Veterinary Surgeon – Surgery Focus

About the Role

This is a full-time position at a thriving 24-hour small animal hospital in Dorchester, where you’ll take a lead role in developing both orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery caseloads. You’ll work within a highly skilled, supportive team of certificate holders spanning cardiology, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, dermatology, emergency and critical care, and dentistry. The role carries a surgical bias, but you’ll also deliver first-opinion consultations and manage medical cases—the successful candidate thrives in both the consulting room and theatre.

This is a genuine opportunity to grow your surgical portfolio while being part of something bigger. The practice supports five Medivet locations with out-of-hours care, meaning you’re contributing to a wider clinical community with access to ongoing CPD and collaborative learning.

You’ll be based in the charming Dorset market town of Dorchester, offering an excellent quality of life alongside clinical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead surgical cases including orthopaedics and soft tissue procedures, with support available for complex presentations
• Deliver first-opinion consultations and manage medical and surgical inpatient care
• Work collaboratively with the multi-disciplinary team, including ECC-certified night vets and experienced nursing staff
• Develop tailored treatment plans and maintain exceptional client communication
• Contribute to the wider Medivet clinical community through case discussions and knowledge sharing
• Maintain highest standards of regulatory and operational compliance

Requirements

• Qualified MRCVS (UK registration required)
• Minimum 4 years’ proven UK veterinary experience
• Strong surgical interest with proven orthopaedic or soft tissue surgery experience
• Surgical certificate holder preferred (e.g., RCVS diploma or equivalent)
• Enthusiasm for both first-opinion consultations and surgical theatre work
• Team player committed to clinical excellence and client care
• Strong communication and case management skills

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £60,000–£90,000 per annum depending on experience and qualifications
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance and Health Cash Plan from day one; 24/7 counselling and wellbeing support; Life Assurance (3× salary)
• Annual Leave: 5 weeks plus bank holidays, rising with service; additional ‘Day for You’ paid day off
• Professional Development: £1,500 CPD allowance plus 3 days’ paid leave per year; access to Clinical Communities and internal CPD; funded certificates and internal career pathways
• Professional Fees: RCVS, VDS, and BVA fees paid
• Additional Support: Relocation support and visa sponsorship available; sabbatical options based on length of service
• Lifestyle Perks: Cycle to Work scheme; Season Ticket loans; discounts on Medivet products and services

About the Practice

Medivet Dorchester 24 Hour is a modern, fully equipped small animal hospital with exceptional clinical facilities. The hospital features a CT scanner, two sterile surgical suites, laparoscopic equipment, digital x-ray and ultrasound, dental x-ray, endoscopy, dedicated in-house laboratory, hydrotherapy unit (staffed two days weekly), peripatetic physiotherapist, and isolation facilities. Separate dog and cat wards maintain ISFM Silver Cat Friendly status. The practice operates 24/7 with ECC-certified night vets and experienced nursing staff, providing both first-opinion and out-of-hours referral care to five Medivet locations across the region.

As part of the Medivet Group, the practice is supported by a wider network of clinical communities, internal mentorship, and career development pathways.