St Mary's Vets - Ferndown, Ferndown, South West
Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal St Mary's Veterinary Clinic - Ferndown, Dorset
Salary up to £80,000 DOE, Welcome Bonus up to £5,000 and Relocation Allowance up to £5,000
At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK's number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.
St Mary's Vets, part of ivc, have been caring for pets and supporting the local community for many years, building a loyal client base and an excellent reputation along the way.
We're now looking for a Lead Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and supportive team at an exciting time for the practice. With a new chapter beginning alongside our sister practice, Aniwell Vets, this is a fantastic opportunity to play an important part in shaping the future of both practices.
A Clinical Role With Variety & Autonomy
If you enjoy the variety of first-opinion practice, you'll feel right at home here. You'll see a diverse caseload across medicine and surgery, managing cases from initial presentation through to diagnosis and treatment and enjoying the continuity of care that comes with getting to know your patients and clients.
From routine procedures through to emergency and critical care, there's plenty to keep you interested. You'll have the clinical freedom to make decisions and manage your own cases, with an experienced team around you and excellent referral pathways whenever additional support is needed.
Two Practices, One Great Team
As St Mary's and Aniwell come together, you'll have the opportunity to work across two well-established practices and become part of a wider clinical team.
The caseload includes cats, dogs, rabbits and the occasional exotic, giving you plenty of variety while also creating opportunities to share knowledge, learn from colleagues and broaden your experience.
As Lead Vet, you'll also have the chance to contribute your ideas and help shape how the practices develop as they move into this exciting next chapter.
Investing in Our People & Facilities
You'll have access to digital and dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy and a fully equipped in-house laboratory, giving you the tools to provide excellent patient care.
There's also a full refurbishment planned for St Mary's, making this a particularly exciting time to join as we continue to invest in our facilities, our people and the future of the practice.
A Supportive Environment to Thrive
We want our vets to enjoy their work and feel supported to develop. Whether you have a particular clinical interest you'd like to pursue or simply want to continue building your experience, you'll have the support and encouragement to do so.
As Lead Veterinary Surgeon, you'll be able to combine your clinical work with the opportunity to help shape the practice, while working alongside a team that genuinely values collaboration and shared ideas.
A Work-Life Balance That Works
We know flexibility matters, so full-time hours can be worked across four or five days, with part-time applications also welcomed. The rota includes just 1:3 Saturday mornings (8:30am-12:30pm), with no out-of-hours or on-call commitments, giving you plenty of time to enjoy life outside the practice.
Nestled on the edge of the beautiful Dorset countryside, Ferndown offers a fantastic balance of relaxed living and excellent connectivity. You'll be just a short drive from the award-winning beaches of Bournemouth, the stunning New Forest National Park and the Jurassic Coast, making it an ideal location for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. With a variety of cafés, shops, highly regarded schools and easy access to Southampton and Poole, Ferndown offers an exceptional lifestyle.
How We'll Support You
At inspiring vet care, we're committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you'll benefit from:
- 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
- A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
- BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees
- Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
- Retail discounts and cashback offers
- Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
We're committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
St Mary's Vets - Ferndown
300 Ringwood Road, Ferndown, BH22 9AS, United Kingdom
At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.
Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Ferndown employer: IVC Evidensia Group
At inspiring vet care, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and inclusive employer, dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of our team. With clear career pathways, funded learning opportunities, and a collaborative culture, our Basingstoke location offers not only a vibrant community but also easy access to beautiful countryside and urban amenities. Join us to make a meaningful impact in veterinary care while enjoying a flexible work-life balance and a welcoming atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Ferndown
✨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 IVC Evidensia Group 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 IVC Evidensia Group
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at IVC Evidensia Group. 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 IVC Evidensia Group.
✨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 IVC Evidensia Group.
✨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 IVC Evidensia Group.
