contrasts sharply with the current U.S. environment.
Dr. Williams' story is not unique; it reflects the experiences of many U.S. healthcare professionals who feel disillusioned by the current state of the American healthcare system. The Commonwealth Fund survey indicates that the U.S. leads in burnout rates among PCPs, with administrative burdens and feelings of being undervalued contributing significantly to this distress.
It's important to note that the survey's findings are based on self-reported data, which may not capture the full scope of the issue. The challenges faced by physicians can vary widely based on individual circumstances and geographic locations. The Commonwealth Fund survey also highlights that burnout is less related to patient interactions and more about the overwhelming amount of paperwork and administrative duties that physicians face.
As more American doctors like Dr. Williams make the leap to New Zealand, it raises questions about the future of healthcare in the U.S. The increasing trend of physicians leaving for countries with more supportive healthcare systems could exacerbate the existing shortages in the U.S. healthcare workforce. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, the U.S. is projected to be short about 270,000 registered nurses and at least 120,000 licensed practical nurses by 2028.
Dr. Williams’ move to Timaru is part of a larger shift as healthcare professionals seek environments that offer professional satisfaction and personal well-being. As he states, “I’d never thought of leaving the U.S. or even California, but now it feels like a new beginning.” This sentiment resonates with many who are searching for a healthier work-life balance in a profession that has become increasingly demanding.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not necessarily be independently verified reporting.