JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: VETERINARY SURGEON (ANAESTHESIA INTERN)

REPORTING TO: THE DIRECTORS

FIXED CONTRACT: ONE YEAR

Overview

Our aim within the practice is to treat our patients as though they were our own animals, and to treat our clients in the way we would wish to be dealt with ourselves.

This philosophy should be carried through at all levels, in terms of our demeanour, appearance, professionalism and communication (between vets, clients, external providers such as laboratories and staff). We all have a part to play in ensuring the smooth running of the various aspects of the practice.

Willows is one of the UK’s leading small animal referral centres with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical facilities and renowned specialist staff who are working at the cutting edge of veterinary medicine and surgery. An internship at Willows provides a stepping stone for committed, hard-working individuals to further their career through small animal residency and other postgraduate programmes, both in the UK and overseas. Interns are expected to work to the highest of clinical standards as the philosophy of Willows is “commitment to excellence” in everything we do, including patient care, client care, service to referring veterinary surgeons, care of each other and care of the environment. Support and training will be provided to ensure these standards of clinical excellence are attained.

The anaesthesia internship program

The 12 month internship will involve working closely with all the members of the anaesthesia/analgesia team as well as the other clinicians, interns and residents and the clinical support staff across all our disciplines (orthopaedics, neurology, ophthalmology, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, dermatology, first opinion and diagnostic imaging, including MRI and CT). The intern will have significant involvement in the sedation, induction, maintenance, monitoring, recovery and pain management of anaesthetised patients, as well as assisting with the safe and efficient throughput of sedated and anaesthetised patients through the various areas of the practice. In addition, the intern will assist with the management of critical care cases. There will be exposure to patients undergoing routine as well as complex procedures, and those with both straightforward and complex problems. The anaesthesia team is involved in the pain management of hospitalised patients, and the intern will also have exposure to a pain clinic (including the use of acupuncture) which is run by Anaesthesia and Analgesia Specialist, Karen Walsh BVetMed DVA DipECVAA MRCVS.

The programme involves an averaged one-in-three commitment to out-of-hours work, to support the members of the anaesthesia team, one of whom will also be on call at the same time.

The intern will have the opportunity to be involved in a research or review project (appropriate to a one year post) leading to publication. He or she will have access to a comprehensive library and on-line journals.

Key skills and qualifications

· MRCVS with a minimum of 6 to 12 months post-graduate experience in either small animal or mixed practice, preferably within the UK.

· A professional approach and appearance is expected at all times, including out-of-hours duties.

· Excellent interpersonal skills and a positive friendly attitude are essential for effective teamwork within the practice, together with the ability to make decisions and communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues at all levels.

· Written and spoken English skills must be excellent.

· A commitment to practising the highest standard of veterinary medicine, adhering to the RCVS code of ethics at all times.

Key clinical and administrative tasks

· Provide support for our clinical services as required, with particular responsibility for the anaesthesia team – flexibility to provide support for other disciplines will be expected, should the anaesthesia/analgesia duties be minimal at any time.

· Average 1 in 3 out of hours emergency cover provision with the anaesthesia team.

· Comprehensive hand-over of patients wherever required.

· When dealing with a client who is the owner of a pet being treated by another Willows' clinician or when communicating with a referring veterinary surgeon, ensure that you:

1. say or do nothing which conflicts with communications given to date or planned by the clinician with primary responsibility for the case

2. say or do nothing which undermines the position of the referring veterinary surgeon

· Maintain client/patient/surgical/medical records and make certain all necessary information is kept up to date through established protocols.

· Attend CPD and training opportunities in agreement with the Directors.

· Read, understand and implement the practice’s current clinical, operational, safety and commercial policies.

· Read and understand the Staff Handbook and Health and Safety Manual, ask for clarification if necessary.

· Do nothing which might prejudice the good name of the practice in the eyes of the public or the veterinary profession.

· Read, acknowledge and act upon all internal communication and information.

Accommodation

Accommodation will not be provided.

Uniform

The uniform provided by the practice (consulting tops, theatre scrubs, surgical clogs) should be worn during consultations and surgery. Sensible clean and, where appropriate, polished shoes must be worn (not trainers) and hair of shoulder length or longer must be tied back, with long fringes pinned neatly off the forehead. A smart professional appearance is expected at all times. The wearing of blue denim jeans during working hours is not permitted.

Salary

£25,000 per annum

Holiday / CPD entitlement

Holiday / CPD entitlement is four working weeks. Holidays must be taken in co-ordination and co-operation with the rest of the anaesthesia team. At least 8 week's notice of holiday requests is required. The practice retains the right to refuse holiday requests which clash with those of other relevant members of staff.

CPD allowance

Costs for courses concerned with continuing professional development for Interns will be met by the practice up to a limit of £1220 per annum.

Memberships

The practice will finance membership of MRCVS, VDS plus one other professional body.

Probationary period

New appointments are subject to a three month probationary period. This can be extended if the Directors deem an extension appropriate after initial progress reviews.

Contract

Written terms and conditions will be issued with the placement offer letter and these should be signed and returned with the Intern’s letter of acceptance.

Notice period

Employment can be terminated by either party by giving the other at least one month’s notice in writing. This would not apply in the case of serious misconduct.