Veterinary Surgeon

Southern Veterinary Medical Centre (SVMC) is seeking experienced and dedicated Senior Veterinarian to join our growing veterinary team.

As a 24-hour veterinary medical centre, SVMC provides comprehensive companion animal healthcare, including general medicine, emergency and critical care, diagnostic imaging, surgery and hospitalisation.

The Senior Veterinarian will play an important role in delivering high-quality veterinary care, managing complex medical cases, making independent clinical decisions and providing professional guidance to junior veterinarians and the nursing team.

We believe that veterinarians perform at their best when given the opportunity to develop and practise within their areas of expertise.

We do not expect every veterinarian to be proficient in every discipline of veterinary medicine or to manage cases beyond their training and competency. Instead, we encourage professional development in areas of proven interest and expertise, while maintaining a strong foundation in companion animal medicine, patient care and emergency stabilisation.

This position is ideal for an experienced veterinarian who values clinical autonomy, teamwork, continuous professional development and the opportunity to contribute to the growth of a progressive veterinary medical centre.

Key Responsibilities

1. Clinical Medicine & Case Management

• Independently conduct comprehensive clinical examinations, consultations and patient assessments.
• Diagnose and manage a broad range of medical conditions affecting companion animals.
• Develop appropriate diagnostic, treatment and monitoring plans based on clinical findings and evidence-based veterinary medicine.
• Manage complex medical cases, including patients with multiple underlying conditions or requiring prolonged hospitalisation.
• Exercise sound clinical judgement when making treatment decisions, recognising personal limitations and seeking specialist input or referral when appropriate.
• Ensure continuity of patient care through effective case follow-ups, reassessments and clinical handovers.

2. Emergency & Critical Care

• Assess, triage and stabilise emergency patients presenting with life-threatening conditions, including trauma, respiratory distress, seizures, poisoning, shock and cardiac emergencies.
• Initiate appropriate emergency interventions, including fluid resuscitation, oxygen therapy, airway management and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Manage critically ill and hospitalised patients, including those requiring intensive monitoring and ongoing treatment adjustments.
• Recognise clinical deterioration promptly and initiate appropriate medical interventions.
• Coordinate with the veterinary nursing team to ensure effective emergency response and patient monitoring.
• Provide clear and timely updates to pet owners regarding their pets' condition, prognosis and treatment progress.

Advanced emergency procedures are expected to be performed according to the veterinarian's demonstrated training, experience and competency.

3. Diagnostic Procedures & Clinical Interpretation

• Select and interpret appropriate diagnostic investigations, including haematology, biochemistry, urinalysis, cytology and other laboratory tests.
• Perform or interpret diagnostic imaging, including radiography and ultrasonography, according to individual competency.
• Integrate clinical findings and diagnostic results to establish differential diagnoses and formulate treatment plans.
• Utilise diagnostic equipment appropriately and ensure investigations are performed safely and accurately.
• Recommend further investigations or specialist referrals when clinically indicated.

4. Surgery, Anaesthesia & Pain Management

• Perform surgical procedures within the veterinarian's established scope of practice and surgical competency.
• Provide appropriate pre-operative assessment, perioperative care and post-operative management.
• Develop safe anaesthetic and sedation protocols based on individual patient requirements and clinical risk factors.
• Assess and manage pain using appropriate multimodal analgesic strategies.
• Monitor surgical and anaesthetic patients for complications and ensure appropriate recovery and follow-up care.

Advanced surgical responsibilities, including emergency surgery, are optional and will be aligned with the veterinarian's experience, proficiency and professional interests.

5. Client Communication & Professional Consultation

• Communicate diagnoses, treatment recommendations, prognoses and medical findings clearly and professionally to pet owners.
• Explain available treatment options, associated risks, expected outcomes and estimated costs to support informed decision-making.
• Obtain appropriate informed consent before performing diagnostic investigations, procedures or treatments.
• Provide practical advice on preventive healthcare, nutrition, chronic disease management and post-treatment care.
• Handle sensitive discussions, including poor prognoses, palliative care and euthanasia, with professionalism, empathy and compassion.
• Maintain effective communication with clients throughout hospitalisation, particularly in critical or emergency cases.

6. Clinical Leadership, Mentorship & Team Collaboration

• Provide clinical guidance and professional support to junior veterinarians, veterinary nurses, interns and other clinical team members.
• Assist in supervising clinical activities to maintain patient safety, efficiency and consistent standards of care.
• Promote effective communication, teamwork and accountability among clinical staff.
• Participate in clinical case discussions, treatment planning and collaborative decision-making.
• Support the development and implementation of clinical protocols, standard operating procedures and improvements to hospital practices.
• Foster a positive working environment that encourages professional growth, mutual respect and continuous learning.

7. Medical Documentation & Professional Standards

• Maintain accurate, comprehensive and timely medical records, including clinical findings, diagnoses, treatment plans, procedures and patient progress.
• Ensure appropriate documentation of medications, investigations, client communications and informed consent.
• Maintain proper clinical handovers to ensure continuity of care between shifts.
• Adhere to hospital policies, infection control protocols, professional ethics and applicable veterinary regulations.
• Uphold high standards of patient welfare, clinical responsibility, confidentiality and professional conduct.

8. Professional Development & Special-Interest Practice

• Maintain and continuously improve clinical knowledge through continuing veterinary education, professional training and relevant conferences.
• Develop further proficiency in an area of professional interest, with opportunities to contribute to SVMC's growing multi-special-interest practice.
• Share clinical knowledge and experience through internal case discussions, mentorship and staff training.
• Participate in the development of new clinical services or areas of expertise where appropriate.
• Contribute to SVMC's long-term commitment to advancing veterinary care and clinical excellence.