Surgery Specialist - VRH Dandenong

Veterinary Surgery Specialist | Open to Locum & Permanent

The Veterinary Referral Hospital (VRH) is seeking a Veterinary Specialist Surgeon to join our established surgical team within one of Australia's leading multidisciplinary referral hospitals. Our surgery department currently consists of a Specialist Surgeon and Registrar, supported by dedicated and rotating interns and an experienced team of surgical nurses. We work closely with specialists across Anaesthesia, Emergency & Critical Care, Diagnostic Imaging, Neurology, Internal Medicine and Oncology to deliver the highest standard of patient care.

VRH is a multidisciplinary referral hospital and 24/7 Emergency Centre located in Melbourne's south-east. We pride ourselves on delivering patient-focused care, believing that the best outcomes are achieved through collaboration between specialties. Our supportive culture, strong interdepartmental relationships and commitment to clinical excellence make VRH a rewarding and enjoyable place to work.

Our purpose-built hospital is equipped with advanced technology including fluoroscopy, 16-slice CT, 1.5T MRI, digital radiography and a full suite of surgical instrumentation. Surgeons have access to a broad range of specialist orthopaedic and soft tissue equipment, including ILOC interlocking nails, pedicle screw systems, Arthrex SynACART®, Evolox and C-LOX systems, micro total hip replacement equipment, arthroscopy, and laparoscopy/thoracoscopy capabilities.

As a multidisciplinary referral hospital, VRH attracts a diverse and often highly complex caseload. Our surgeons regularly manage challenging orthopaedic and soft tissue cases while benefiting from collaboration with specialist colleagues across multiple disciplines.

About the Surgery Service

The surgery team is well-supported, with approximately two surgical nurses and one intern allocated per surgeon. The department currently includes both a dedicated surgical intern and a rotating intern, creating an environment that supports collaboration, teaching and professional development.

A typical week consists of:

• Two consulting days and two operating days
• Up to three new consultations per consulting day, alongside recheck appointments
• Diagnostic workups and procedures including CT, radiography, biopsies and advanced imaging investigations
• Scheduled surgical procedures as well as emergency surgical cases when required
• Exposure to a varied specialist referral caseload, including many complex cases referred specifically because of VRH's multidisciplinary expertise

While our Neurology service manages a significant proportion of neurosurgical cases, the surgery department maintains a diverse orthopaedic and soft tissue caseload reflective of a busy specialist referral centre.

About You

• ACVS, ECVS or FANZCVS board-certified, or eligible to sit qualifying examinations
• Available to join VRH from December 2026 (flexible for the right candidate)
• Passionate about delivering exceptional patient care
• Collaborative by nature and enjoy working within a multidisciplinary environment
• Keen to contribute to clinical excellence, education and the continued growth of the surgery service

Why Join the VRH Team?

Competitive Remuneration & Professional Development

• Competitive remuneration package
• $5,000 CPD allowance plus study leave
• Veterinary Board registration and/or AVA membership fees covered
• Access to in-house learning opportunities and professional development programs

Work-Life Balance

We recognise the importance of maintaining a sustainable and rewarding specialist career.

• Four-day working week
• Four weeks paid annual leave plus public holidays
• 1 in 7 to 1 in 8 weekend on-call roster
• On-call involvement may include providing advice remotely or attending the hospital when clinically appropriate

Supportive Team Environment

• Collaborative multidisciplinary team with strong relationships across all departments
• Excellent nursing and intern support
• Inclusive and friendly workplace culture focused on wellbeing and work-life balance
• Large staff room with fresh fruit, snacks and espresso coffee made from locally sourced beans

Relocation & Lifestyle

• Relocation assistance and visa support available for eligible candidates
• The opportunity to live and work in Melbourne, one of Australia's most vibrant and liveable cities, offering outstanding lifestyle, education and recreational opportunities

Additional Greencross Benefits

Access to an extensive range of Greencross professional development and wellbeing initiatives, including:

• Paid parental leave
• National retail, travel and health discounts including access to Fitness Passport
• Employee assistance program through Telus Health, providing 24/7 confidential counselling and support for you and your family
• Wellbeing programs and career development opportunities across the wider Greencross network

How to Apply

Please note: This role is a permanent position but we are also open to a locum from December 2026 for a 6-7 month period that can move into a permanent position if then interested!

Apply with your resume and cover letter via this link or contact Sharleen Harman, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, at [email protected] for a confidential discussion.

#VRH