Otago-Southland medical officer of health Dr John Holmes has been seconded to the Ministry of Health next year as chief policy adviser in the population health directorate.
This section of the ministry is responsible for providing policy advice on publicly funded health and disability services and public health.
This includes evaluating and reviewing the implementation of programmes to support further policy development.
Dr Holmes, who undertook his medical training in Edinburgh, first came to New Zealand in 1967, and his work in the country has included stints in Hamilton, the Chatham Islands and Lincoln.
He also spent some time overseas, in Edinburgh and Tanzania, before settling in Dunedin in 1999.
Outside of his day job, he is known for his work as a hobbyist printer under the name Frayed Frisket Press and has served as printer in residence at Victoria University.
The Otago District Health Board is recruiting to fill Dr Holmes' position during his secondment.
Dr Holmes could not be reached for comment yesterday.