Veterinary Surgeon

SVMC Veterinarian Job Scope & Key Responsibilities

Veterinarian in Southern Veterinary Medical Centre is responsible for providing high-quality

medical care for animals during both routine and emergency situations. This includes diagnostics,

treatment plans, patient care, emergency intervention, and client communication, among other

essential duties.

At our practice, we believe in empowering our team to thrive in areas where they truly excel. We do

not require you to cover all areas or species within veterinary medicine. Instead, we encourage you

to focus on a specific area of interest in which you have proven expertise and proficiency. Our long-

term goal is to establish a multi special-interest practice, where we aim to place you in a role that

aligns with your strengths and interests, rather than requiring you to take on responsibilities in areas

outside of your comfort zone. However, a foundational knowledge of companion animal care will

be necessary before assuming such role. We believe that focusing on your area of expertise not only

enhances confidence but also fosters a positive working environment, ultimately leading to better

outcomes for our patients

The role requires flexibility, responsiveness to emergencies at any hour, and an ability to provide

leadership and coordination within a multi-disciplinary veterinary team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Emergency & Critical Care Management

• Immediate Medical Response: Provide immediate emergency care to animals with trauma,

poisoning, breathing issues, seizures, cardiac arrest, or other life-threatening conditions.

• Stabilisation and Triage: Perform rapid triage to assess the severity of the emergency and

prioritise treatment based on medical need.

• Advanced Life-Saving Procedures: Perform critical care procedures such as CPR,

intubation, chest compressions, fluid resuscitation, and other life-saving measures.

• Emergency Surgery (Optional): Conduct surgeries under emergency conditions, such as

trauma repair, foreign body removal, or emergency cesarean sections.

• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Management: Oversee the care of patients in the ICU, ensuring

constant monitoring, adjusting treatments, and providing frequent updates to pet owners.

• 24/7 Patient Monitoring: Ensure that critically ill patients receive constant observation and

timely adjustments to medications, fluids, and treatment regimens.SVMC Veterinarian Job Scope & Key Responsibilities

2. Surgical Responsibilities

• Planned Surgeries (Optional): Perform elective surgeries including spays, neuters, dental

extractions, and tumour removals.

• Emergency Surgeries (Optional): Handle emergency surgeries such as trauma repair,

gastrointestinal surgeries, fracture repairs, and soft tissue surgeries.

• Post-Surgical Care: Manage post-operative care, ensuring the appropriate recovery

protocols are followed. Monitor for complications, administer pain relief, and ensure

patients are comfortable.

• Anaesthesia Management: Safely administer anaesthesia and manage the patient's vital

signs during surgical procedures. Adjust aesthetic protocols as needed based on patient

conditions.

• Sterile Technique & Operating Room Management: Ensure a sterile environment in the

operating room, follow infection control protocols, and maintain equipment readiness.

3. Diagnostic Procedures & Interpretation

• Clinical Examinations: Conduct thorough physical examinations to assess the health status

of animals and identify any abnormalities.

• Diagnostic Imaging: Perform or interpret diagnostic tests such as X-rays(Pending) and

ultrasound.

• Laboratory Work: Order and interpret laboratory tests including blood work, urinalysis,

fecal exams, and basic cytology to aid in diagnosis and treatment.

• Use of Diagnostic Tools: Operate and interpret diagnostic equipment, ensuring proper usage

and maintenance.

• Treatment Plans: Develop and implement detailed diagnostic and treatment plans based on

findings from clinical exams, lab results, and imaging.SVMC Veterinarian Job Scope & Key Responsibilities

4. Pain Management & Sedation

• Pain Assessment: Assess the level of pain in patients, especially in post-operative or trauma

cases.

• Pain Management Protocols: Develop and administer pain management plans tailored to

individual needs using both pharmacologic (opioids, NSAIDs) and non-pharmacologic

(cold packs, physical therapy) methods.

• Sedation for Procedures: Administer sedatives for minor surgical or diagnostic procedures,

ensuring patient comfort and safety.

5. Client Communication & Education

• Client Consultations: Provide clear and detailed explanations to pet owners regarding their

pet's health status, recommended treatments, procedures, and expected outcomes.

• Owner Guidance: Educate pet owners on preventive care, such as vaccinations, parasite

control, nutrition, and dental hygiene.

• Post-Operative Instructions: Deliver clear instructions regarding post-operative care,

including wound care, feeding guidelines, pain management, and follow-up appointments.

• End-of-Life Discussions: Have compassionate conversations with pet owners about end-of-

life decisions, euthanasia, and hospice care, ensuring sensitivity and understanding.

• Emergency Notifications: Provide timely updates to clients in emergencies, ensuring they

are informed and involved in decision-making when appropriate.

6. Patient Record-Keeping & Documentation

• Accurate Record Management: Maintain thorough and accurate medical records for each

patient, including history, diagnosis, treatment plans, procedures performed, and

medications administered.

• Electronic Health Records (EHR): Use the hospital's operating software to document all

interactions and treatments, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards.SVMC Veterinarian Job Scope & Key Responsibilities

7. Staff Leadership & Collaboration

• Team Supervision: Supervise and collaborate with veterinary nurses, and support staff to

ensure the efficient flow of operations, especially in emergency situations.

• Training & Mentorship: Provide guidance and training to junior veterinarians, interns, and

veterinary technicians on complex procedures and patient care protocols.

• Collaboration with other Medical Centre: Work alongside with other practice with CT

scan for referrals.

8. Preventive Care & Wellness

• Routine Check-ups: Provide preventive care for pets, including wellness exams,

vaccinations, parasite control, and spaying/neutering services.

• Senior Pet Care: Manage ongoing care for geriatric animals, addressing age-related health

issues like arthritis, kidney disease, or dental care.

• Nutrition & Weight Management: Advise clients on appropriate diet plans and weight

management, particularly for pets with chronic health conditions.

9. Ethical & Legal Compliance

• Confidentiality & Privacy: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient and client

information in compliance with relevant privacy laws.

• Ethical Standards: Uphold the ethical standards of veterinary practice, ensuring that all

decisions are made with the best interests of the animal and owner in mind.

• Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to all local and international veterinary regulations,

including drug control, animal welfare laws, and hospital protocols.

10. Continuing Education & Professional Development

• Stay Current: Participate in ongoing professional development by attending veterinary

conferences, webinars, and training sessions.

• Skills Enhancement: Continuously improve on a specific area of interest through education

and hands-on experience.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively share new knowledge and practices with the veterinary team

to improve overall hospital care standards.