Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time 35 hours per week (expected to participate in a clinical rota Monday to Saturday)
What would your next role look like if hands-on veterinary care, supporting others and a meaningful animal welfare mission came together? At the USPCA, you can put all three into practice as our Senior Veterinary Surgeon in Newry.
You’ll lead and mentor our veterinary surgeons in a busy first-opinion practice, working alongside the Practice Manager and wider team to deliver safe, high-quality, accessible care. Your work will span private clients’ pets, animals in our shelter and injured wildlife - connecting your clinical skills directly with the USPCA’s mission to prevent cruelty and relieve suffering.
This is a hands-on leadership role: from consultations and surgery to guiding complex clinical decisions, developing colleagues and helping shape our clinical services. You’ll bring compassionate judgement, strong surgical skills and a practical understanding of running a sustainable veterinary service.
Could this be your next step?
We’re looking for an RCVS-registered veterinary surgeon with at least five years’ postgraduate small animal experience, including complex procedures, proven team management skills and recent financial management experience in a commercial veterinary practice.
You don’t need a charity-sector background to bring valuable experience: charity and shelter medicine experience, along with additional surgical qualifications, are desirable rather than essential. Please see the job description and person specification for the full requirements, including a full UK driving licence, access to transport and willingness to travel.
Our package includes:
- Salary of £50,000-£62,000 per annum
- 25 days annual leave, plus 10 statutory holidays
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Senior Veterinary Surgeon employer: USPCA
The USPCA is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in animal welfare. As a Trustee, you will join a passionate team dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of animals across Northern Ireland, while also developing your leadership and governance skills. With a strong commitment to ethical practices and community engagement, the USPCA offers a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy through compassionate public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Veterinary Surgeon
✨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 USPCA 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 USPCA
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at USPCA. 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 USPCA.
✨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 USPCA.
✨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 USPCA.
