Veterinary Surgeon – Mixed Practice
Location: Fordingbridge, with occasional visits to Cranborne
Contract: 6‑month fixed‑term
Salary: up to £60,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
About the Practice
Part of the IVC Evidensia network, the main site is in Fordingbridge on the edge of the New Forest. The practice offers a mixed caseload and a supportive, experienced team.
Responsibilities
- Provide veterinary care across a mixed caseload (70% small animal, 15% farm, 15% equine). Small‑animal duties include a dedicated surgery day each week for routine procedures such as dental, neuters and lumpectomies.
- Perform farm work centred on smallholdings, beef farms and sheep.
- Manage an equine caseload largely consisting of leisure horses; the role may be tailored to exclude equine work if preferred.
- Utilise practice facilities including digital radiography, dental radiography, ultrasound, IDEXX blood analysers, VETSCAN IMAGYST laboratory, digital endoscopy and newly installed equine dental equipment.
- Collaborate with a visiting orthopaedic surgeon and the wider practice team.
- Fulfil on‑call duties with a shared practice vehicle; a valid driving licence is required.
Practice Hours & On‑Call
- Full‑time: 4 days a week.
- Part‑time: 20+ hours per week considered.
- One weeknight on‑call shift per week.
- On‑call rota includes 1 in 4 weekend shifts, Saturday morning consultations (9:00‑13:00) and 1 in 4 out‑of‑hours roster.
- Participation in the 1 in 4 out‑of‑hours rota is mandatory, including for part‑time applicants.
- Small animal out‑of‑hours, excluding inpatients, covered by a local out‑of‑hours provider.
- Contract duration: 6 months.
Make a Difference
Collaborate with the wider team to maintain high standards of patient and client care, develop your clinical skills, share knowledge and positively contribute to the clinical culture.
Qualifications & Experience
- Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility to register) with the RCVS.
- Experience in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases.
- Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues.
- Proactive approach to learning, openness to feedback and development.
- Professionalism, reliability, ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Passion for delivering excellent patient and client care.
Support & Development
- Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles.
- CPD allowance, funded learning and access to IVC Academy training centres and role‑relevant courses.
- £1,250 annual Care Fund for each vet.
- Mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks.
- Support to develop clinical interests and expand capabilities.
- Values‑led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement.
Benefits & Perks
- 6.6 weeks holiday including bank holidays.
- 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.
EEO Statement
We welcome applications from all suitable candidates. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, gender, disability or any other protected characteristic.
Contact Details:
Pilgrims Vets, Fordingbridge Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Mixed Practice in Fordingbridge
✨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 Pilgrims Vets, Fordingbridge 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 Pilgrims Vets, Fordingbridge
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Pilgrims Vets, Fordingbridge. 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 Pilgrims Vets, Fordingbridge.
✨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 Pilgrims Vets, Fordingbridge.
✨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 Pilgrims Vets, Fordingbridge.
