At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our specialist team as a Soft Tissue Surgeon, handling complex surgical cases.
- Company: Swift Referrals, a leading multidisciplinary small animal referral practice in Wetherby.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 7.6 weeks annual leave, and flexible working patterns.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with ongoing professional development and fun team activities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in veterinary care while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Residency-trained or board-certified surgeon with soft tissue surgery experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
IVC Evidensia is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners.
At IVC Evidensia, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability and fulfilment at every stage of their career.
About the Role & Practice
We are seeking a residency-trained or board-certified (ECVS/ACVS) Soft Tissue Surgeon to join our growing specialist-led team at Swift Referrals in Wetherby. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a collaborative multidisciplinary referral hospital with a strong reputation for clinical excellence across Northern and Central England.
Swift Referrals is a multidisciplinary small animal referral practice offering services in internal medicine, oncology, soft tissue surgery and orthopaedic surgery, alongside a first opinion out-of-hours service for neighbouring practices.
As our Soft Tissue Referral Surgeon, you will work alongside an experienced team of specialists and hospital clinicians, jointly managing a varied and rewarding soft tissue caseload. Procedures undertaken within the hospital include thoracotomies, BOAS procedures, complex abdominal surgeries including gall‑bladder mucoceles, oncological resections, reconstructive skin flaps and more. Participation in both in‑house and external CPD is strongly encouraged.
We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional clinical standards and customer service, while fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment with a strong team ethos.
How You'll Make a Difference
- Manage a varied and complex soft tissue referral caseload
- Deliver advanced surgical procedures and maintain high standards of patient care
- Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary referral environment
- Provide clinical advice and support to referring veterinary practices
- Support and mentor colleagues through collaboration and knowledge sharing
- Contribute positively to the continued growth and development of the soft tissue service
As the service continues to grow, there is a genuine opportunity for the right individual to progress into a Head of Service role, supporting the continued development and future direction of the soft tissue team and, as the hospital continues to expand, involvement in orthopaedic cases will broaden clinical exposure.
A 4‑day working week (10‑hour shifts, 8 am‑6 pm) offers a strong work‑life balance, alongside participation in a shared on‑call rota currently structured as two nights per week and one in three weekends. With a dedicated out‑of‑hours team in place, this commitment is primarily to provide support to hospital clinicians rather than routine on‑site attendance. Flexible working requests will also be considered where possible.
Location
Swift Referrals is based in Wetherby, ideally situated with excellent access to Leeds, York and Harrogate. The location also offers easy access to the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and the North East coastline, providing an excellent balance between city connectivity and outdoor lifestyle opportunities.
You Might Be a Great Fit If…
- Veterinary degree with RCVS registration
- Residency-trained, board-certified (ECVS/ACVS) or board‑eligible status
- Significant experience in soft tissue surgery within a referral setting
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with clients, referring vets and multidisciplinary teams
- A collaborative, supportive and team‑focused approach
- A commitment to evidence‑based practice, clinical governance and continuous improvement
How We’ll Support You
- The opportunity to work within a well‑supported referral hospital environment with complex and rewarding caseloads
- Support to maintain Specialist or Advanced Practitioner status and remain at the forefront of clinical practice
- Funded learning and development, including access to IVC Academy training centres and specialist programmes
- Generous CPD allowance of £2,000 and 40 hours CPD leave
- Certificates and further study encouraged and funded
- Access to Vetlexicon and research funding opportunities
- £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
- A collaborative, values‑led culture focused on care, learning and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team
- 7.2 weeks annual leave including bank holidays (increasing allowance based on length of service)
- Birthday paid day off
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
- Company pension scheme
- BVA membership and VDS cover
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Green Car salary sacrifice scheme
- Discounted gym membership and wellbeing initiatives
- Voluntary benefits and retailer cashback offers
- Discounted staff pet care
- Service‑related company sick pay
- Sponsorship available for overseas candidates where applicable
Equipment & Facilities
- 128‑slice CT and 1.5 Tesla MRI
- Dedicated soft tissue and orthopaedic theatres
- Full endoscopy suite
- Digital radiography and ultrasonography
- Fully stocked in‑house laboratory
- Large intensive care facility with 24/7 veterinary and nursing supervision
Veterinary Referral Clinician - Surgery - Soft Tissue in Wetherby employer: Swift Referrals
At Swift Referrals, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for our veterinary professionals. Located in the picturesque Wetherby, West Yorkshire, our practice not only provides advanced facilities and a diverse range of cases but also prioritises work-life balance with a flexible 4-day work week and generous leave policies. We are committed to the continuous development of our team through extensive CPD opportunities and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, making us an ideal choice for those seeking a fulfilling career in veterinary surgery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Referral Clinician - Surgery - Soft Tissue in Wetherby
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with fellow vets and professionals in the field. Attend conferences, workshops, or local meet-ups to build relationships. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences and successes in soft tissue surgery. Let them see your passion and expertise shine through.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every practice is unique, so make sure to tailor your conversations and questions to fit Swift Referrals' values and needs. Show that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team at Swift Referrals.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Referral Clinician - Surgery - Soft Tissue in Wetherby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in soft tissue surgery and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at Swift Referrals!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for veterinary medicine and why you’re excited about joining our team. Let us know how you can contribute to our collaborative environment.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:We value teamwork, so don’t forget to mention your collaborative experiences. Highlight instances where you’ve worked well with others, especially in a referral setting, as this is key to our practice.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swift Referrals
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your soft tissue surgery knowledge and recent advancements in the field. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled, as well as any complex procedures you've performed. This will show your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Team Spirit
Since this position requires a collaborative approach, think of examples where you've worked effectively within a team. Highlight your communication skills and how you contribute to a positive work environment. This will resonate well with their emphasis on teamwork.
✨Understand Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Swift Referrals' commitment to excellent patient care and client communication. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to maintaining high clinical standards and customer service.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice, such as their approach to continuing professional development or how they support work-life balance. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
