Surgical Lead Veterinary Surgeon
Kidderminster | Up to £75,000 FTE, depending on experience | Full or part time
Build your surgical skills, shape the care available in practice and make room for life outside work. This Surgical Lead Veterinary Surgeon role offers a genuinely flexible rota, including the option of school hours, with no out-of-hours work and occasional Saturday mornings capped at one in four.
An established, growing veterinary practice is looking for a vet with a surgical bias to lead the development of its surgical offering. With a new Practice Owner driving the practice forward and a stable, experienced clinical team alongside you, this is an opportunity to take on meaningful clinical responsibility while continuing to develop your own expertise.
The role
You’ll take the lead on surgery within the practice, helping to broaden the treatments available and maintain high clinical standards. Alongside managing surgical cases, you’ll support junior colleagues through mentoring, sharing knowledge and helping them build confidence in their clinical decisions.
The varied and growing caseload includes small furries, exotics and dentistry, supported by an established client base. There is space to develop individual clinical interests, with facilities to nurture different strengths and ambitions.
This role would suit a veterinary surgeon who enjoys surgery and wants to develop that interest further while helping others progress. Relevant surgical experience, sound clinical judgement and a thoughtful approach to patient care and colleague development would provide a strong foundation.
Support and development
You’ll join an approved training practice led by an owner with a background spanning veterinary nursing support and veterinary medicine, who is also a Vet GDP Advisor and trained Mental Health First Aider.
Career progression is evident across the practice: four nurses initially joined as locums before taking permanent positions, and a colleague has progressed from veterinary care assistance into student nursing. A generous CPD allowance and funding towards certificates will support your own next steps.
Consultation lengths can vary to reflect individual working styles. Breaks and an hour’s lunch are built into the day, and regular catch-ups after morning consultations give colleagues time to share ideas. Appointments finish half an hour before closing, allowing time to catch up before heading home.
Flexibility and benefits
Full- and part-time hours can be considered, including school-hours arrangements. The rota is predominantly weekdays, with no out-of-hours commitment and Saturday mornings no more frequently than one in four.
The package includes a salary of up to £75,000 FTE, depending on experience, access to private health insurance and a contributory pension. Holiday starts at 5.6 weeks, increasing to 6.6 weeks after two years’ service, with an additional day’s leave for your birthday. RCVS, BVA and VDS membership fees are paid. Further benefits include wellbeing support and pastoral care through a rewards hub, colleague assistance programmes, a cycle-to-work scheme and a 20% discount across associated veterinary, pet retail and grooming services.
You must be a qualified Veterinary Surgeon and eligible to register with the RCVS to be considered for this role.
Veterinary Surgeon - Surgical bias employer: Vetted Recruitment
Join a leading veterinary practice in the picturesque County Durham, where you can thrive as a Head Veterinary Surgeon. With a strong emphasis on patient care and employee development, we offer a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and continuous learning. Enjoy flexible working arrangements, generous benefits including CPD allowances and wellbeing support, and the opportunity to shape the future of veterinary care while making a meaningful impact on both colleagues and patients.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Surgical bias
✨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 Vetted Recruitment 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 Vetted Recruitment
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Vetted Recruitment. 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 Vetted Recruitment.
✨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 Vetted Recruitment.
✨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 Vetted Recruitment.
