At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead clinical standards and provide exceptional care for small animals.
- Company: Join Abivale Vets, a supportive and innovative veterinary group in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, private medical insurance, and professional development.
- Other info: Flexible hours with clear career progression and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree, RCVS registration, and significant experience in small animal practice.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
Lead Veterinary Surgeon responsible for clinical standards, governance, and client care at the Wallingford site, with occasional shifts at other branches.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As the most senior veterinary clinician within the practice, you will be responsible for leading clinical standards, governance, and the delivery of outstanding patient and client care. You’ll provide clinical leadership to the veterinary team, oversee complex cases, and act as the primary source of clinical guidance and decision‑making within the practice. Working closely with the senior practice leadership team, you’ll support the strategic direction of the practice and drive continuous improvement in clinical quality, outcomes, and ways of working. Undertake day‑to‑day running of the branch, and be responsible for providing excellent client care and owning the surgery. Solo charge position, working under those conditions.
Flexibility with hours
The full‑time rota includes an average of 40 hours per week, with some weekend shifts – 2 Saturdays and 1 Sunday every 7 weeks. Bank holidays are on a rota basis. No out of hours or on‑call required. Part‑time applicants may be considered.
About Abivale
Our group consists of four surgeries in Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford and Wantage. All sites are RCVS accredited and have an excellent range of equipment. A dedicated out‑of‑hours service supports all locations.
You Might Be a Great Fit If…
- Veterinary degree and registration with the RCVS, with significant experience in small or mixed animal practice, advanced surgical and medical capability.
- Proven experience in mentoring, coaching, and supporting veterinary colleagues.
- Strong leadership, communication, and decision‑making skills.
- Experience contributing to or leading clinical governance, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Ability to manage clinical complaints and provide professional guidance in complex situations.
- Professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the highest standards of patient and client care.
How We’ll Support You
- Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles.
- Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres and role‑relevant courses.
- £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet.
- Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks.
- Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities.
- Collaborative, values‑led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement.
What We Offer Our Team
- 6.8 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays.
- Private medical insurance.
- Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy.
- BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees.
- Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies).
- Retail discounts and cashback offers.
- Reduced‑cost veterinary care for your own pets.
Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Wallingford employer: Abivale Veterinary Group, Wallingford
Abivale Vets in Oxfordshire is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises continuous improvement and professional development. With clear career pathways, generous benefits including 6.8 weeks of holiday, private medical insurance, and a dedicated Care Fund, we empower our Lead Veterinary Surgeons to excel in their roles while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Join us to make a meaningful impact in veterinary care within a values-driven community.
Contact Details:
Abivale Veterinary Group, Wallingford Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Wallingford
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Abivale Veterinary Group, Wallingford often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Wallingford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Abivale Veterinary Group, Wallingford
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Abivale Veterinary Group, Wallingford. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Abivale Veterinary Group, Wallingford.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Abivale Veterinary Group, Wallingford.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Abivale Veterinary Group, Wallingford.
