Senior Veterinary Surgeon/ Clinical Lead
Valley Vets - Valley Veterinary Hospital
Small Animal
Full time
Permanent
Senior Veterinary Surgeon/ Clinical Lead
Valley Veterinary Hospital, Cardiff
Up to 4 days per week | Hospital-based role | Leadership opportunity
** Salary – up to £75,000 dependent on experience**
Valley Vets is a well-established, RCVS-accredited Small Animal Hospital with a reputation for clinical excellence, outstanding patient care, and investment in both our people and facilities.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Veterinary Surgeon to join our thriving 24/7 hospital team.
The Role:
As a Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Valley Vets, you’ll play a key role in both our clinical team and the future direction of the practice. Alongside delivering exceptional patient care across a diverse caseload, you’ll help shape clinical standards, support the development of colleagues, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and clinical excellence.
Our vision for this role is leadership through collaboration - being a senior clinician who leads from within the team, remaining clinically engaged while supporting and developing those around you. You’ll have the opportunity to influence how we work, share your experience and help drive high standards of patient and client care.
Protected time will be provided for the administrative and leadership responsibilities of the role, which we anticipate will account for approximately 10% of your working week, keeping the role predominantly clinical.
Our unique caseload combines first-opinion practice with hospital-based medicine, surgery, inpatient care, and emergency work. As the out-of-hours provider for around 40 local practices, you'll have exposure to a broad range of medical and surgical cases, offering plenty of variety and opportunities to further develop your interests.
Working Pattern
- Up to 4 days per week (38 hours over 4 days)
- 1 x 9-hour weekend shift every fifth weekend, mainly consulting
- 1 x 12-hour bank holiday shift per year
- Flexible working options considered
Every shift is supported by experienced veterinary colleagues, a large team of RVNs and ACAs, and a dedicated reception team.
About You:
We're looking for a veterinary surgeon who:
- Has significant small animal hospital experience
- Is confident managing a varied medical and surgical caseload
- Enjoys mentoring and supporting colleagues
- Demonstrates excellent communication and leadership skills
- Thrives in a collaborative hospital environment
- Is committed to delivering outstanding patient and client care
About Us:
At Valley Vets, we are proud to invest heavily in both our people and our facilities. We are committed to providing the equipment, support and clinical freedom needed to work cases up thoroughly and pursue individual clinical interests.
Our hospital facilities include:
- 24/7 inpatient care
- CT scanner
- Advanced ultrasonography
- Endosurgery facilities
- Extensive in-house laboratory equipment, including TEG and blood gas analysis
- Dedicated orthopaedic, soft tissue, and exotic theatres
- Dedicated ECC wards
- In-house rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy
The Local Area
Valley Vets is ideally located in South Wales, offering the perfect balance of city living, coastline, and countryside.
Within easy commuting distance, you can enjoy:
- Vibrant city life in Cardiff
- Beautiful beaches and coastal villages in the Vale of Glamorgan
- Stunning mountain scenery in the Valleys and Brecon Beacons National Park
The area offers exceptional sporting and leisure opportunities, from Cardiff's International Sports Village and world-class events at the Principality Stadium to renowned mountain biking trails, coastal walks, and some of the UK's most spectacular hiking and waterfall routes.
As proud members of the VetPartners family our fantastic range of benefits includes (pro rata):
- 6.6 weeks paid holiday including bank holidays
- £1750 and 5 days CPD Allowance per annum
- Health Cash Plan – offering a wide range of benefits for health and wellbeing treatments - from dentistry to sports massage
- RCVS Membership paid and two other membership subscriptions
- VDS cover
- Enhanced paternity, maternity, adoption, shared parental leave and surrogacy pay
- Discounted veterinary fees
- Offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel, entertainment and much more
- Cycle to Work scheme
- CPD/training support
- Company sick pay
- Annual pay reviews
- Focus on employee wellbeing
- Career progression opportunities
- Relocation allowance for candidates applying directly
Join an Employer of the Year! VetPartners has been recognised for outstanding team culture and support.
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Senior Veterinary Surgeon/ Clinical Lead in Cardiff employer: Armstrong Vets
Galedin in Kelso offers a unique opportunity for Farm Vets to thrive in a supportive rural mixed practice environment. With a focus on suckler farms and sheep health, employees benefit from a collaborative team culture, ongoing professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on local agriculture. The picturesque Scottish Borders location enhances work-life balance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking rewarding employment in veterinary medicine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Veterinary Surgeon/ Clinical Lead in Cardiff
✨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 Armstrong Vets often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
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 Armstrong Vets
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Armstrong Vets. 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 Armstrong Vets.
✨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 Armstrong Vets.
✨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 Armstrong Vets.
