Virtue Vets, a modern and technology-enabled clinic chain is looking for an ambitious and entrepreneurial Vet Surgeon to join one of their clinics.
We expect Vet Surgeons to progress to Senior Vets in 2-3 years. This includes gaining one or more certifications, AVP and GDP mentor qualifications. Senior Vets must also be proficient at soft tissue surgery and laparoscopy, as well as some orthopedic surgery. We will train you through a combination of CPD and Certifications and through a development program tailored for your and our combined ambitions.
Modern Vetcare For Modern Pets
The clinic operating model is set up to:
- Deliver exceptional quality of care
- Demonstrate empathy for pet owners
- Deliver a premium client experience
- Safeguard the welfare of clinical teams
- Leverage the latest veterinary innovation and digital technology
Successful candidates will work in new, purpose-built clinics in London. The clinics are contemporary, stylish and appeal to a cosmopolitan clientele. They are designed to exceed RCVS recommended standards and basic ergonomic workplace needs. Each site has at least three consult rooms, including a dedicated feline consult. The open-plan prep area with state-of-the art lab equipment is designed to be the hub of communal activity. The prep area feeds an imaging suite, a dental suite and a sterile surgical theatre.
The imaging suite is equipped with state-of-the art integrated X-Ray table, Ultrasound and VVS kit. There are plans to add a CT scanner and an MRI. The positive pressure dental suite has integrated dental tables with X-Ray. The negative pressure surgical suite has multiple tables and laparoscopy/endoscopy kits. Each clinic has a cosy staff room designed to enhance communal bonding and to serve as a chill zone during busy workdays.
The Team
Each site has three or more vets and a similar number of nurses, supported by VCAs and Client Experience Managers. The team is exceptional, as the business has been extremely selective about hiring only the best veterinary professionals in London. Each team member is clinically competent and keen on supporting each other in the workplace.
Must-have Attributes of Successful Candidates
An entrepreneurial nature is a must-have. In practical terms this means:
- Being a self-starter (takes responsibility, gets things done, no hand-holding needed).
- Not set in their ways.
- Willing to do things differently and “not how they have always been done”.
- Comfortable with change, as we optimize our clinical model frequently.
- Comfort with ambiguity and able to deal with imperfection.
- The desire to help improve the clinic’s operational performance in meaningful ways.
- Willingness to work with experienced business managers (non-vets).
- Constructively recognizing, escalating and helping solve clinical problems.
- Not a behind-the-scenes complainer. Not “gossipy”.
- Keenness to grow the clinic by developing relationships with neighbourhood clients.
This role should not be viewed as an 8am-6pm job, but as an opportunity to make a difference, by fixing issues widely prevalent in vetcare.
Therefore, this role is unsuitable for those unwilling to step outside their comfort zone and try something new.
Clinical Skills
Vets should be great at first opinion consults and good at a variety of dentistry and soft tissue surgical procedures, with a desire to gain more surgical skills. They should ideally have a clear idea of which certification and/or further qualifications they would like to gain. They should express strong interest in an area/s they would like to excel in over 2-3 years (e.g. laproscopy, opthalmalogy, dentistry, neurology, oncology, geriatric care etc.). Orthopedic and/or internal medicine experience is a plus, but not required.
People and Protocols
Candidates should have a passion for educating customers about treatment options and preventative care. They must be keen to help develop and use structured clinical protocols. They should act as stewards of a positive and supporting culture and be passionate about caring for their teammates and mentoring junior team members. Being personable (i.e. good with people) is, of course, essential to achieve all of the above.
Hours and Rota
Clinic hours: 08:00 – 19:00 Monday through Sunday.
Shift pattern: generally 5 days x 8 hours per week although you may be asked to work 4 x 10 hours per week. Maximum 40 hours per week including weekend work.
Weekends: Generally 1 in every 3 weekends. Rota notified at least two weeks in advance.