Job Type
12-Month Fixed-Term Contract – Maternity Cover
Start Date
Provisionally December 2026
About the Role
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join a proudly independent, family-owned small animal practice on a 12-month maternity cover contract.
The practice is looking for a friendly and enthusiastic vet who enjoys a good balance of consultations and surgery and values having the clinical freedom and time to work cases up properly.
Ideally, you'll have at least four years' experience and be confident with routine first opinion medicine and surgery. An interest or strength in internal medicine would be particularly welcomed, although this isn't essential.
About the Practice
This established independent practice operates across multiple sites, providing high quality veterinary care to a loyal and engaged client base.
As a family-owned practice, the team places a strong emphasis on:
- Clinical freedom
- Continuity of care
- High clinical standards
- Personal client relationships
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Supportive working relationships
You’ll be supported by an experienced team of Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Nurses and support colleagues, with modern facilities and equipment available to work cases up to a high standard.
Working Pattern
- 12-month FTC
- Provisionally starting December 2026
- Full-time preferred
- Part-time applications considered
- 4-day working week
- Fixed day off each week
- Mixture of consultations and surgery
- 1 in 5 Saturdays
- Saturday hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm
- No OOH
About You
- RCVS Registered Veterinary Surgeon
- Ideally 4+ years' experience
- Confident with first-opinion consultations
- Comfortable with routine surgery
- Strong clinical and client communication skills
- Values continuity of care
- Enjoys working cases up thoroughly
- Friendly, enthusiastic and collaborative
- Interest or experience in internal medicine advantageous but not essential
Key Responsibilities
- Small animal consultations
- Routine surgery
- Medical case management
- Diagnostic work-ups
- Developing treatment plans
- Providing continuity of care
- Building strong relationships with clients
- Working collaboratively with the wider clinical and nursing team
- Maintaining high standards of patient and client care
What Makes This Role Different?
- Independent, family-owned practice
- 4-day working week
- Fixed day off
- No out-of-hours
- Only 1 in 5 Saturdays
- Clinical freedom
- Opportunity to work cases up to a high standard
- Strong emphasis on continuity of care
- Experienced and supportive clinical team
- Modern facilities and equipment
- Loyal and engaged client base
- Part-time applications considered
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary DOE
- Paid RCVS membership
- Paid VDS membership
- Supportive and collaborative working culture
- Clinical freedom within an independent practice
- Modern facilities and equipment
- 4-day working week
- No OOH
About the Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon looking for a 12 month maternity cover position from December 2026. With a 4-day week, no OOH, only 1 in 5 Saturdays and genuine clinical freedom, the role offers an attractive working pattern within a friendly, family-owned independent practice where continuity and high quality veterinary care are genuinely valued.
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Veterinary Surgeon in Chesterfield employer: MedMatch Vets
Join an established independent veterinary hospital in North West England, where you will be part of a dedicated emergency and critical care team. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through CPD opportunities and a generous benefits package including private healthcare and a bonus scheme, this role offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in veterinary nursing while enjoying a balanced rota of 7 nights on and 14 nights off.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon in Chesterfield
✨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 MedMatch 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 MedMatch Vets
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at MedMatch 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 MedMatch 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 MedMatch 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 MedMatch Vets.
