At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in surgeries, patient assessments, and case management in a supportive environment.
- Company: Gainsborough Referrals, an independent small animal referral practice in Lincolnshire.
- Benefits: £40,000 salary, mentorship from specialists, CPD days, and company pension.
- Other info: Join a close-knit team focused on high standards of patient care and practical training.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in surgery and develop your skills with expert guidance.
- Qualifications: Qualified Veterinary Surgeon with MRCVS status and a passion for small animal surgery.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Gainsborough Referrals is looking for a motivated Veterinary Surgeon to join our team as a Surgical Intern. This is a structured 12-month position designed for a vet with a strong interest in small animal surgery who is looking to develop their clinical confidence, surgical knowledge and referral practice experience. The role would suit someone considering a future certificate, internship, residency, or longer-term career in referral surgery.
You will work closely with Jean-Benoit Lefebvre MVDr DipECVS MRCVS, European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, and the wider clinical team. The role will provide exposure to a varied referral caseload, including orthopaedic, soft tissue, spinal/neurology and advanced imaging cases. As a smaller independent referral practice, we are able to offer close supervision, direct access to senior clinicians and meaningful involvement in case management. This is not a sole-charge role and is intended to provide a supportive, practical and clinically valuable step for a vet wanting to progress in surgery.
Key responsibilities
- Assisting with surgical consultations, patient assessments and case work‑up
- Supporting the surgical team with orthopaedic and soft tissue procedures
- Helping with inpatient care, post‑operative monitoring and recovery
- Assisting with diagnostic imaging, including radiography and CT
- Preparing patients for surgery and supporting theatre workflow
- Maintaining accurate clinical records and communication notes
- Taking part in case discussions, teaching sessions and clinical reviews
- Communicating with clients and referring vets under appropriate supervision
- Working closely with the nursing and clinical support teams to deliver high standards of patient care
What we are looking for
We are looking for a qualified Veterinary Surgeon who is enthusiastic, reliable and genuinely interested in small animal surgery. You should have:
- MRCVS status, or eligibility to register with the RCVS
- A strong interest in orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery
- A compassionate and professional approach to patient care
- The ability to work well as part of a close clinical team
- A willingness to learn, ask questions and develop your clinical judgement
- Previous small animal practice experience would be helpful, but the right attitude and interest in surgery are most important
What we offer
- Salary of £40,000 per annum
- 12-month structured surgical internship
- Direct mentorship from a European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery
- Exposure to a varied referral surgical caseload
- Experience with orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, CT and spinal/neurology cases
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- CPD days
- Company pension
- Free on-site parking
About Gainsborough Referrals
Gainsborough Referrals is an independent small animal referral practice based in Lincolnshire. We provide referral services in surgery, neurology/spinal cases and advanced imaging, including CT. We are a small, focused team with a strong emphasis on practical training, supportive case discussion and high standards of patient care. This role offers the right candidate the opportunity to develop in a referral environment while being closely supported by experienced clinicians.
How to apply
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to: rachael@gainsboroughreferrals.co.uk If you wish to discuss the position in more detail or just for an informal chat, please call 01427652121.
Veterinary Surgical Intern employer: Gainsborough Referrals
Gainsborough Referrals is an excellent employer for aspiring Veterinary Surgeons, offering a structured 12-month Surgical Internship that fosters clinical confidence and surgical expertise in a supportive environment. With direct mentorship from a European Specialist and exposure to a diverse caseload, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to high standards of patient care, all within the picturesque setting of Lincolnshire.
