VicVet Emergency & Referral - Opening March 2026
Whittlesea, Melbourne North
At VicVet, we are not just building a hospital, we are building a hub for excellence in veterinary care in Melbourne’s north.
We’re looking for a specialist small animal surgeon to join our brand-new, purpose-built emergency and referral hospital in Whittlesea. More than just filling a role, we want to understand you, your aspirations, your goals, and what a fulfilling career looks like for you.
Why VicVet?
We know many hospitals offer advanced equipment and challenging caseloads. What sets VicVet apart is how we work and why we are here:
Triple-tiered model, one unified team
Work within an integrated service delivering general practice, emergency, and referral care under one banner. You will have continuity of care, diverse caseloads, and a genuine team approach.
Philosophy-driven practice
We are building a culture based on trust, advocacy, and care- for patients, clients, referring vets and each other. Clinical excellence matters, but so does kindness, communication, and sustainable ways of working.
We design the service around our people
Protective rostering, strong nursing support, and leaders who listen. We want you to do your best work and have a life outside of it.
Tailored career development
Whether you are passionate about teaching, clinical leadership, advanced techniques, research, or achieving real work–life balance, we’ll help you grow in the direction that matters to you.
Our purpose-built emergency and referral hospital (opening March 2026) will feature:
* Modern, efficient surgical spaces designed for complex soft-tissue, orthopaedic and minimally invasive procedures.
* High-quality diagnostics including advanced imaging (CT in development plans), digital radiography, ultrasound and in-house lab, integrated with efficient triage and ECC workflows.
* A dedicated, skilled ECC team providing 24/7 support, so your surgical patients receive continuous care.
* Experienced surgery and ECC nurses who thrive on responsibility, learning, and high standards of patient care.
* Access to Apiam’s broader referral network, leadership development and clinical support.
* As the surgery service grows, you’ll help shape intern and future residency pathways, and contribute to building a supportive, high-performing surgical team.
We are committed to building roles that are both clinically rewarding and sustainable:
* A salary of $200,000-$250,000, depending on specialist training and experience.
* Flexible work arrangements – we’ll work with you on rostering and case commitments that support your personal and professional goals.
* Relocation support for interstate or international candidates.
* Generous CPD and development support
* Dedicated CPD allowance
* Paid study/CPD leave
* Access to Apiam’s leadership and clinical development programs
Professional support
* VSB registration and relevant professional memberships supported
* Structured time for teaching, clinical rounds and case discussions
Wellbeing & leave
* Paid parental leave (in addition to government schemes)
* Paid volunteer leave
* Employee Assistance Program and Mental Health First Aid officers across the network
Perks
* Staff discounts on products and services for your pets
* Flare retail & gym discounts and travel perks
Who you are
* A Board-certified (ACVS/ECVS) or FANZCVS Fellowship-trained specialist in Small Animal Surgery, or a residency-trained surgeon eligible for specialist registration in Victoria.
* You value purpose over ego and care about how medicine is delivered, not just what is done.
* A clear, compassionate communicator who builds strong relationships with clients, staff and referring veterinarians.
* Someone who enjoys collaboration with ECC and general practice teams and wants to be part of a hospital that is growing with intention, not just volume.
* You believe that collaboration, humour, humility, and high standards can absolutely coexist.
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