Veterinary Surgeon

Job Description

Introduction
Our Client’s practice is a growing small animal practice located in Totton, Hampshire, on the edge of the New Forest National Park. Established seven years ago with a strong focus on community-based veterinary care, the practice offers a welcoming and collaborative environment supported by a highly experienced clinical team. The practice benefits from advanced surgical expertise, including referral-level orthopaedic and soft tissue procedures, alongside a varied caseload that includes exotic species.

The team prides itself on maintaining a supportive culture where professional development and clinical interests are genuinely encouraged. With excellent client retention, a friendly atmosphere and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, this is an ideal opportunity for a Veterinary Surgeon looking to develop their career within a progressive and well-equipped practice.

Working Hours / Rota
The role offers a healthy work-life balance with a 4-day working week and just 1 in 4 Saturday mornings from 9am – 12pm. There are no out-of-hours duties.

The day is structured with morning consultations from 9am – 12pm alongside surgical procedures between 11am – 2pm, followed by a proper lunch break and admin time. Afternoon consultations begin at 3pm, with the final appointment scheduled at 6pm. Although the practice closes at 7pm, vets typically leave between 6:15pm and 6:30pm.

Role Description
This position would suit an experienced Veterinary Surgeon seeking a supportive environment to further develop their clinical interests. The successful candidate will be confident with consultations, routine surgery and occasional sole charge responsibilities.

The practice would particularly welcome someone with a medical bias or interest in imaging or cardiology, with genuine support available to expand these services further through equipment investment and certificate funding. There is also the opportunity to work with exotic species for candidates with a passion in this area, although this is not essential.

The varied caseload includes advanced soft tissue surgery, orthopaedics and emergency medicine cases, creating an engaging and rewarding clinical environment with excellent opportunities for progression.

Team Size
The practice has a close-knit and highly experienced team including an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery, experienced RVNs, Student Veterinary Nurses, VCAs and a dedicated reception team. The nursing team alone brings over 50 years of combined experience and includes trained clinical coaches supporting nurse training within the practice.

The team also benefits from visiting orthopaedic surgeons and strong support from the wider Pets at Home network while maintaining clinical independence within the practice.

Practice Details
The practice is exceptionally well-equipped and performs a wide variety of advanced procedures including orthopaedics and soft tissue surgeries, while also accepting referrals from local practices. The clinical leadership team holds postgraduate certificates in emergency medicine and surgery, soft tissue surgery and orthopaedic surgery.

As a Nurse Training Practice, there is a strong emphasis on mentorship, development and collaborative working. The practice also treats exotic species, supported by team members with zoology backgrounds and previous zoo experience.

Located close to Southampton and the New Forest National Park, the practice offers an excellent balance between career development and lifestyle opportunities.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be an experienced Veterinary Surgeon who is confident in consultations, routine surgery and occasional sole charge duties. Applicants should have excellent communication skills, a collaborative approach and a passion for delivering outstanding patient and client care.

The practice is particularly interested in candidates with a medical bias or interests in imaging or cardiology, although all clinical interests will be supported and encouraged. A willingness to grow professionally, contribute positively to the team and embrace the varied caseload is essential. An interest in exotics would be welcomed but is by no means required.

This is just some of the information about the job and company, but there will be more questions. Tempus Veterinary Recruitment is happy to get those questions answered for you during the recruiting process. Tempus Veterinary Recruitment is here to make the recruiting process simple and stress free.

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