Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You’ll be joining a 14-vet team at this long-established independent practice in historic Droitwich, working a manageable 4-day week (Monday–Thursday, 8:30 am–6:30 pm) with a fixed day off and zero overnight on-call commitments. Weekend rotas are shared on a 16-week cycle: two Saturday shifts (8:30 am–4:30 pm) and two weekend pairs (Saturday 8:30 am–4:30 pm, Sunday 10 am–2 pm). This is a role for someone with experience who wants to develop their surgical or medical interests within a supportive, genuinely collaborative environment—without the pressure of financial targets or corporate upselling.

The practice operates across three locations: the flagship Hanbury Road surgery in Droitwich (purpose-built with dedicated orthopaedic and soft tissue theatres), a branch on the outskirts of Worcester, and a clinic in Wychbold. The small animal side has flourished since the large animal and equine departments moved to separate premises in 2020, leaving plenty of space and capacity for the specialist work you’ll be involved in.

Located in the beautiful spa town of Droitwich with the Malvern Hills on your doorstep, you’ll enjoy excellent connectivity: just two miles from the M5, 15 minutes’ drive to Worcester Cathedral, and 20 minutes by train to Birmingham city centre. If you fancy London, the new high-speed rail links get you there in under two hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal veterinary care across the practice’s three locations, working within a supportive multi-disciplinary team
• Contribute to the practice’s in-house surgical and medical caseload, including complex procedures such as orthopaedic surgery, soft tissue work, and dentistry
• Work collaboratively with five certificate-holder colleagues (specialisms in surgery, orthopaedics, medicine, dermatology, and exotics) and visiting specialists including a cardiology consultant, ophthalmologist, and chartered physiotherapist
• Engage in hands-on mentoring with external specialists (Ryan Davis and Rob Hamilton of MSM Vets) on advanced procedures including liver lobectomies and rhinoscopy
• Participate in continuing professional development and specialist training, with practice investment and support tailored to your career interests
• Provide clinical cover on a 16-week weekend rota; handle rare on-call phone triage (one 7 pm finish every two weeks) with RVN backup for overnight inpatients

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (MRCVS) with some post-graduation experience
• Valid RCVS registration and professional indemnity insurance
• Keen to develop skills in surgical and/or medical cases within a hands-on learning environment
• Commitment to high clinical standards and evidence-based practice
• Ability to work independently and as part of a larger team; receptive to mentorship and peer learning
• Certificate holders or Advanced Practitioners particularly welcome (enhanced salary negotiable)

Benefits

• Salary: £45,000–£75,000 depending on experience; enhanced salary negotiable for certificate holders and Advanced Practitioners
• Work-life balance: 4-day working week with fixed day off; no overnight on-call (Vets Now handles all emergencies); staggered consulting and theatre times allow proper admin and phone time
• Leave: Five weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Professional development: Flexible CPD allowance; specialist certificates fully supported and funded; no request for training or equipment is off-limits
• Professional fees: RCVS, VDS, BVA, and one additional membership paid by the practice
• Facilities and resources: Access to two laparoscopic kits, dental x-ray, gastroscopy, dual ultrasound machines, surgical microscope with camera, and dedicated orthopaedic/soft tissue theatre suite
• Mentoring and learning: Regular access to visiting specialists; hands-on training with advanced surgical mentors; supportive senior vet backup always available
• Culture: Clinical freedom, no sales targets, family-friendly atmosphere, and a genuinely sociable team

About the Practice

MacArthur Barstow & Gibbs (MBG) is an independent, vet-owned practice established in 1954, serving the Droitwich and Worcester area for over 60 years. The practice remains proudly independent and free from corporate ownership, allowing vets to develop their own clinical interests and specialisms. The small animal division operates from three purpose-built locations with the latest innovations in veterinary medicine, including a brand-new orthopaedic and soft tissue theatre suite completed in 2018.

The team includes 14 small animal vets (five of whom hold advanced certificates), nine qualified RVNs, two student nurses, and a dedicated support team. The practice regularly hosts visiting specialists including a cardiology consultant (Mark Patterson, RCVS Specialist), ophthalmologist Jeremy Wills, chartered physiotherapist Rhiannon Bradford, and external surgical mentors. The caseload is varied and complex, with a strong emphasis on in-house management of surgical and medical cases rather than external referral. The practice is deeply embedded in the local community, sponsoring agricultural shows and running community events.