Room to develop. People to learn from. A practice to feel at home in.
Debenham Vets is an advanced practice where a rewarding clinical role can leave room for life beyond work. You’ll join an independent practice where a part‑time position brings varied cases, a dedicated procedures day and plenty of opportunities to develop alongside experienced colleagues.
Based in the Suffolk countryside, this privately owned, independent practice combines first‑opinion care with established referral services in beautiful surroundings. There’s expertise to draw on, space to share ideas and a team that genuinely enjoys working together. It’s a place where you can build your confidence, develop your interests and feel your contribution is valued.
More opportunities to learn, every day
Working alongside first‑opinion and referral colleagues creates regular opportunities to discuss cases, explore treatment options and build your confidence.
Our referral services include:
- Ophthalmology
- Soft tissue surgery and orthopaedics
- Radioactive iodine
- Dermatology
You’ll also have access to facilities including CT, endoscopy, laparoscopy and a well‑equipped in‑house laboratory, helping you investigate cases thoroughly and develop your clinical interests.
The first‑opinion service is led by Heather Collinson, an experienced clinician with a certificate in small animal medicine, working alongside a team of five vets with a wide range of interests and additional qualifications in imaging, emergency care, feline medicine, neurology and cardiology.
Whether you’re working through a challenging case or keen to explore a particular area, there are knowledgeable colleagues around you to help.
A team that shares its knowledge
Clinical discussion is part of everyday life at Debenham. Fortnightly clinical governance meetings, case discussions and paper reviews give everyone the opportunity to contribute, while weekly practice meetings keep the wider team connected.
You’ll work closely with a large, experienced nursing team, with Senior RVNs leading areas including anaesthesia, imaging, wards, pharmacy, surgical referrals and first‑opinion theatre work. Several nurses also hold additional qualifications in areas such as emergency and critical care, feline nursing, behaviour, anaesthesia and imaging.
That shared expertise is matched by a friendly, supportive culture. From recognising colleagues through the Above & Beyond Award to getting together for practice events, bake‑offs and seasonal challenges, people here make time for each other.
A part‑time role with clinical variety
We’re looking for a vet who has completed their VetGDP, is comfortable with general practice and would enjoy continuing to develop within a collaborative team.
You’ll work 2–3 days per week, including a dedicated procedures day, giving you a mix of consulting and practical clinical work.
The role includes a share of the on‑call rota: 1:6 weekends and four weeknights over six weeks. You’ll be supported by the wider clinical team and experienced nurses, so you’re never managing things alone. A calm, confident nursing presence and clear communication channels help ensure continuity of care and strong inpatient monitoring throughout the night.
Support for your next step
Your development matters here. CPD is actively encouraged, supported and funded, and certificates are supported for those looking to pursue further qualifications.
In‑house learning and events in the practice’s dedicated function room provide further opportunities to exchange knowledge and learn together.
As one team member puts it: “You can push your skills to the level you want.”
Enjoy Suffolk, your way
Countryside walks, nearby villages and trips to the coast offer plenty of ways to enjoy your time away from the practice. You’re also within reach of Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Norwich and London, whether you’re looking for a day out or a change of pace.
The role and benefits
- Salary: £44,000–£80,000 FTE
- Hours: Part‑time, 2–3 days per week, including a dedicated procedures day
- On‑call: 1:6 weekends, plus four weeknights over six weeks
- Holiday: Five weeks’ holiday plus bank holidays
- Professional fees: Paid
- CPD: Actively encouraged, supported and funded
- Staff discounts: Available following successful completion of your probationary period
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Contact Details:
Debenham Veterinary Practice Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Part-time Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon
✨Tip Number 1: Tap into Local Medical Networks
Get involved with local medical associations and community health groups. They often have listings for part-time gigs and can help you connect with other healthcare professionals who might know of opportunities, like those at Debenham Veterinary Practice.
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Medical Conferences and Workshops
Look for medical conferences or workshops happening in your area. These events are goldmines for networking and can help you meet potential employers. You might just bump into someone from Debenham Veterinary Practice looking for a part-time physician.
✨Tip Number 3: Volunteer for Health Initiatives
Consider volunteering at local clinics or health fairs. Not only does it boost your visibility, but it also shows your commitment to the community and can lead to part-time job offers. Plus, you may get a chance to showcase your skills to someone from Debenham Veterinary Practice!
✨Tip Number 4: Use Our Portal to Your Advantage
Apply directly through our website for part-time positions at Debenham Veterinary Practice. We streamline the process for you, making it easier to reach out and show your interest. Don't forget to personalise your application and highlight your relevant experience!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Specialisation:When applying for a part-time role like this, make sure to clearly state your medical specialisation in your CV. We want to see any specific qualifications and experiences that relate to the type of medicine you practice. This will help us quickly gauge how you fit into our team at Debenham Veterinary Practice.
Show Your Flexibility:Part-time positions often require a degree of adaptability. In your cover letter, get into details about your availability and willingness to cover shifts or adapt your schedule. This can really help us understand how well you might slot into the needs of Debenham Veterinary Practice.
Include Relevant Certifications:Don’t forget those vital certifications! Make sure to list any relevant medical certificates, training, or professional memberships in your application. These documents show your commitment to ongoing professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
Personalise Your Approach:When you apply, make sure to tailor your cover letter specifically to Debenham Veterinary Practice. Mention why you’re excited about working with us and how your background aligns with our mission. A personal touch goes a long way in helping us see the real you behind the qualifications!
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenham Veterinary Practice
✨Brush Up on Your Clinical Knowledge
As a physician applying for a part-time role at Debenham Veterinary Practice, it's crucial to be ready for clinical scenario questions. Expect to discuss your approach to diagnosis and patient management in detail, so revise the latest guidelines and evidence-based practices in your specialty.
✨Emphasise Experience in a Part-Time Setting
Part-time positions may require you to balance different responsibilities, so share examples of how you've effectively managed your time in previous roles. Highlight any experiences that showcase your flexibility and how you prioritised patient care while juggling other commitments.
✨Prepare for Ethical Dilemmas
In interviews for medical roles, especially in the current climate, ethical questions often come up. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle specific cases or ethical dilemmas that could arise while working part-time at Debenham Veterinary Practice. This shows your critical thinking and commitment to patient welfare.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in medicine. Be ready to talk about how you've effectively communicated with patients and healthcare teams in the past. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to connect with patients, especially in a part-time setting where you might not always see them regularly.
