Bicester Vets: Veterinary Surgeon Role
The Position
Bicester Vets is looking for a full-time small animal vet to join our dedicated team of 14 vets.
About Us
Bicester Vets is an independent RCVS Small Animal Hospital which has recently changed to anEmployee Ownership model. Our single site practice has been at its current location for nearly 50years and has developed from a general mixed practice to a large, high-quality small animal hospitalwith over 50 team members, overnight nursing care and a solid desire to do the best we can for ourclients and their pets.
We have recently completed a major redevelopment which has given us brand new spacious dog, cat,exotic and isolation wards. Our new CT scanner has been enhancing our imaging capabilities sinceearly 2025. We now have a third operating space and an additional room for scanning/procedures.The recently upgraded waiting room is modern and comfortable with a separate cat friendly area.
Our Team
At Bicester Vets you will find a friendly, welcoming team. An ethos of helpful, collaboration will ensurethat experienced vets and new graduates will both fit in easily. Morning rounds provides a livelydiscussion on in-patients and a chance for any quick updates for the day. Generally, three vets will beconsulting for the morning session whilst four will be operating. You’ll find a wealth of experience inour team to ensure you never feel on your own.
Our nursing team, the majority of which trained at Bicester Vets, are brilliant at ensuring your day runssmoothly; preparing your work site, taking pre-anaesthetic bloods & placing IVs to ensure your patient is ready when you are. Our dedicated reception team will ensure consulting periods run smoothly andassist you with administrative tasks.
“As a practice we are proud to have an excellent array of equipment combined with a hardworking, talented team which allows us to offer a service nearing that of referral centres.Coming to Bicester Vets as a new graduate and now being a 10-year qualified surgicalcertificate holder here, I can vouch for it being a supportive place to both learn as a recentgraduate but also have the caseload and environment to remain stimulated and engaged asan experienced vet.”
“With recent expansions and the addition of our CT scanner, Bicester Vets continues to offeran exceptional level of care to our amazing client base and an exciting opportunity to vetswanting to thrive in their career.” Kyra Jennings BVM BVS PGCertSA Surgery MRCVS Nottingham 2016
We have veterinary certificate holders in Anaesthesia, Emergency & Critical Care, Medicine,Cardiology and Surgery. There is a wealth of knowledge in soft tissue & orthopaedic surgery, medicineand diagnostics including general ultrasound and echocardiography. Our in-house lab includesextensive biochemistry and haematology, urinalysis including automated sediment examination,clotting parameters, electrolytes, blood gases and T4. Doing our own after hours ensures vets canwork up and treat their own cases to the level the owner desires. There are also a good selection ofreferral practices within easy reach when required, including Willows (Solihull), The Ralph (Marlow),Hamiltons (High Wycombe) & Eastcott (Swindon).
The Vet team regularly have social catch ups outside of work and you’ll find them making extra effortsto ensure you settle into our friendly town. We are fortunate to have many great restaurants and pubswithin a quick walk of the practice.
Outside of Bicester and its world-famous shopping outlet (Bicester Village) there is the beautiful city of Oxford with its “dreaming spires” and lively nightlife a quick bus ride away. We have the choice of 2 train stations which will get you to London Marylebone in as little as 45mins or Birmingham centre in 1 hour. A quick drive west will get you to Burford or Stow on the Wold in the beautiful Cotswolds.
“After spending a few summers of EMS at Bicester Vets as a student, I knew a career here could help me develop intothe great vet I hoped to be. I felt like part of the team from day one and have had great support throughout.
“With the encouragement and support of some wonderful colleagues, I have just completed my Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. Thanks to this additional knowledge, skills and the support of my colleagues, I have loved performing new and complex surgeries, helping to make this career incredibly fulfilling.” Dr Lauren Furey BVM&S (Edin 2020)
About You
We are looking for a full-time vet who is happy to join our out-of-hours rota on a 1 in 8 basis as outlined elsewhere. Doing our own after-hours work creates a better experience & case continuity for our patients and gives an excellent opportunity for vets to gain knowledge, skills and independence.
You will need to be a team player, looking for a role where you will find friends as well as colleagues. You will be open to new ideas and be willing to share your thoughts about cases with the experienced team around you. If you have veterinary experience, then we’d like you to share your knowledge so that we can learn also.
You will need to be a hard worker who isn’t afraid of challenging cases, and you must be prepared to develop your surgical, imaging, diagnostic and dentistry skills to ensure you can provide the very best care for our patients.
For a new graduate we will provide mentoring and support, back-up on call and a large variety of cases to develop your skills and confidence quickly and smoothly.
“I think we are a good team, helping each other out, collaborating with cases so that we all learn, and do the best for our patients. There is an atmosphere of enthusiasm to learn and develop, as individuals, and as a practice and enjoy a good rapport between ACAs, nurses, vets, reception and office staff. Everyone has pulled together during hard times, through COVID and pressured days; there is support within the practice and from the Directors.” Rachel Marsden – MA VetMB CertVC MRCVS – Advanced Practitioner
Full-time Vet Rota – Currently 1 in 8
- 7 in 8 – standard work week of 4 days 8.30am – 6.30pm (Only 3 days after weekend on call)
- Day off is variable and can be requested in advance to suit your plans
- 1 in 8 – 5 days of night duties
- Mon- 2pm-9pm then on-call overnight
- Tuesday to Friday 4pm-9pm then on-call overnight
- When you arrive, you might help finish off the op list, do a house call, or assist withthe inevitable “emergency”.
- There are repeat prescriptions to complete, perhaps some phone calls
- There are early evening appointments which start at 6.10pm for an hour. These arefollowed by “Red” appointments between 8-9pm which aren’t routinely booked, butare there to enable you to encourage owners to bring ill animals in at a reasonablehour, rather than waiting till midnight to call.
- If things are quiet, then you can leave the practice
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Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Bicester employer: Bicester Vets
Join a leading small animal veterinary practice in the UK, where you will thrive in a supportive environment that prioritises mentorship and professional growth. With access to advanced technology and a commitment to high-quality patient care, this role offers competitive salaries and extensive benefits, making it an excellent choice for both new graduates and experienced vets looking to enhance their skills.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Bicester
✨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 Bicester 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 Bicester Vets
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Bicester 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 Bicester 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 Bicester 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 Bicester Vets.
