The dean of Otago University's Dunedin School of Medicine, John Adams, is the new head of the Medical Council.
The council, which registers doctors and oversees standards, elected Dr Adams at a meeting on Tuesday.
He succeeds Otago University Professor John Campbell, who has headed the council since 2002.
The council says Dr Adams' extensive experience will be invaluable as it begins regular practice reviews for doctors, along with other initiatives.