Vetlink is supporting the recruitment of a specialist small animal surgeon to join a brand-new, purpose-built emergency and referral hospital opening in March 2026 in Melbourne’s northern corridor. This is an opportunity to be part of a thoughtfully designed referral centre from the ground up, with a clear focus on clinical excellence, collaboration and sustainable careers.
The hospital will operate within a triple-tiered service model, delivering general practice, emergency and referral care under one integrated banner. This structure allows for continuity of care, diverse and interesting caseloads, and close collaboration between teams. The practice philosophy is grounded in trust, advocacy and care, not only for patients and clients, but also for colleagues and referring veterinarians. High standards of medicine are paired with kindness, clear communication and a genuine commitment to working well together.
The purpose-built facility has been designed to support complex soft tissue, orthopaedic and minimally invasive procedures, with modern surgical spaces and high-quality diagnostics. Planned and available resources include advanced imaging, digital radiography, ultrasound and in-house laboratory capabilities, integrated with efficient triage and ECC workflows. A dedicated 24/7 emergency and critical care team will provide continuous support for surgical patients, alongside experienced surgery and ECC nurses who value learning, responsibility and high standards of care. As the surgery service grows, there will be scope to contribute to the development of interns, future residency pathways and a high-performing surgical team.
This role would suit a board-certified specialist or fellowship-trained surgeon, or a residency-trained surgeon eligible for specialist registration in Victoria, who values collaboration and purposeful practice. Strong communication skills and a team-first mindset are essential, along with an interest in working closely with ECC and general practice colleagues in a hospital that is growing with intention rather than volume.
The position has been designed to be both clinically rewarding and sustainable. A competitive salary package is offered, commensurate with specialist training and experience, along with flexible work arrangements tailored to your professional and personal goals. Relocation support is available for interstate or international candidates, and generous CPD and development support is provided, including dedicated CPD allowance, paid study leave and access to leadership and clinical development programs. Professional memberships and registration support, structured time for teaching and case discussions, and comprehensive wellbeing initiatives are also included.
Located in Melbourne’s northern growth corridor, the area combines a peaceful, semi-rural feel with space, greenery and a strong sense of community, while still offering convenient access to the city and surrounding amenities.
